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Jacqui Dankworth Dossier:
• Jazz vocalist who also draws on folk, soul, classical, and blues
• An accomplished actor who has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, and in London’s West End
• Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to music
• Website | Facebook | YouTube

As the daughter of British jazz royalty - Dame Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth - Jacqui Dankworth's musical journey began early, though she carved her own distinct path through folk bands, musical theater, and ultimately into her current standing as one of Britain's finest jazz singers.

The release of her new album Windmills showcases an artist fully in command of her gifts, drawing inspiration from an eclectic array of sources while remaining true to her jazz roots.

Lawrence Peryer: What is your first memory of music?

Jacqui Dankworth: Inside my mum's ( Cleo Laine's) tummy - on stage in Cindy-Ella - a black musical version of Cinderella. I loved the music as a little girl. I think It must have resonated...

Lawrence: You want someone to understand you. What song or album do you give them?

Jacqui: Norma Winstone - Somewhere Called Home.

Lawrence: What instrument(s) can you play?

Jacqui: Flute and Piano.

Lawrence: What is a skill you wish you possessed?

Jacqui: To be a great painter.

Lawrence:  What song, album, or artist never gets old for you?

Jacqui: Stevie Wonder - Songs In The Key Of Life.

Lawrence: What music do you and your significant other disagree about?

Jacqui: Bluegrass music. I like it...

Lawrence: What creative work or artist do you love or admire outside music?

Jacqui: I love watching great dancers of any kind. I'm a frustrated dancer!

Lawrence: What was your first concert?

Jacqui: Singing in a folk band in Milton Keynes. I earned £5.00 but wrapped it inside my fish and chip newspaper wrapper by mistake and threw it in the wastepaper bin. I then had to go back a few hours later and rummage through the bins. £5.00 then was quite a good fee!!!

Lawrence: What instrument do you wish you could play?

Jacqui: The cello.

Lawrence: What person, dead or alive, would you like to share a meal with (and which meal of the day)?

Jacqui: Al Jarreau - breakfast.

Lawrence: Chess or checkers?

Jacqui: Chess.

Lawrence: There's a band playing in Heaven tonight. Who is in it?

Jacqui: Stevie Wonder.

Lawrence: What is your theme song?

Jacqui: "Anyone Can Whistle".

Lawrence: Who is your musical hero?

Jacqui: Ella Fitzgerald.

Lawrence: When you were 15, your favorite artist, song, or album was:

Jacqui: Carol King: Tapestry.

Lawrence: Who is the biggest influence on your musical life?

Jacqui: Cleo Laine and John Dankworth.

Lawrence: What are some of the places you have saved on your phone's weather app?

Jacqui: Edinburgh, Toulouse, Bedford, Béziers.

Lawrence: You are programming a music festival. What artists, dead or alive, headline Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night?

Jacqui: Charlie Wood, Norma Winstone, Liz Wright.

Lawrence:  What is the last concert you saw?

Jacqui: Charlie Wood - Moratalaz Blues Festival, Madrid.

Jacqui Dankworth's latest, Windmills, is out now on Perdido Records.