WARRINGTON-born tenor saxophonist Chelsea Carmichael has been nominated for this year’s Jazz FM Awards – as the “breakthrough act of the year.”
Former Culcheth High School pupil Chelsea – now based in London – currently plays in a number of groups, including the popular Outlook Orchestra, who play for huge audiences and at major venues and festivals.
She also writes, and arranges for her own Chelsea Carmichael Ensemble which sold-out Ronnie Scott’s Club with their tribute to John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” album on the record’s 60th anniversary.
Chelsea grew up in Culcheth with her parents who were both dancers on the Northern jazz and funk scene. She originally wanted to play the violin, but Dad Winston didn’t fancy listening to someone learning violin in the house and persuaded her to switch to piano.
She later switched to saxophone, playing in the Culcheth High School band and, later, the highly reputed Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra.
“It was essential to my development” she said. The whole thing was super inspiring and really spurred me on. It was the first time I realised it’s not just about practising, there’s a social element too. It was a massive part of the direction I’ve gone in.”
Her first album, “The River doesn’t like Strangers” was inspired by a visit to Jamaica and her father’s home village, which the Rio Grande flows through. It has a reputation of not being very kind to new people.
“My Dad’s not really very superstitious, so when he said that it stuck in my mind,” she said.
Winners of the Jazz FM 2022 awards will be announced in London on October 20.
