Gwyneth Herbert
Encyclopedia
Gwyneth Herbert is a British
singer-songwriter
and pianist
, initially known for her interpretation of jazz
and swing
standards
, and now established as a writer of original compositions. She lives in Hackney
, London.
and Hampshire
in the south of England. She began playing the piano at the age of three, achieving Grade 5 by nine, and was writing basic songs at the age of five. She also learned the French horn, achieving Grade 8 by the age of 15.
Throughout her teenage years she played music with local orchestras and bands such as the Surrey County Youth Orchestra and also briefly formed a short-lived punk
band called Wasted Minds. At 14 she recorded a demo tape of her own songs at Trinity Studios, Woking
; however, despite music industry interest, she chose to continue with her studies.
At Alton College
her musical tastes moved more towards jazz music. While she was studying at St Chad's College
, University of Durham, she met up with fellow student Will Rutter
and together they began to write and perform in the cafés and bars of North East England
as a jazz duo called Black Coffee.
, who was shortly to judge a Polish
television music competition. She and Rutter were invited to enter, and Black Coffee won the competition.
After returning to London, Black Coffee continued to perform in local bars, before being introduced to Ian Shaw
, a noted jazz vocalist. This led eventually to the production of a debut CD, First Songs, credited to "Gwyn and Will", of both original songs and standards, which was launched at London's Pizza Express Jazz Club in September 2003. The song "Sweet Insomnia" featured guest vocals from Jamie Cullum
. The album received a significant amount of radio airplay on Jazz FM
and Radio 2
, and was promoted by Michael Parkinson
.
Soon after, Herbert was signed to the Universal Classics and Jazz
label, and released her first major label album, Bittersweet and Blue. This comprised mainly standards, with several Herbert/Rutter original tracks.
Herbert left Universal Classics and Jazz
to pursue a less commercial and more personal musical direction. Collaborating with Polar Bear
's Seb Rochford
in a production role, Herbert's Between Me and the Wardrobe was recorded in three days and never intended for general release. The album was initially released on Herbert's own Monkeywood label before being picked up by Blue Note Records
, making Herbert their first UK signing in 30 years.
In early 2008, Herbert was commissioned by a collaborative project between Peter Gabriel
and Bowers & Wilkins
to record an acoustic album at Gabriel's Real World Studios
. The result of these sessions – "Ten Lives" – was released as a digital download in July 2008, available only from the Bowers & Wilkins website as part of their Music Club.
Remixed versions of these songs were to form the basis of Herbert's album All The Ghosts, which was released by Naim Edge in July 2009 in Europe to critical acclaim;the album was released in the United States in June 2010. This album also featured two further recordings by Robert Harder, who had previously collaborated with Herbert as recording engineer of Between Me And The Wardrobe. All The Ghosts featured a cover version of David Bowie
's "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide
".
In October 2009, Herbert returned to Harder Sound Studio to record the song "Perfect Fit" which she gave away as a free download, available exclusively from Naim Edge. It was also released as a single on 7 March 2011. The track was also one of nine tracks on her EP
Clangers & Mash, released on 1 November 2010, which included remixes of some of her previously published songs.
In January 2010, Herbert was commissioned by Snape Maltings
as artist in residence
to write, record and perform a new body of work based on stories of the sea.
This was performed in October 2010 at Snape Maltings.
Herbert's version of Neil Young
's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart
", taken from her second album Bittersweet and Blue, was featured on the soundtrack of romantic comedy
Leap Year
, directed by Anand Tucker
and starring Amy Adams
and Matthew Goode
.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
and pianist
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
, initially known for her interpretation of jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
and swing
Swing (genre)
Swing music, also known as swing jazz or simply swing, is a form of jazz music that developed in the early 1930s and became a distinctive style by 1935 in the United States...
standards
Jazz standard
Jazz standards are musical compositions which are an important part of the musical repertoire of jazz musicians, in that they are widely known, performed, and recorded by jazz musicians, and widely known by listeners. There is no definitive list of jazz standards, and the list of songs deemed to be...
, and now established as a writer of original compositions. She lives in Hackney
London Borough of Hackney
The London Borough of Hackney is a London borough of North/North East London, and forms part of inner London. The local authority is Hackney London Borough Council....
, London.
Early life
Born into a musical family, Herbert was raised in SurreySurrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
and Hampshire
Hampshire
Hampshire is a county on the southern coast of England in the United Kingdom. The county town of Hampshire is Winchester, a historic cathedral city that was once the capital of England. Hampshire is notable for housing the original birthplaces of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force...
in the south of England. She began playing the piano at the age of three, achieving Grade 5 by nine, and was writing basic songs at the age of five. She also learned the French horn, achieving Grade 8 by the age of 15.
Throughout her teenage years she played music with local orchestras and bands such as the Surrey County Youth Orchestra and also briefly formed a short-lived punk
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
band called Wasted Minds. At 14 she recorded a demo tape of her own songs at Trinity Studios, Woking
Woking
Woking is a large town and civil parish that shares its name with the surrounding local government district, located in the west of Surrey, UK. It is part of the Greater London Urban Area and the London commuter belt, with frequent trains and a journey time of 24 minutes to Waterloo station....
; however, despite music industry interest, she chose to continue with her studies.
At Alton College
Alton College
Alton College is a sixth form college located in Alton, Hampshire, England. As well as being a sixth form, the college provides an adult education service to the local population as well as catering for students with disabilities from nearby Treloar College...
her musical tastes moved more towards jazz music. While she was studying at St Chad's College
St Chad's College
St Chad's College is a college of the University of Durham in England. One of the smallest of Durham's colleges in terms of student numbers , it has the largest staff, the most extensive college library facilities, and consistently the highest academic results in Durham...
, University of Durham, she met up with fellow student Will Rutter
and together they began to write and perform in the cafés and bars of North East England
North East England
North East England is one of the nine official regions of England. It covers Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne and Wear, and Teesside . The only cities in the region are Durham, Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland...
as a jazz duo called Black Coffee.
Professional career
After leaving university, Herbert and Rutter moved to London, where they soon met a former member of Boney MBoney M
Boney M. is a Eurodisco group created by German record producer Frank Farian. Originally based in Germany, the four original members of the group's official line-up were Jamaicans Liz Mitchell and Marcia Barrett, Maizie Williams from Montserrat and Bobby Farrell from Aruba...
, who was shortly to judge a Polish
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
television music competition. She and Rutter were invited to enter, and Black Coffee won the competition.
After returning to London, Black Coffee continued to perform in local bars, before being introduced to Ian Shaw
Ian Shaw (singer)
Ian Shaw is a Welsh jazz singer, record producer, and former stand up comedian.Shaw was born at St. Asaph, Wales, and his career in performance began on the Alternative Cabaret Circuit, alongside such performers as Julian Clary, Rory Bremner and Jo Brand.In his music career he has recorded and...
, a noted jazz vocalist. This led eventually to the production of a debut CD, First Songs, credited to "Gwyn and Will", of both original songs and standards, which was launched at London's Pizza Express Jazz Club in September 2003. The song "Sweet Insomnia" featured guest vocals from Jamie Cullum
Jamie Cullum
Jamie Cullum is an English pop and jazz-pop singer-songwriter. Though he is primarily a vocalist/pianist he also accompanies himself on other instruments including guitar and drums. Since April 2010, he has been presenting a weekly jazz show on BBC Radio 2, broadcast on Tuesdays from 19:00.- Early...
. The album received a significant amount of radio airplay on Jazz FM
Jazz FM
Jazz FM may refer to:*Jazz FM , a digital jazz radio station in the United Kingdom.*102.2 Jazz FM, a defunct radio station based in London, England.*100.4 Jazz FM, a defunct radio station based in Manchester, England....
and Radio 2
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2 is one of the BBC's national radio stations and the most popular station in the United Kingdom. Much of its daytime playlist-based programming is best described as Adult Contemporary or AOR, although the station is also noted for its specialist broadcasting of other musical genres...
, and was promoted by Michael Parkinson
Michael Parkinson
Sir Michael Parkinson, CBE is an English broadcaster, journalist and author. He presented his interview programme, Parkinson, from 1971 to 1982 and from 1998 to 2007.- Early life :...
.
Soon after, Herbert was signed to the Universal Classics and Jazz
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
label, and released her first major label album, Bittersweet and Blue. This comprised mainly standards, with several Herbert/Rutter original tracks.
Herbert left Universal Classics and Jazz
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
to pursue a less commercial and more personal musical direction. Collaborating with Polar Bear
Polar Bear (jazz)
Polar Bear is a British experimental jazz band led by drummer Seb Rochford with Pete Wareham on tenor and baritone saxophone, Mark Lockheart on tenor saxophone, Tom Herbert on double bass and Leafcutter John on mandolin and electronics....
's Seb Rochford
Seb Rochford
Sebastian "Seb" Rochford is a British drummer who spans many musical genres.He comes from Aberdeen and has a large family of 2 brothers and 7 sisters...
in a production role, Herbert's Between Me and the Wardrobe was recorded in three days and never intended for general release. The album was initially released on Herbert's own Monkeywood label before being picked up by Blue Note Records
Blue Note Records
Blue Note Records is a jazz record label, established in 1939 by Alfred Lion and Max Margulis. Francis Wolff became involved shortly afterwards. It derives its name from the characteristic "blue notes" of jazz and the blues. At the end of the 1950s, and in the early 1960s, Blue Note headquarters...
, making Herbert their first UK signing in 30 years.
In early 2008, Herbert was commissioned by a collaborative project between Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel
Peter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...
and Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins is a British loudspeaker company that produces mid-range through reference quality hi-fi and home theater speakers. The company name is often abbreviated to just B&W.Joe Atkins is current owner and chairman...
to record an acoustic album at Gabriel's Real World Studios
Real World Studios
Real World Studios is a residential recording studio in Box, Wiltshire, England associated with the Real World Records Ltd. record label founded by rock musician Peter Gabriel...
. The result of these sessions – "Ten Lives" – was released as a digital download in July 2008, available only from the Bowers & Wilkins website as part of their Music Club.
Remixed versions of these songs were to form the basis of Herbert's album All The Ghosts, which was released by Naim Edge in July 2009 in Europe to critical acclaim;the album was released in the United States in June 2010. This album also featured two further recordings by Robert Harder, who had previously collaborated with Herbert as recording engineer of Between Me And The Wardrobe. All The Ghosts featured a cover version of David Bowie
David Bowie
David Bowie is an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s...
's "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide
Rock 'n' Roll Suicide
"Rock 'n' Roll Suicide" is a song by David Bowie, originally released as the closing track on the album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars in June 1972. It detailed Ziggy’s final collapse as an old, washed-up rock star and, as such, was also the closing number of the...
".
In October 2009, Herbert returned to Harder Sound Studio to record the song "Perfect Fit" which she gave away as a free download, available exclusively from Naim Edge. It was also released as a single on 7 March 2011. The track was also one of nine tracks on her EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
Clangers & Mash, released on 1 November 2010, which included remixes of some of her previously published songs.
In January 2010, Herbert was commissioned by Snape Maltings
Snape Maltings
Snape Maltings is part of Snape, Suffolk, U.K., best known for its concert hall, which is one of the main sites of the annual Aldeburgh Festival....
as artist in residence
Artist in residence
Artist-in-residence programs and other residency opportunities allow visiting artists to stay and work so that they may apply singular focus to their art practice....
to write, record and perform a new body of work based on stories of the sea.
This was performed in October 2010 at Snape Maltings.
Herbert's version of Neil Young
Neil Young
Neil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart
Only Love Can Break Your Heart
"Only Love Can Break Your Heart" is a song written by Neil Young.-Genesis and recording:The song is the third track on Neil Young's album After the Gold Rush. The song was supposedly written for Graham Nash after Nash's split from Joni Mitchell, though Young in interviews has been somewhat...
", taken from her second album Bittersweet and Blue, was featured on the soundtrack of romantic comedy
Romantic comedy film
Romantic comedy films are films with light-hearted, humorous plotlines, centered on romantic ideals such as that true love is able to surmount most obstacles. One dictionary definition is "a funny movie, play, or television program about a love story that ends happily"...
Leap Year
Leap Year (2010 film)
Leap Year is a 2010 American romantic comedy film directed by Anand Tucker. The film, which is largely set in Ireland and stars Amy Adams and Matthew Goode, premiered in New York City on January 6, 2010.-Plot:...
, directed by Anand Tucker
Anand Tucker
Anand Tucker is a film director and producer based in London. He began his career directing factual television programming and adverts...
and starring Amy Adams
Amy Adams
Amy Lou Adams is an American actress and singer. Adams began her performing career on stage in dinner theaters before making her screen debut in the 1999 black comedy film Drop Dead Gorgeous...
and Matthew Goode
Matthew Goode
Matthew William Goode is an English actor. His notable films have included Match Point, Watchmen, Brideshead Revisited, Leap Year, Imagine Me and You and A Single Man.-Early life:...
.
Discography
| Album | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| First Songs (with Will Rutter as "Gwyn and Will") | 2003 | Dean Street Records |
| Bittersweet and Blue | 2004 | Universal Records Universal Records Universal Records was a record label owned by Universal Music Group, and it is now owned by Manny Patino and Michael Jackson, and operated as part of the Universal Motown Republic Group.-History:... |
| Between Me and the Wardrobe | 2006 | Monkeywood Records |
| Between Me and the Wardrobe | 2007 | Blue Note Records Blue Note Records Blue Note Records is a jazz record label, established in 1939 by Alfred Lion and Max Margulis. Francis Wolff became involved shortly afterwards. It derives its name from the characteristic "blue notes" of jazz and the blues. At the end of the 1950s, and in the early 1960s, Blue Note headquarters... |
| All the Ghosts | 2009 | Naim Edge |
| EP | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Clangers & Mash | 1 November 2010 | Naim Edge |
| Single | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| "Perfect Fit" | 7 March 2011 | Naim Edge |