Biography of Zoe Schwarz

ZOE SCHWARZ & ROB KORAL
Having made a considerable impact these past six years in a crowded market place, vocalist Zoë Schwarz and guitarist Rob Koral are busy playing festivals and concerts the length and breadth of the country; making an impact with audiences and promoters alike either in their duo format or with a rhythm section. Zoë and Rob also lead the successful jazz flavoured blues band ‘The Baddest Blues Band (ever!)’, featuring jazz heavy weights such as Malcolm Creese-bass and Pete Whittaker-Hammond organ.

Zoë and Rob’s musical partnership has been described as “one of the most engagingly natural partnerships in jazz, Zoë’s unaffected vocal style particularly well suited to the blues, and Rob's flawless guitar skills; their gigs are immediately accessible, enjoyable affairs.” – Chris Parker 2007.
Coming from different musical beginnings seems to work to their advantage, creating a distinct chemistry combining musical sensitivity and sensibility. This has manifested itself in their careful choice of standard tunes and their ability to write strong and concise original compositions. “The real meat of this recording is to be found in the nine originals. The two Billie Holiday-inspired tunes ‘Let’s Explain’ and ‘Give Him Up Girl’ both pack powerful emotional punches (who says no one’s writing good lyrics these days) ……” by Peter Quinn Jazzwise ‘Devil or Dove’ April 2005

ZOE SCHWARZ was classically trained and a graduate in the ‘Performing Arts’ from Middlesex University. Despite Zoë’s classical upbringing and studies, it soon became clear that her forte was far more suited to jazz, expressive ballads and blues. It was only three years after her first jazz gig that Zoë made her debut at Ronnie Scott’s playing a week opposite Monty Alexander. She has also enjoyed success at Pizza Express-Dean street, Stables-Wavendon, Vortex, 606, Lighthouse-Poole to name a few. As well as many other theatre and club dates Zoë has had a full programme of festivals stretching from Swanage to Swaledale, Carswell to Lichfield, from Mumbles to Chichester and Bude to the Isle of Wight.

ROB KORAL comes from a ‘self-taught’, more bluesy background; but subsequently made his name on the British jazz scene, performing and recording with the likes of Malcolm Creese, Robin Aspland, Gareth Williams, Roy Babbington, Lawrence Cottle, Django Bates and Bill Bruford. Rob moved to London early in his career and formed the successful band ‘Sketch’ with singer Sue Hawker. Releasing several well-received albums, and appeared on the Old Grey Whistle test and many BBC radio Sessions. Rob has played at all major jazz venues and festivals. Rob’s recent solo album ‘Grace Notes’ was featured on Radio 3’s Jazz Line Up in 2008.
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‘Step Up’ - “A glorious album” - Radio 2, Humphrey Lyttelton, March ‘08

"The bluesy vocals of Zoë Schwarz have won a significant following. Her combination with the guitarist Rob Koral helps place her apart from other vocalists.” - The Independent on Sunday, Roger Trapp

"Rob Koral is superb his is a talent of world class proportions." - Jazz Journal Intl, Bruce Crowther

“Schwarz has a gritty and interesting approach to her music. The jazzier you are the more you will warm to this and Schwarz is certainly a singer to look out for as she tours the country.” - Jazz Journal Intl, Bruce Crowther

“Zoe Schwarz is a fine singer with a great jazz feel... a singer with an individual style and a polished performance”. - Jazz CD Reviews, Don Mather

“... Koral has an exceptionally fertile melodic touch” - Clive Davis - Sunday Times ‘Culture’ magazine

“Schwarz.. .Deliciously compelling…. one of the most outstanding voices on the current circuit.” - Nick Lee CD Reviews

“It’s rare nowadays that an individual emerges in the guitar field” - Jazz Magazine International

Rob Koral must be our most prolific writer of quality jazz songs, usually in collaboration with singers Zoe Schwarz and Sue Hawker” - Ron Simpson, The Jazz Rag Autumn 2008

www.zoeschwarz.info 07879 637289 www.robkoral.co.uk 07920 260328