Sara Dowling: 'You've Got My Heart On A String'

The SoundSpring Podcast: Guided Musical Journeys With Creative Musicians of Today

Welcome to episode 11, featuring vocalist and composer Sara Dowling.
After spending 9 years growing up between Oman and Jordan, Sara's family moved to Cornwall in order to provide her and her siblings with their desired education.

Loaned a 'cello by her school, Sara made short work of reaching a high level, gaining a scholarship to the Cheetham's School of Music aged 12 and then attending the Royal Northern College of Music for her degree. Sara performed for giants of the 'cello world including Steven Isserlis and Yo Yo Ma as well as performing the Saint-Saens 'cello concerto with the Hallé orchestra.

However, after suffering from burnout and feeling lost with the 'cello, Sara took a detour from music to become a classroom teacher for 4 years. Luckily for us, though, a moment of madness took hold whilst walking past Matt and Phred's jazz club in Manchester. Sara got up and sang a number at the jam session and found her expressive musical spark again.

She quit her teaching job and moved to London, and was soon working with the best names in the business. She now has Two albums to her name as a band-leader and was awarded Best Jazz Vocalist at British Jazz Awards 2019.

I first played with Sara when she was invited to play with the London City Big band as part of our monthly residency at the Spice of Life in Soho. I was absolutely astonished by her expressiveness, flair and authenticity. One way you know a vocalist is the real deal is when there's an atmosphere of excitement in the band when they learn who is guesting, and that is certainly the case with Sara.

I'm absolutely thrilled to introduce one of my favourite jazz vocalists working in the world today, the breathtaking Sara Dowling.
www.saradowling.co.uk
www.soundspring.co.uk
www.tommy-andrews.co.uk
Artwork by Katie Stevenson: katiestevensoncreative.myportfolio.com