Biography Peggy Chew
She studied jazz vocals with leading American jazz singers such as: Anne Marie Moss (Manhattan School of Music), Bob Stoloff (Berklee College of Music), Norma Winstone, Lauren Newton. Lessons with the innovative jazz singer Jay Clayton inspired Peggy to explore her individual sound.
In the beginning her repertoire concentrated on songs from "The Great American Songbook." Later she expanded the repertoire to include more modern jazz compositions as well as American folk/pop songs she heard in her childhood (eg. the music of Joni Mitchell, Jim Croce).
After living and performing in London, Spain and France for several years, she established her base in Switzerland.
Here she began her career as a featured soloist of Vince Benedetti’s Jazz Heritage Big Band and a member of his vocal quartet.
With the Swiss vocal acappella group "Three Voices and A Tuba," she displayed another aspect of the voice: free improvisation, vocal group improvisation, the use of the voice as a source of sound and textures.
Soon, Peggy began leading and performing with her own groups throughout Switzerland which led to the production of two CDs. Her debut CD "Detour Ahead" established Peggy as a compelling and swinging jazz singer in the tradition of the jazz standards.
The second CD "Real Days" opened up new musical territory with a more diverse program. The repertoire’s range included a Chinese song, American folk/pop tunes and modern jazz compositions.
An important part of the CD were the compositions of Swiss pianist Adrian Frey sung with Peggy’s lyrics. This recording was well received by critics in Switzerland and abroad. It was honored as "A Selection of Swiss Radio International."
Since several years, Peggy has been exploring her Chinese roots. "Sonic Calligraphy" is the outcome of this artistic journey.
Festival appearances: Cully Select Jazz Festival, Zürcher Seenacht Fäscht, Jazz Nights Aesch, Jecklin "Red Note" Jazz Festival and altrisuoni Jazz Festival.
Peggy teaches vocals at the Swiss Jazz School in Basel. She sings in English, Portuguese, Chinese and also improvises wordlessly.
Discography:
Sonic Calligraphy The Flow of Things (altri suoni, 2010)
Peggy Chew Sonic Calligraphy (altri suoni, 2004)
Peggy Chew Real Days (altri suoni, 2000)
Three Voices & A Tuba Live at Moods (Red Note, 1997)
Peggy Chew Detour Ahead (Shaomei Productions,1995)
Roberto Avila & Saravà Come to Brazil , feat. Freddie Hubbard (Sonet Records, 1991)
Vince Benedetti The Jazz Heritage Big Band (TCB, 1990)
Compilations
from beijing with love (HMTZ Records, 2006)
50 Years Swiss Radio DRS 2 (Universal, 2006)
autumn leaves, etcetera (HMTZ Records, 2005)
Jazz in Zürich (intakt records, 2004)
