From school stage to world stage

News release
March 23, 2009

Emma Pask
From school stage to world stage

The singer described by legendary jazz musician James Morrison as the greatest gift to Australian jazz vocals in the last decade is bringing her talents across the Tasman.

Emma Pask, who was "discovered" by Morrison when she was just 16 and singing with her high school band, is coming to Christchurch next month to perform at the New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival.

Pask, who has toured regularly with Morrison since their chance meeting in 1994 and now looks upon him as a big brother, was brought up to the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra and says her style is reminiscent of the classic era of jazz, when swing was top of the charts.

"My parents were big, big jazz fans," says the Sydney-sider, whose love of jazz was fueled by her high school music teacher who got her singing with a big band.

When James Morrison heard her perform during a visit to the school and got her to sing for him that night at his concert, she never dreamed it would be the start of a professional music career.

"I thought it was my 15 minutes of fame and that would be it. When I got a call a week later asking me if I wanted to go on tour with him I couldn't believe it. I had never thought about making a career out of singing. It was something I did on the side and loved doing but I thought I would have to get a proper job as well."

Unfortunately she kept on being laid off from the jobs she had because of her need for time off to perform. Eventually she decided making a full time career out of singing was her best option.

"I've been incredibly fortunate - I'm very aware of the opportunities that have been presented to me," says Emma.

Those opportunities include singing to VIP audiences including the late Diana, Princess of Wales, Princess Mary of Denmark, and the Australian Prime Minister. In another career highlight Emma performed the bridal waltz at Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's wedding in Sydney in 2006.

Emma, who will perform in the Great Hall on April 18 as part of the Cavell Leitch Law Jazz in the Hall series, is currently recording her third solo album.

For ticketing information and for details of the full festival line up go to www.jazzfestivalnz.com.

ENDS

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