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Z-Star’s live shows are quite simply, unforgettable. From the first strum of her acoustic guitar to the last note she sings, you get the feeling that you’ve just experienced something very special. Her deep raspy blue tones flow effortlessly with the power of a diva who has mastered silence. Z* is a gifted individual, the self-penned lyrical stories of life and love she offers are evergreens, vivid and beautifully expressed within a dynamic emotive sound. Musically, she conjures up a psychedelic melting pot of blues jazz bossa funk reggae and rock, her presence onstage igniting the audience with an energy as still as a slow burning candle or as wild as a Molotov. Guardian writer John L Walters wrote… “Range, power and style a soul jazz diva to watch out for.”
Born in East-London to Trinidadian parents, her passion for music is a family affair. Her uncles Michael Timothy and Steve Nichol (Loose Ends) are both top UK musicians. Z’s father was a bass musician and her late mother ‘Schultzi’ bought her first piano and taught her the ropes. However it is her grandfather Al Timothy who wrote the hit single “Kiss Me Honey Honey Kiss Me” for Shirley Bassey whom Z* has most in common with…a flamboyant talent for theatrics and improvisation.
Z*’s first two albums, Voodoo Dragon Risin & Who Loves Live’s (EMI) were released to great acclaim. Over the years her music has been championed by global Radio Stations …UK’s Radio One, LA’s KCRW, Radio Nova in Paris and Radio dj Italy. She has recorded, supported and performed with artists…Terry Callier, Max Sedgely, Los Chicharrons, Bluey Maunick, Natacha Atlas, Omar, George Benson, Keziah Jones, Nigel Kennedy, Richie Havens, and Roachford, performing at venues such as Royal Albert Hall, Abbey Rd, Radio City Music Hall, Jazz Café, Ronnie Scots, Ruskilde, Glastonbury, Festival Bar, Mtv Live, Vagina Monologues, Temple Bar LA. Under the alias Lady-Z (a nickname given to her by Callier) she created and co-produced the electro-soul sound of SLOWTRAINSOUL with Morten Varano. The duo have achieved huge success worldwide with combined compilation sales of 1.5m from features on the hottest chill out compilations including Hotel Costes, Buddha Bar, and Nirvana Lounge. Her music has also been featured on US TV sitcoms ’Ugly Betty’, ‘CSI’, ‘Entourage’ and ‘Six Foot Under.
Z* is currently producing her third solo album “MASOCHIST & MARTYRS”, whilst playing select dates throughout Europe and Russia.