Band on the Wall, 26 Jul 2026
Emma Smith is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about voices in jazz. With performances everywhere from the Royal Albert Hall to the world's top jazz clubs, she has collaborated with major artists including Michael Bublé, The Quincy Jones Orchestra, Jeff Goldblum, and the Jeremy Pelt / Wayne Escoffery Quintet. Her expressive, magnetic stage presence continues to earn her a loyal international following.
Emma's accolades include widespread success with vocal harmony group The Puppini Sisters, a four-year stint as a BBC Radio 3 broadcaster, and her role as resident vocalist with the Ronnie Scott's All Stars. Following a triumphant tour with American supergroup Postmodern Jukebox, she was named Jazz Act of the Year at the 2024 Jools Holland Boisdale Music Awards, and is one of only two singers ever to receive the prestigious Worshipful Company of Musicians Medal.
Raised in a family of jazz musicians, Emma was immersed in bebop, harmony, and horn solos from an early age. Her biggest inspiration is her grandfather, a trombonist who played with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and Oscar Peterson. He never skipped a day's practice, she says. I've inherited his work ethic, deep gratitude for the music, and limitless ambition.
Her solo debut Meshuga Baby was a breakout success, with millions of streams and wide radio support from Jamie Cullum, Cerys Matthews, TSF Jazz, and Jazz FM. Her upcoming album Bitter Orange (La Reserve, Summer 2025) is a bold, personal portrait of a self-making artist, determined to leave her mark on the world -- with elegance, honesty, and heart.
Artists on stage: 7.30pm
Curfew: 10.00pm
Stage: The Venue
Audience: Seated
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One of Manchester’s most respected independent live music venues
25 Swan Street, Manchester, M4 5JZ
0161 834 1786 / info@bandonthewall.org