Amy Winehouse and me - The Jewish Chronicle

Although Amy Winehouse isn't with us anymore, the spirit of her haunting, evocative music lives on. I was her tenor sax player and worked closely with Amy from the time of Back to Black until the end of her life.

So, it's poignant that I'll be coming to NW11 this Wednesday for a gig at Cappella Events' Jazz Club, because north London was her stomping ground and is replete with memories.

As well as the big pop hits, I often played jazz with Amy. She was an accomplished interpreter of the genre, and she had a way of making those old standards new and unconventional. I think jazz gave her a chance to express the themes of heartbreak, loss and yearning, which were so prevalent in her own writing.

So, it was no surprise when she won the ultimate accolade, a Grammy for her duet of Body and Soul with legendary singer Tony Bennett.

I remember when I got the life-changing call back in 2007 to be in her band. The first thing I did was go straight out and purchase a copy of Back to Black, which had just been released. I heard those first eight bars and realised this was something really special. It was incredible to play the live gigs with her. I also wrote the horn parts for Cupid - you can hear my playing on there!

But it wasn't just about the music. During that tumultuous and incredibly creative period, Amy taught me a lot about musical and personal integrity, and I felt I developed a lot, both in the emotional and artistic sense.

Frank Walden (far left) with Amy Winehouse and other band members[Missing Credit]

I think part of Amy’s downfall was that aspect of personal integrity. She wouldn't put up with some of the nonsense foisted on her by the music industry.

I've just finished a tour with the new Amy Winehouse Band and was stunned to see audiences of teenage kids who were just toddlers when she died. They were able to recite every lyric. It shows that Amy’s music will always communicate to new generations.

My album, Objets Trouvés, has three very striking arrangements of her tunes. If you're a fan of hers, then it will show her writing in a new light. Likewise, it will also appeal to the hardcore jazz heads.

At the gig, we're planning to do a few Amy Winehouse tunes, but the audience will also be treated to a variety of other styles, such as Brazilian, pop and funk.

It's going to be a top night, featuring the brilliant guitarist James Fenn, who is on my new album. Lisa Amato will be on keys/bass, and we have drummer Andy Sear from the Gary Moore Experience. We're delighted to be putting on an event that gives the community a chance to hear some exciting music and also pays tribute to Amy's musical talent.

(l-r) Frank Walden, James Fenn, Lisa Amato and producer Joseph Azriel (Photo: Joseph Azriel)[Missing Credit]

It's going to be a night of the unexpected with a special guest appearance from rising hip-hop star Jonah Baron Cohen. Jonah is known for his interesting fusion of chazzanut, freestyle rap and modern beats. He'll be contributing his unique vocals to some numbers.

Live music is a great night out. Plus, we're continuing the legacy of Amy's iconic songwriting. Ultimately, music makes everyone feel better - and let's face it, we all need a little bit of that right now.

Jazz Club

Presented by Cappella Music

Wednesday February 4

7.30-10pm

Doors open: 7pm

£15

north-west London venue

Tickets are going fast. For booking information go to www.cappellamusic.com/events, click here or email cappellamusic1@gmail.com.

Frank Walden’s new album, Objets Trouvés, is available at: frankwalden.co.uk or click here

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Topics:

Amy Winehouse

Jazz