Vocalist
Vocalist
With an Arts Council Music Award, she toured and formed “Future Groove”.
The band has featured with Blue Note recording artist Orphy Robinson Vibes, ex Fela Kuti master drummer Nana Tsiboe, Cuban violinist Omar Puente, ex Fine Young Cannibals and “Sting” member and trumpeter Graeme Hamilton. Chris Jerome, piano player currently with Courtney Pine and Larry Bartley, Double Bass player, has also played for Courtney.
Her CD “Live Life Love Life“ which is a compilation of various artists and bands which she played with over the past 5 years, has been played extensively on radio.
Her deep respect for the music of Billie Holiday is captured in her touring production of ‘Helen McDonald sings Billie Holiday’, a musical/dramatic performance of the life and songs of the jazz legend.
The performance has played to packed and enthusiastic audiences across the UK.
As a vocalist she has performed at major venues and festivals across the UK and the Globe.
Ronnie Scott’s, Jazz Cafe London, Queen Elisabeth Hall, Barbican Centre, Africa Centre London and Glastonbury Festival World Jazz stage 2000.
Helen McDonald vocalist and percussionist talent have drawn a volume of fans both inside and outside of the music industry.
DISCOGRAPHY
Making her recording debut with a reggae/lovers rock song, “on the Inside”, she has moved on to record with a wide range of Artist’s, and bands and DJ’S.
Asian Dub Foundation “Community Music”, one of the biggest selling UK albums of 2000. “INTERFERENCE” with Paul Martin from Talkin Loud 1999. USA saxophonist David Murray. “PAGAN MASSES” 1999, Mantis recording. “DAY” 2001, Capoeira Twins. “LOSE CONTROL”, White label release Nov 2001, National release Spring 2002 on Hope Records. REANSVILLE HIGHTS, Capoeria Twins Album. ‘MOTHERLESS CHILD’, Propane Lose Control Released. HOPE RECORDS, Bristol 2004. TRU THOUGHTS Records, Brighton Released. ‘SHAPES’, by Wikkerman and Ullyesse. ‘INSPERATIONAL FLAME’, spoken word song poem Helen wrote and performed 2003 . White Label release , MINT SOURCE Records. ‘LIFE STEALER, CRACKED’ BY Digi Dub .