Robbie Williams News: Clare Teal inspired by Robbie Williams

In a recent interview British Jazz Musician Clare Teal speaks of how Rob inspired her with his 2001 Swing when you're winning album.

Here are the highlights from the article, the full version can be found here @ icwales

"THE current first lady of UK jazz says the recent upswing in the popularity of the genre owes a debt to Robbie Williams. It’s a surprising admission from Clare Teal, because one could be forgiven for thinking Williams’ 2001 album Swing When Your Winning represents the kind of pop crossover that would annoy real jazz artists. And while Teal, who is performing at the Lloyds TSB Welsh Proms in St David’s Hall this month, reserved less respect for Westlife’s stab at the same style, she has genuine praise for the former Take That man."

"Robbie Williams was actually the first to do that sort of record, two years before Jamie Cullum got signed to Sony, and he opened a lot of doors to the mainstream for jazz artists."

“In 2003, eyeing the success of Robbie Williams’ album, the major record labels Sony and Universal entered a bidding war over young jazz sensation Jamie Cullum (on Teal’s recommendation)."

Clare Teal performs St David’s Hall, Cardiff, on Wednesday, July 25. Tickets cost £15 from 029 2087 8444.

Clare's site http://www.clareteal.co.uk/