Rose Devine sings songs from the 30's, 40's, and 50's and covers modern songs with a strong vintage sound. Her sets have jazz, blues, big band, swing and often a surprise or two! We find out more from the songstress herself Rose Devine...
What periods do you cover in your repertoire?
I sing 30's, 40's, 50's and modern songs with a distinct vintage twist.
What are your favourite numbers?
My favourite song to sing at the moment is the jazz version of 'All About That Bass' as people don't recognise it at first. It has a really authentic jazz backing and as it kicks in the penny drops making people smile, sing along and get up to dance.
Other favourites include Ella Fitzgerald's 'Every time We Say Goodbye', Doris Day's 'Secret Love' and 'My Baby Just Cares For Me' by Nina Simone as these all seem to hold special places in peoples hearts.
What inspired you to focus on this genre over other styles of music & performance?
When I was about 7 I watched Calamity Jane and spent a while considering a career as a cowgirl. I quickly realised there are not many jobs going in that field theses days so I concentrated on becoming Doris Day. I think this is as close as I will get.
Later, when I was in my teens my Dad bought me a CD called 'Ladies Sing the Blues' and it had artists such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Bessie Smith, Peggy Lee and Dinah Shore on. I was mesmerised by the whole sound of the era and it is still one of my favourite sing a long albums to day.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
It was probably my first gig. I performed at the opening of Derby's Christmas ice rink. I was so nervous but when I started singing it just felt right.
Coming off the stage was another matter as it was an open air gig in freezing December winds. I didn't realise until I went to leave the stage that my feet, in little 50's peep toe heels, had frozen to the spot and I couldn't walk. Needless to say my shuffle off stage was not the glamorous exit I had planned on.
When I finally thawed my toes I had wonderful comments from the audience. I had put so much time and work in to starting my career in singing and it was a great feeling to know that I had made the right choice.
What has been the best event that you have performed at?
It has to be performing at The Summer of Vintage Festival at Uttoxeter Racecourse last summer. It was such a lovely day with wonderful people dressed top to toe in their vintage finery.
It was a big stepping stone for me and put me on the map as one of the up and coming vintage singers.
I have to thank Gemma from The Vintage Suitcase for taking a chance on a relatively unknown performer for that one.
If you could perform with anyone (past or present) who would it be?
Oooooh......this is a hard one! I adore Caro Emerald and would love to sing with her. And of course, nothing beats the sunshine songs of Doris Day, but I think it would have to be Nina Simone. I love her voice, it is jazzy yet raw and full of emotion, and she has a sultry smoky tone that I could listen to all day.
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For more information:
Web page: www.rosedevine.co.uk
FB page: https://www.facebook.com/rosedevine.vintagevocalist
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoseDevine3