Becki Biggins, recently nominated for the 2009 Grammy Award of Best Contemporary Jazz Album, is now appearing with Michael Parkinson’s Musical Director, Laurie Holloway.
Despite being only in her twenties, Becki has already had a number one album in the U.S. Smooth Jazz Chart, Hardcastle 5, with composer and producer Paul Hardcastle (19, The Wizard). The album has been at the top of the charts for an incredible 38 weeks, and has peaked at number one for a total of eight weeks. Not content with being the sole vocalist on the album, Becki has also co-written four of the tracks.
Before turning her attention to singing, Becki studied the tenor saxophone, gaining a BA in Jazz Studies from Leeds College of Music. She toured extensively in her teens, performing in Los Angeles, Florida and at the New Orleans Mardi Gras, as well as in numerous European venues. Whilst still at school, Becki won the Daily Telegraph Young Jazz Competition and a New Composition Award at the National Festival of Music for Youth.
As well as performing in numerous venues across the UK and abroad, Becki has also gained much valuable television experience. She has given performances on programmes including The Big Breakfast, This Morning and Blue Peter, as well as interviews on local and national radio shows.
After leaving college, Becki joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra as a vocalist and saxophonist, with whom she performed at legendary London venue, Ronnie Scott’s.
In 2005 she released her debut solo album, First Love, a collection of classic jazz songs, given a modern twist with original arrangements and mellow saxophone solos. Becki now performs with her own trio, and has just been awarded the Best Newcomer Award at this year’s Marlborough Jazz Festival. Her new projects – another album with Paul Hardcastle for the U.S. market, and a solo album and tour – are now in production.