Fini Bearman

A singer and composer, Fini Bearman performs her own original material alongside standards and contemporary songs. Fini's heartfelt, intimate performance makes her an exciting and unique performer, who is already recognised on the London Jazz Scene. After a musical childhood, it was at Sixth Form College where Fini decided to pursue music as a career, and was accepted to study both Classical and Jazz Singing at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London. Following this, and deciding to develop her own compositions further, Fini went on to complete a Masters in Music (Composition and Voice) at the Jazz Institute Berlin in Germany, where she studied with renowned US jazz guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel and US jazz singer Judy Niemack. Citing Wayne Shorter, Kurt Elling and Joao Gilberto as strong influences to her sound and style, Fini is equally moved by instrumentalists and singers alike.

Other mentionable influences include Milton Nascimento, Maria Rita, John Taylor, Donny Hathaway, Gretchen Parlato, Maria Schneider and Brad Mehldau. Fini has performed across Europe in a variety of musical constellations from jazz trio to vocal accapella. These include established venues such as The 606 Jazz Club, The Vortex, The Spice of Life, Ronnie Scotts and the Royal Albert Hall. She has also sung with her own band and as part of other ensembles at numerous music festivals including the London Jazz Festival, City of London festival and Howden Jazz Singers Festival.

Other projects include work with the F-IRE collective associate saxophonist and composer Carlos Lopez-Real, with whom she has performed and recorded, featuring on his latest album on the F-IRE Label, Mandorla. They also have a joint project together featuring Dave Mannington and Josh Morrison, exploring original music and arrangements in a harmony-less ensemble. Fini is also a member of the London Vocal Project, a London-based groove and gospel choir performing new and challenging music. Past credentials include work with Dame Cleo Lane and Sir Jonny Dankworth, Kenny Wheeler and Norma Winstone, and they recently performed at the London Premier with the internationally renowned vocal artist Bobby McFerrin, where they performed songs from his new album Vocabularies at the Barbican Center in May 2010.