WOMAD

Izzi Dunn

From United Kingdom

A beloved poet once said, ‘that a nation is only as good as the stories it tells.’ Such a revealing sentiment deserves updating. Perhaps Britain’s 21st century equivalent would somewhere include the name, IzzI Dunn. Of course it’s to early to call, but consider the evidence. If you stop the tape, and rewind IzzI’s 29 years it becomes clear that the art of storytelling is her lifeblood, and that there’s so much more to come…Both Izzi’s parents were musicians: her mother an opera singer and her father a fifties singer and radio presenter. Even though the cello provided the gateway for both ‘professional’ and classical training, IzzI’s defining learning curve seemed to come in the form of collaborations. The diversity and breadth of these collaborations immediately smashed any expectations or pigeonholes, that the cello, contemporary soul music or hip hop might bring to mind. IzzI has worked with some of the most influential and forward thinking musicians in the world, including: Roots Manuva, MJ Cole, Ravi Shankar, George Harrison, Soul II Soul, Chaka Khan, I.G. Culture, Oasis, Brand New Heavies and Wookie, amongst others.You could go so far to say that IzzI’s voice and strings combined are the soundtrack for a new brand of anglicised multiculturalism. Pioneered by her colleagues, (Such as the ever impressive Kaidi Tatham and the lyrically diligent Mr. Manuva) engineered by her collaborations (Come on, try saying Soul II Soul and Chaka Khan in the same breath without getting excited) and sustained by putting music first – before anything else. Born out of mixing shit up and smashing the status quo into purple stardust, IzzI’s debut LP, “The Big Picture” was released to critical acclaim. Blues & Soul exclaimed, ‘This record isn’t good, excellent or fantastic ….. It is sublime. One of the finest pieces of modern day soul – period.’ Meanwhile The Independent On Sunday made things much more easier, simply telling the world, ‘It soars.’So far IzzI has sold out renowned London club, Cargo with uber-tastemaker Giles Peterson, The Notting Hill Arts Club, the Blacktronica club-night at the ICA, Rouge and headlined four of her own nights at the world renowned Jazz Café. There are no restrictions to IzzI’s sound. It travels freely from thrash metal to broken beat, no questions asked. Her voice is fearless: vulnerable, empowering and traditionally soulful. Her music reflects the nature of modern everyday-life, our trials and tribulations, hopes and loves – without being overbearing or preachy. Instead it is awe-inspiring. Simply put, you cannot deny IzzI Dunn.Previously worked with: Natalie Imbruglia, Wookie, Jamelia, Brand New Heavies, Roots Manuva, Damage, George Harrison, Ravi Shankar, MJ Cole, Moloko, Beverley Knight, Soul 2 Soul, Nash, Chaka Khan, I G Culture, Arthur Baker, Elbow, Feeder, Oasis, All Saints amongst others….