With his sharply tailored suit and easy charm, British singer-pianist Anthony Strong seems to happily fill the role of ‘The English Gentleman’ often thrust upon him. Now he returns to Latvia with one show at ATTA CENTRE on April 1. Tickets here.
12 years, 4 albums, and over 300 shows since his debut release, British singer-pianist Anthony Strong has established a reputation as a charismatic singer, a swinging pianist, and, above all, a consummate performer.
His new album, ‘Me And My Radio’, is Anthony’s very own 21st century mixtape; a collection of classics - old and new - carefully compiled for those who share his love of great music, regardless of style. From jazz & blues through to motown & soul, songs made famous by Louis Armstrong, Charlie Chaplin & Ella Fitzgerald sit alongside those by Stevie Wonder & Johnny Cash. And, amongst these gems, a sprinkling of originals which could easily have come from a bygone era. But whilst the repertoire is unashamedly old-school, the treatment is decidedly fresh. Ranging from intimate, all the way through to full big band and orchestra, this is a record full of colour, warmth and character.
Following in the footsteps of the jazz greats who came before him, Anthony honed his craft on stage, performing - to date - more than 300 shows in 26 countries. From LA’s Hollywood Bowl in the West to Shanghai Jazz Week in the East, as well as many of Europe’s leading theatres, jazz clubs, and festivals. Of course, there have been many highlights along the way, including a support show with the legendary BB King, an appearance on German television, a front-page on France’s biggest daily newspaper, a 60-minute feature on America’s NPR.
But his profile today comes not via a major label campaign or a single lucky break, but by a decade of touring, performing and, above all, entertaining audiences. With his on-stage charm, intelligent arrangements, and handpicked repertoire, this is an undeniably feel-good show!
Anthony’s formative early years were spent on scholarships, at 3 of England’s leading music schools, first studying classical music before, eventually, turning to jazz piano. Despite the stellar education, it was an out-of-the-blue offer to spend 9-months as an understudy to Jerry Lee Lewis in a London West End musical that perhaps shaped his career most noticeably to where it is today, developing a stagecraft and audience rapport that has come to characterise his live show.
