Simone Waddell was the first Australian to win a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. After completing her music degree, Simone continued her career internationally into Asia, Europe, the U.S.A and Australia, performing in countless top venues both solo and with world class musicians.

‘THE ART OF COLLABORATION’
The new contemporary jazz studio album from Simone Waddell was
released 8TH APRIL 2022

A stunning contemporary jazz album featuring sixty of Australia’s best jazz musicians. The Art of Collaboration showcases the incredible jazz talent in Australia.

Simone collaborated with the country’s top jazz musicians to pay homage to five iconic Australian hits; Beds Are Burning (Midnight Oil), Burn For You (John Farnham), Fall At Your Feet (Crowded House), The Horses (Daryl Braithwaite) and Mystify (INXS) as well as her own original music.

The album features some of the biggest names in Australian jazz including Tommy Emmanuel, James Morrison, Rai Thistlethwayte, and Paul Grabowsky – as well as a cohort of 60 Aussie heavyweights collaborating on ONE album with all Australian iconic songs, including some of her original songs, and all Australian players.

Every artist on the album is a standout in the field of jazz and the cover songs that have been carefully selected are embedded into the hearts and souls of so many. Simone has been writing songs since her teenage years, and it is only natural that her own artistry would be an element of the album as well.

Simone is one of Australia’s Top Contemporary Jazz Artists performing jazz, soul, and funk infused with groove. Genres also include pop, R&B, zouk, gospel, and even some classical. Simone won the Nescafe Big Break and was awarded $20,000 for her musical achievements and was the first jazz vocalist in Australian history to achieve a Masters Degree in Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She was mentored by the late Australian iconic singer Kerrie Biddell, who was the focus of Simone’s research.

Simone, a prolific songwriter, has recorded five albums, “Take My Love,” “Make It Happen,” “My Romance,” (jazz album) and “Surrender,” plus two EPS, “New Day” and “Keeping My Peace On,” as well as multiple singles. Most recently, “The Art of Collaboration” which is receiving world class reviews.

“My Romance” and “Surrender,” produced by Australian legend Jim Kelly, were launched as live events in Sydney to sold out venues. Her music videos have 500,000+ views worldwide.

Simone is an ambassador for Messenger Rescue to raise awareness and resources to bring freedom to those trapped in sex trafficking. Her EP, “New Day” was created for this purpose with Signature Music Design in the US, and was released in December 2017.

Highlights include playing keyboard and singing backing vocals on the Australian tour for Grammy nominated hit artist, Taylor Dayne, performing numerous times at Parliament House for State and National Government Leaders, and being the Opening Act for Australia’s well known jazz singer, Vince Jones for Australian Music Week.

Simone’s inspirational song “Born to Win” had high rotation on Sydney radio and was selected as the headlining song at the crowning of Miss World Australia and as the theme song at Heal For Life, a healing program for adults and teens recovering from abuse.

As one of the leading voice coaches in Australia, Simone has run many of her uniquely designed, “YOU HAVE A VOICE!” live vocal workshops and taught thousands of voice lessons for over twenty five years, including her recent work in Uganda with the globally recognised Watoto Children’s Choir.

Simone also facilitates stunning four and five day retreats in natural settings which are transformational and life changing for all who attend. “Song of Your Life Retreat” and “You Have A Voice Summit” are world class programs.

As a live artist, a show including exceptional musicality, heartfelt original songs, and incredible vocals, is what you can expect when Simone Waddell hits the stage. She is known for her stunning mix of contemporary jazz, and soulful melodies with groove. Her recent original music has already been hailed as, “the best music coming out of Australia right now.”
Simone’s voice and music have been described as “world class”, “drenched with soul and feeling” and “utterly amazing.”

Simone has performed at various events and venues such as Manly Jazz Festival, the Devonport Jazz Festival Concert Series, (Tas) the 5th and 6th annual Bastille Festival, The Basement (Sydney) Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, (Melb) Paris Cat Jazz Club (Melb) and at a number of well known Japanese jazz clubs on her recent and past tours in Japan.

Her collaboration “Breathe” a duet with Cornell Thigpen (Mary J.Blige, Steve Nicks, Babyface, Isley Brothers) was released October 2017.

Simone is known to perform with the absolute best musicians, who are a perfect match for this Australian songstress.

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