Sarah Gillespie

Sarah Gillespie is a critically acclaimed singer songwriter renowned for mixing elements of blues, folk and jazz with her distinctive streetwise lyricism. Sarah was born in London, grew up in Norfolk interspersed with numerous trips to Minnesota, where she soaked in the sounds of Bessie Smith, Bob Dylan, Cole Porter and early blues and jazz.

As a teenager, Sarah busked across America and returned to the UK where she received a first class honours degree in literature and a Masters in Philosophy and Politics. She went on to perform across Europe, the UK and the USA with appearances on BBC Radio 2, 3 and 4 and local stations world wide. Her debut collection of poetry ‘Queen Ithaca Blues’ was published by Oxford’s Albion Beatnik Press.

Her three albums ‘Stalking Juliet’ (2009) ‘In the Current Climate’ (2011) and ‘Glory Days’ (2014) were met with four and five star reviews from the Guardian, MOJO, the Independent and Rock and Real, plus plaudits from iconic musician Robert Wyatt.

Sarah’s 4th album ‘Wishbones’ is arranged and co-produced by Mercury nominated pianist and composer Kit Downes and was launched at the Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room on October 29th 2018.

Line-up: Sarah Gillespie – vocals, Ruth Goller – bass, Chris Montague – guitar, Kit Downes – piano

‘Beat poet of the 21st Century’ The Independent ★★★★★

“Is she the new Joni Mitchell? PJ Harvey? Bob Dylan even? She recalls all three but Gillespie’s spiky lyrical gift is utterly distinctive. “Metro – London

“Haunting tunes and striking lyrics…yearningly pretty and bitter sweet.” The Independant ★★★★★

“Beat Poet Adventurer Strays Beyond Bounds of Singer Songwriter” Mojo ★★★★

“Just beautiful” Robert Wyatt 2016

For more information visit http://fougoumusic.com/palace-live/sarah-gillespie/