Phoebe Day's High Five

Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2018-02-24.

Smooth and sultry, jazz-infused soul.

Born and raised in Sydney Australia, Phoebe is her own flavour of silky smooth soul. With an unmistakable vocal, the sultry tones of her music are a unique blend of old and new inspired by the greats of jazz, soul, RNB and blues. There’s a quiet vulnerability in Phoebe’s music. It transports the listener into her world, extending a warm invitation to look around and stay a while. Tasty, sophisticated melodies, soothing harmony and laid-back grooves complete her signature sound.

Phoebe spent most of her childhood listening to her father’s records and was heavily influenced by the likes of Chet Baker, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O’day, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. Infatuated with these sounds, Phoebe’s great love affair with the romantic tones of jazz and soul began with piano lessons…at five years old. Although her relationship with the keys flourished for many years, Phoebe’s true passion for music was only discovered when she found her voice. There’s an depth and maturity in Phoebe’s voice that doesn’t develop by chance or practise. At the tender age of fifteen, Phoebe was hospitalised after emergency lower back surgery. The following four years were filled with five more surgeries, post-operative infections and complications - leaving Phoebe in hospital for weeks at a time and with severe scaring. Unable to walk or sit, she was bed-ridden for months. Phoebe describes these years as the most painful and testing time of her life. Not only battling immense chronic pain, she struggled with depression and anxiety. Songwriting had become a safe place to escape trauma and re-focus. Phoebe credits her ability to express emotion so poignantly through her voice, to the pain she faced during these years. “I learnt more about singing in those five years than I have in my entire life. When you sing through tears just to ease pain, something changes and your voice is never the same.” Phoebe spent four years studying at The Australian Institute of Music (Sydney). Here, she developed her skills as a vocalist and songwriter recording original music in the world-class studios at AIM. Phoebe has performed in some of Sydney’s most renowned venues such as Foundry 616, Venue 505 and PLAYBAR. She has worked with various local artists, composers and producers including saxophonist Joel Sena. The couple began working together in 2015 on Joel’s debut, self-titled EP (released November 2016). Phoebe’s voice was the perfect match for Joel’s sax-drenched soul. After a successful release, Phoebe received praise for her performances on Truth and Be With You feat. Phoebe Day. Phoebe has also worked in studio with Sydney based composer and lyricist for stage and screen, Maria Alfonsine. Phoebe was the featured vocalist on Maria’s original composition Changing Seat, which aired on Episode 4 of the ABC TV series Pulse (2017).

After 18 months of writing all new music, Phoebe’s debut single Place In Time was released in September 2017. Inspired by the deep desire for human connection, Place In Time tells the story of two people finding a sense of belonging in each other when feeling as though they don’t belong to the world. The single received praise across various publications and radio stations including TheMusic.com.au Northside and Eastside FM. “Centering on Day’s smooth, enchanting vocals, [Place In Time] utilises heavy jazz influences — in both instrumentation and arrangement — to create a truly distinct and engrossing soundscape, filled with sparkling piano, sweet, sweet saxophone, hushed percussion and unexpected melodic shifts to keep the listener invested from start to finish.” - TheMusic.com.au Releasing two more associated singles over September/October 2017 (Fading and Without You), Phoebe has written a collection of carefully crafted songs inspired by the changes in her life. There is an honesty in Phoebe’s songwriting that evokes emotion and resonates with the listener. Together, all three singles tell one great story on Phoebe’s debut EP Place In Time. The recording showcases her raw and original sound, exploring tones of jazz, neo-soul, blues and RNB.

“I’d love to create something people can connect to. A recording that I know is a true and honest reflection of myself as an artist. I’m still learning and growing, but mostly I just want to create great music that adds something to someone’s day.”

The Place In Time EP features some of Sydney’s finest musicians including Mike Pensini (Deni Hines, James Morrison), Buddy Siolo (Delta Goodrem, Jessica Mauboy) and Joel Sena. Phoebe is thrilled to accompany her debut release with live shows and plans to record all new music in 2018.

1. CHICK COREA AND HERBIE HANCOCK - The Sydney Opera House, 2015.

I don’t know of a single jazz-piano connoisseur, who wouldn’t regard this dynamic duo as one of the greatest of all time. While I was watching these incredible players on one of the most prestigious stages in the world, I couldn’t help but feel like I had been invited over to watch life-long friends having a jam in their living room. This was quite possibly the true beauty of the night. Positioned opposite each other in front of two stunning grand pianos, Corea and Hancock bounced ideas off one another in what can only be described as a truly unique musical conversation. While Corea took care of the complex technical skills with impressive runs and impeccable time, Hancock provided a smorgasbord of tasty melodies and poignant emotions. The pair weren’t afraid to experiment with crazy keyboard sounds either. I recall Hancock sneaking in a few cheeky ‘Yo!’ and ‘Hey!’ synth sounds. For a while, the audience seemed to forget they were in an Opera House (perhaps Corea and Hancock did too) as we all ended up scatting with Hancock and introducing Corea’s ‘Spain’ by singing the opening chord. It was the most entertaining piano concert I’ve seen.

2. WYNTON MARSALIS AND THE LINCOLN CENTRE JAZZ ORCHESTRA - The Sydney Opera House, 2016.

The only serious big-band shows I had seen before this performance were in New Orleans, in 2013 (more on that later). As you can imagine, it was a tall order to fill. I suppose if anyone could fill the shoes, it would probably be Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz Lincoln Centre Orchestra, right? Well they definitely filled them - and then some! Marsalis was a charming gentleman who knocked on the door and asked our fathers’ if he could take us out on journey through the eras of jazz. He began with a sweet introduction into the origins of New Orleans Jazz and ended the evening with some daring Coltrane. Needless to say, we were all swooning and not quite ready for the night to end I have never heard such a rich orchestral sound from such virtuosic musicians. Marsalis was all too happy to take the back seat and personally introduce us to his jazzmen. I can still recall an original composition by bassist Carlos Enriquez. With an impressive contemporary sound, the groove was infectious. This inspiring collection of musicians was warm and welcoming, giving the audience a fun evening of great music.

3. JAZZ QUARTET AT IRVIN MAYFIELD’S JAZZ PLAYHOUSE - New Orleans 2013.

I’d like to begin this story with expressing my deepest regret for never asking the names of the musicians playing that night. In 2013, I travelled to New Orleans with my music-loving family, looking for some inspiration. I found so much more than I hoped. Never have I seen so many venues filled with live music every hour of the week. One in particular really caught my eye. Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse is tucked away behind a red velvet curtain on Bourbon Street. The venue prides itself on providing a lush, old world experience of live jazz. As we stumbled in one evening, already buzzing with excitement, I noticed a quartet playing in the corner. Now when I say in the corner, you should know that a corner in New Orleans is the equivalent of a prestigious stage in a Sydney supper club – where everyone is listening. Intently. This inspiring group was fronted by a young trumpeter/vocalist. Every song was a super cool and effortless jam. Aside from having a voice as sweet as chocolate and the smoothest tone on his horn, this front man was quite the showman. After every tune, he would ask the audience to take a sip of their drink. It wasn’t until halfway through the evening that this jovial performer revealed his agenda: “Now I know y’all are probably thinking why this guy’s insisting on you takin’ a sip of your drink after every song. You see, every sip you take is gonna make the next song sound a little better.” I suppose sometimes it’s nice to be inspired by a mystery. I doubt I will ever know the names of these musicians or discover their identity, but I definitely won’t ever forget that night. I left with a whole new level of admiration for the New Orleans live music scene.

4. BUDDY GUY - The Enmore Theatre, 2012.

Buddy Guy was the very first artist I ever saw at the Enmore. I remember walking into the venue and feeling an instant wave of infatuation rush over me. My eyes didn’t know where to look, I was completely mesmerized by the theatre. It’s still a dream of mine to one day be able to play there. As for the man himself - even in the 76th year of his extraordinary life, Guy simply brought the goods. I’ve never seen a blues performer with such vibrancy and presence. He would tug at your heartstrings singing of love lost and before you knew it, he’d have you in stitches of laughter. If personality is the mark of great performer, then Guy must be the greatest. The performance was electrifying and Guy’s guitar skills left nothing to be desired. Complete with flamboyant licks, crazy bends, fuzzy chords and signature distortion, it was hard to fault the man’s playing (and singing for that matter). Guy is one of those singers who just know, intuitively, how to do it right. It’s the voice of a man who has stood in the face of real struggle and lived to tell the tale.

5. LIANNE LA HAVAS - Oxford Art Factory, 2016.

Honestly, there aren’t many contemporary vocalists who truly inspire me. Lianne La Havas certainly does. What I think I love most about La Havas’ music, is her ability to place the heart of soul music into a modern and relatable context. She is an excellent storyteller with incredible facility as a vocalist. La Havas was in town supporting Coldplay’s world tour and I just couldn’t miss her headline side gig. My partner, Joel surprised me with tickets for my birthday. To my surprise, La Havas played a sold out show for almost three hours straight. Solo, with nothing but her voice and her guitar. I was impressed to say the least. La Havas had the undivided attention of everyone in the room for the entire show. She was unapologetic and unafraid to showcase her huge voice. La Havas’ rendition of ‘Say A Little Prayer’ was something special. I think what I enjoyed most that night was the warmth and honesty radiating from this soulful star. She humbly embraced the imperfections in her performance (granted they were very few and far between) and reminded me of what’s truly important as a vocalist – creating a connection with your audience.