Becki Biggins at Pizza Express Jazz Club, London

Pizza Express Jazz Club, Dean Street, Soho, London

'It’s a Man’s World' is a new project by Grammy-Nominated Jazz Singer and Songwriter Becki Biggins. Inspired by blues and gospel music (arriving at gospel-tinged jazz pop) Becki has paired up with Hammond maestro John-Paul Gard to bring old songs to new audiences; material is inspired, written and made famous by men, with songs by Billy Joel, Glen Campbell, Elvis and Frank Sinatra, as well as fitting originals by Becki herself.

Becki is a respected songwriter, having co-written three US albums with writer/producer Paul Hardcastle (19, The Wizard), all of which went to No.1 in the US Jazz Charts. Her own compositions for this project showcase her unique take on the relationships of both herself and others; You Should Be Married By Now, with its boogaloo beat, is a prime example of both her witty humour and novel take on the subject of tying the knot, while You Can’t Be Too Happy is a Norah Jones-esque country/gospel word-to-the-wise.

John-Paul Gard is an accomplished hammond organ player, who fronts his own trio as well as performing with The Lee Goodall Trio and The Jon Dalton Organ Trio, based in Venice Beach, CA. Their latest album, Warm Ghosts in a Cold World is currently climbing the US jazz charts. JP has also recorded his own solo album, Come on Rita, and is endorsed by Roland UK and Electro Harmonix USA.

Andy Tween (drums) is not only an exceptional drummer, but also composes music for film, TV and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama’s drum examination syllabus. He has an extensive touring background, having performed with PeeWee Ellis, Fred Wesley, PP Arnold, Jim Mullen, Carl Orr, Jean Toussaint, Andy Sheppard and Dave Newton, amongst others.

Ben Waghorn (tenor saxophone) began playing in local bands in Bristol at the age of 14 and is now one of the most well-respected and in-demand saxophonists the UK has to offer. He has performed and recorded with bands including Kasabian, Goldfrapp and Portishead, and has performed in West End shows including West Side Story and Chicago. He has played alongside John Critchenson, John Etheridge, Damon Brown, Andy Sheppard, Gilad Atzmon and Steve Waterman, and is a member of the John-Paul Gard Trio.

Band Lineup

Becki Biggins (vocals) John-Paul Gard (hammond organ) Ben Waghorn (tenor saxophone) Andy Tween (drums)