Sara Mitra is a jazz vocalist and songwriter. Singing her own original material and classic standards, she is known for her vocal agility, compelling stage presence and passionate delivery of each song she interprets.
Based in east London, her debut album April Song is now on release through indie label Impossible Ark Records. The album is a collection of original songs with folk and jazz standards, produced by Ben Lamdin (aka Nostalgia 77). It features performances from players such as BBC Jazz Award winners James Allsopp and Tim Giles, and musical arrangements from composer Riaan Vosloo. ‘April Song’ was officially launched at the Vortex Jazz Club, London, and has garnered considerable critical acclaim since its release. The album was chosen by Jamie Cullum for his Top 10 Albums of 2010. In 2011, Sara recorded a live session at the BBC Maida Vale studios, which was broadcast on Cullum’s BBC Radio 2 show.
Sara has sung at numerous jazz venues across the UK and Europe, both as a guest soloist and touring with her own groups. Highlights include Glastonbury Festival, Edinburgh and Cambridge Fringe performances, dates in Paris, Sicily, Estonia, Spain, and live BBC radio broadcasts of her original songs.
Press response to ‘April Song’
“Wisely wry…a refreshing mix of the real and romantic.” Jazzwise Magazine
“Her skill as a songwriter and honesty as a performer shine through on April Song.” Mercury Prize Recommends
“The intelligence of her songwriting, together with the sensuality of her singing, make for a winning combination.” **** Manchester Evening News
“Fresh sounding and free from cliche… Sara is left to her own special devices and nails a good melody everytime.” Blues and Soul magazine