Zara McFarlane

'Sweet Whispers: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan' Zara McFarlane is one of the leading voices in British jazz! On May 15, 2025, the multi-award-winning singer will bring her unique blend of jazz, reggae, folk, nu-soul and electronic music to the BIX Jazzclub.

Zara McFarlane is known for her expressiveness and artistic depth. She crosses creative boundaries and combines new soundscapes with the rich traditions that shape her music. Her latest album, Sweet Whispers: Celebrating Sarah Vaughan, is an analog tribute to the jazz legend. Produced by Giacomo Smith and recorded with a stellar line-up of British musicians, the album has been critically acclaimed.

Zara's career began when her self-produced EP caught the attention of Gilles Peterson, leading to a series of acclaimed albums on his Brownswood Recordings label. From the introspective lyricism of If You Knew Her to the experimental rhythms of Songs of an Unknown Tongue, she continues to reinvent her sound. Her music is deeply rooted in her Jamaican heritage and combines traditional folk rhythms with modern electronic elements.

Her extraordinary influence is reflected in numerous awards, including several Jazz FM Vocalist of the Year Awards, Best Jazz Act at the MOBO Awards and Session of the Year at the Worldwide Awards. She has performed on international stages including Ronnie Scott's, The Jazz Café, the North Sea Jazz Festival and SXSW in Austin, Texas.

Zara McFarlane's versatility makes her a sought-after collaborator in jazz, house, afrobeat and contemporary music. She has worked with artists such as Louie Vega, Hugh Masekela, Ivan Lins, Nicola Conte, Antibalas, Ezra Collective and Shabaka Hutchings. Her songs have been remixed by Floating Points and Osunlade, and she has collaborated with orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

In addition to her music career, Zara has also made a name for herself as a theater and film musician. She has appeared on the BBC show Later with Jools Holland and has sung in the Royal Shakespeare Company production of Antony and Cleopatra and Glyndebourne's opera Agreed. In 2021 she composed the music for the avant-garde dance film DisInteGrated by Jacob Jonas The Company.

Zara McFarlane is not limited by genres or expectations. With her tireless spirit of innovation, she is shaping the future of jazz and captivating audiences worldwide with her unique voice.

Cast: Zara McFarlane (voc); tba.