Question Time With Kate Dimbleby

Franco Milazzo
By Franco Milazzo Last edited 163 months ago
Question Time With Kate Dimbleby

“Famous-for-being-famous” celebrity offspring are two a penny around London, usually more noteworthy for their partners, partying and pratfalls than anything resembling talent. With that in mind, it’s refreshing to see Kate Dimbleby making a name for herself as an accomplished jazz/blues singer. She has already released one album and has played in Australia and New Zealand and in London at places as diverse as the Royal Festival Hall, Chiswick’s Bedford Park Festival and Soho’s Madame Jojo’s.

We spoke to her as she prepares to kick off her marathon five-week run of 35 shows at Hampstead’s New End Theatre.

What are you up to at the moment?

Rehearsing for my new show, thinking about it, dreaming about it and singing it everywhere I go.

How would you describe your sound?

Chocolate milkshake with a dash of whisky. The singers I love Bessie Smith, Peggy Lee, Nina Simone and Kirsty MacColl. I would love to say I have a bit of all of them in me!

What's your favourite London venue?

I sang in the British Museum once, next to the Egyptian mummies. That was pretty good.

Have you ever busked on the underground... how was it?

When I was 18 with an all girl close harmony group called "The City Charmers". We earned an amazing amount of money for charity. I loved the directness of it. There's no better critic than someone who hasn't paid to see you.

What's your favourite song so far this year?

"Here's the tender coming" by The Unthanks.

Can you think of an unusual London location that should open itself up for gigs?

The top deck of the 94 bus.

What other new London bands / artists should we be checking out?

Folky electronica from Jay Fisher's band Apple Rabbits for a bit of punky pop. Her and the Colours and the rap duo Murmur.

What's your London secret?

The winding paths in the gardens of Chiswick House.

Kate’s show I’m A Woman is running from 31 August until 3 October and tickets can be bought here.

Links:

We saw An Israeli Love Story at the New End Theatre in May.

Last Updated 24 August 2010