Following an inspiring hiatus where she toured extensively with some of the world’s most notable artists, London’s Izzi Dunn is ready to return with her stunning second album Cries And Smiles.
Cries And Smiles is the latest unique chapter from a self-sufficient musician (she writes, produces and plays most of her own material) who has already had a remarkable career. The new album showcases her skills as a versatile singer-songwriter who has some important things to say. Her distinctive, soulful voice is on full display. However, her skills as a cellist and arranger, continually honed since childhood, are an indispensable aspect of proceedings. There are no sampled strings here people.
Izzi is that rarest of things: a genuinely multi-talented artist who performs to the highest standard at whatever she puts her mind to. Her debut album, The Big Picture, was a critically acclaimed underground hit in 2004. The record placed her at the forefront of all the newest innovations that were revolutionising soul music in the UK during the early years of the new millennium.
As a session musician, she’s played for the likes of George Harrison, Natalie Imbruglia and Soul II Soul. Izzi has also graced the cream of the UK music scene with her talents. The Brand New Heavies, Roots Manuva, Beverley Knight, Jamelia and Bugz In The Attic are just a few of those who have benefited.
It was as a cellist - she also heads a string section named The Demon Strings - that Izzi was called upon to tour with artists like Damon Albarn and Mark Ronson. The universally positive reaction to The Big Picture was the reason Izzi was asked by Albarn to add her vibe to the Gorillaz album Demon Days. This led to her touring with Albarn’s next ‘super group’ The Good, The Bad And The Queen. Once that was done she was off around the world again, this time with Mark Ronson and his all-star revue. “I’ve been having a brilliant time while I’ve been working on this album,” she says of the last couple of years.
Izzi’s artistry represents the next step in a proud tradition of British soul that dates back to Loose Ends and Omar. However the alternative scene, in particular Portishead and Massive Attack and the breadth of Izzi’s work as a session musician has a large influence on Izzi’s material. New millennium soul music, of which Cries & Smiles is at the forefront, utilises all of these sonic and cultural influences while simultaneously incorporating all of the vibes and artistry associated with the newest homegrown developments.
Simply put, there are no restrictions to IzzI’s sound. Her voice is fearless: vulnerable, empowering and traditionally soulful. Her music reflects the nature of modern everyday-life, our trials and tribulations, hopes and loves.
