Melissa James in Concert: Stripped Back - tThis event is now cancelled

“Best current British blues singer I know.” – The words of BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson, who has had longstanding admiration for the music of this singer-songwriter. Melissa James is, however, much more than a blues singer. She is a poetic songsmith with a voice that reaches soul deep, gently tugging hearts. Her second album, Stripped Back, recorded in 2015, followed her debut Day Dawns—an intimate acoustic collection of songs accompanied by piano and guitar. The release of Stripped Back, which was delayed due to personal life events, also paved the way for the creation of her Big Sing and the mental health initiative SING4SANE. This album is now set to officially launch this year. Influenced by artists such as Nina Simone, Mavis Staples, Joni Mitchell, Eric Bibb, and Lizz Wright, Melissa’s sound blends folk-blues with earthy gospel-jazz. Both her voice and her songs have the power to inspire, uplift, and heal. After a celebrated performance at the Wandsworth Arts Fringe in 2022, Melissa returns with songs from Stripped Back, her earlier album, as well as more recently written material. She is accompanied by her band, with Richard Bolton leading on guitar.