Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.I began singing in public while I was at Cardiff University. Originally I did revue work alongside Rory Bremner - we were both studying languages. We ended up playing in the same venues in Paris during our year out and both went on to the Edinburgh fringe. I saw it mainly as a way of getting an Equity card and since then I've concentrated completely on jazz singing.
I love the intimacy of jazz places, going downstairs to a basement. The difference between being on tour now and in the early days is that I'm a mum. My husband, Clark Tracey, is the quartet's drummer and we try to take our three-year-old son along.
Touring abroad has made me notice differences in the way audiences react. In Hong Kong you get spontaneous applause during a song whereas over here there is a tendency to wait for the end. It's probably a hangover from classical concerts, that feeling that you can't cough until the interval.
My worst gig was in Brecon a few years ago. I woke up with one side of my face completely swollen, my wisdom teeth had suddenly decided to do their own stuff, so I had to have an emergency removal. I then went on straight after. Luckily my face had resumed its shape.
I tend to stay at the venue to unwind. If we're in Edinburgh we'll go to The Caledonian Hotel (031-225 2433) for a wee bevvy. And there are loads of really good curry houses in Birmingham. I've made so many friends through people coming up to me after the set. Touring really brings it home that there is a big market here for British jazz. It also reminds me when I'm recording that jazz is about creating something 'live'.
Tina May appears at the High Rocks Inn, Tunbridge Wells, 17 Nov. Tour ends 14 Dec
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments