Raw, dynamic performances and honest song writing. That’s what it’s all about with the Jalapeno Records blues songstress Izo FitzRoy.

Uplifting harmonies delivered via her powerful lead vocal and jazz tinged keys work, set her apart from contemporaries and have won her play on BBC 6Music, BBC London, JazzFM, a FIP Selection award, the ‘Heavy Rotation’ feature on NPR in the US and strong support from the likes of Clash Magazine, Indie Shuffle, Mixmag, Eton Messy and La Belle Musique to name a few…

Her songs are built for performance, sincere and compelling lyrics delivered over tight and melodic grooves. She effortlessly transitions from the recorded versions to the live stage with her band’s unique line-up. Shunning typical soul instrumental combinations to instead feature up to 9 gospel backing vocalists, this vocal arsenal provides the perfect foil of uplifting harmonies to her powerful lead vocal and jazz tinged keys work, making for truly special live shows.

After years of directing gospel choirs her recording career took off in earnest after writing and recording the bulk of her debut album “Skyline” while she was living in New Orleans for the best part of a year. Production duties came courtesy of industry heavyweight Dr Rubberfunk. This creative partnership flourished and quickly grew into a whole albums worth of material, producing a record that channelled her gutsy gospel style and colorful bluesy keys through vintage funk grooves.

After the success of her debut Izo was in demand and toured across Europe tirelessly, all the while writing her next record and lending her talents to others, including features on tracks by Kraak & Smaak, Smoove & Turrell, Flevans, and Dr Rubberfunk until the end of 2018 when disaster struck and she lost the ability to sing. The only option to save her career was surgery on her vocal chords which ruled her out of using her voice for 3 months followed by a long period of vocal rehabilitation.

However by summer 2019 she was back with an even greater range and her collaboration with Dimitri from Paris and Cotonete on “I Want Magic” made her as big in the clubs as she was on the airwaves – dancefloor bible Mixmag making it their ‘tune of the month’.

2019 was also the year the music industry really stood up and took notice of her exploits as she was invited to several songwriter camps by BPI and was funded by the PRS who recognised her song writing potential.

2020 will see the release of her second album “How The Mighty Fall” which sees her working with producers such as the Mercury award nominated Colin Elliot (Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker, Paul Weller), the multi talented Shawn Lee (Young Gun Silver Fox) and the inimitable disco don Dimitri From Paris.

Utilizing this crack team of collaborators Izo really explores her beautiful compositions on a grander scale than ever before.  Completing the wealth of talent on the new record are one of the finest soul brass sections in the business The Haggis Horns, as well as Izo’s very own Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir who add a touch of grandeur and extra power to these wonderful arrangements.

 

 

For more:
Izo Fiztroy’s website
Izo Fitzroy on facebook
Izo Fitzroy on twitter
Izo Fitzroy on instagram
Izo Fitzroy on bandcamp

Releases