Z-Star - Vocals

Z-star (pronounced zee) is one of those artists you must see live. Her energy is charismatic, fresh and spontaneous, fortified with a British West Indian flava. Z-star delivers a stylish mix of Folk funk blues soul latin afro jazz-rock pyschedelia, aka soul-jazz. A striking individual, as vocalist she is in a class of her own. Her tone ranges from deep rasp to soft whispers both intimate and intense engaging the listener in every melodic twist of her jazz scat. Writing primarily on acoustic gtr which she plays like an extension of herself, she sources inspiration from all things percussive. Musically she has been compared to Meshell Ndegeocello, Joan Armatrading, Sade and Sly & the Family Stone. Influences are varied from the contemporary to classic Jill Scott to Marvin Gaye, Bessie Smith to Keziah Jones, Yusef Lateef to Cat Stevens.

Born in East London to Trinidadian parents, Z-star spent her first eight years traveling throughout Europe and the US with her mother Lisa Yeates aka Schultzi, who in the late 70s enjoyed international success as a top catwalk model. The ensuing ten years were spent in Trinidad whilst her mother engaged in a new career in Hotel and Catering, Z-star christened Michelle Nichol attended St Teresas primary school then went on to St James Secondary Finishing her schooling at the nearby Polytechnic. Spending these formative years in amongst the many travelers who visited the island and her home she was directly exposed to a variety of cultural and musical styles from the South American afro-bossa beats to New Orleans Cajun blues, British Punk and New wave the young musician devoured all things musical.

Z-star has recorded, supported and performed with Terry Callier,

Youssoo Ndour, Angelique Kidjo, Sunlightsquare, Gary Brooker, Nigel Kennedy, Omar, Keziah Jones, Natacha Atlas, Steve Williamson, Noel Mckoy, Mauro Pagani, Ciccio Morolla the list goes on.

She was invited as a guest vocalist in Nigel Kennedy’s jazz band which went on tour throughout Europe in 2003 and received much praise from the press charismatic, genuine creativity! CLIVE DAVIS The Times MAR 2003. In April 2002, Z-star was amongst the celebrity cast of The Vagina Monologues (Isabella Rossellini, Myeera Syal, Beverley Knight) and together performed the closing song to much applause from the sold out Royal Albert Hall.

As things naturally unfold Z-star chose to use the name Lady Z as an alias for her dance music collaborations. She is also one half of the soul jazz electro duo SLOW TRAIN SOUL with Danish dance producer Morten Varano (Wagram, Tommy Boy). The duo have had huge success internationally on the underground dance music scene appearing in all the top compilations, Hotel Costes, Buddha Bar, Jazz Diva series and more.

Z-Star's official website:
www.z-star.co.uk