Polly Gibbons is unmistakably a class act, getting classier fast. ★★★★

– The Guardian

This spring, singer and songwriter Polly Gibbons prepares to release her ninth album, ‘As It Is’. A departure from straight-ahead swinging jazz, this is her first album of all-original songs written, arranged and produced by Polly and co-produced by long-time musical collaborator and artistic director at Ronnie Scott’s, James Pearson.

New Album Release ‘As It Is’ – make sure to put 30th June in your diaries!

“This is my ninth studio album, but in many ways, it feels like my first,” reports Polly. “I have co- written songs with others in the past and have been writing songs for years, but until now, I hadn’t quite found the courage to take command and write, arrange and produce a body of work that is all my own brainchild.”

POLLY’S UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

Album Launch – 1st July – Ronnie Scott’s, London

Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival, Burton Agnes – 8th July

Erd Jazz Festival, Budapest – 8th September

New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich – 28th October

For more music, visit Polly’s Connects Artist Page: https://connectsmusic.com/listing/polly-gibbons/ 

Polly has forged a successful career on the international jazz circuit spanning nearly two decades and has been nominated as “Best Jazz Vocalist”on separate occasions by the BBC and Jazz FM and compared to a female version of Gregory Porter by US magazine Downbeat .

‘As It Is’ showcases Polly’s masterful skills as a songwriter, incorporating a wider range of her influences, referencing Soul, Gospel and RnB as well as her grounding in Jazz, to create a blend of genres. Recorded at Old Jet studios in Polly’s native Suffolk and mixed by childhood friend and Keane band member Jesse Quin, ‘As It Is’ is a body of work showcasing Polly’s wide-ranging talents and lyrical depth. Facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Polly found solace in song-writing and playing the piano, using the period of isolation and introspection to craft and develop her deeply personal and emotionally resonant album, resulting in a powerful, reflective body of work that connects with listeners on a profound level.

Lead single, ‘Man of Moderation’, pays tribute to Polly’s father, who faced disillusionment after a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis following a lifetime of hard work, and features Hammond organ and soul-fuelled gospel melodies performed by members of Polly’s family. Second single ‘Disappointed’ is a funk inspired song which acknowledges that beyond the hurt at the ending of a relationship, disappointment was the lingering feeling. “Maybe I Was Wrong” is an upbeat and lightly sarcastic and playfully questions the decision to end a relationship. “Couldn’t We Just” and “It’s Hard To Love”, explore vulnerability, loneliness and post-breakup processing. Polly’s delicate vocals in ‘Melonpolly’ lends themselves to introspection, while the title refers to her childhood nickname, “melonhead”.

‘The Hare and the Toilet Seat’’highlights Polly’s versatility through stream-of-consciousness writing and performance poetry, using a repetitive modular synth. ‘He’s a Something Man’is a smouldering bluesy song that delves into both the allure and anger of a failed relationship. The album ends with the hopeful ‘Towards the Sun’, reflecting on the power of the sun and the potential for healing, and ‘In Only Love’, urging empathy and understanding toward humanitarian crises.

Featured on ‘As It Is’ are players including guitarist Al Cherry ( Cat Stevens, Beverly Knight, Paloma Faith, Kid Creole ), Ross Stanley ( Goldie, Simply Red ), James Pearson ( Paul McCartney, Jeff Beck, Wynton Marsalis ), Loz Garratt, ( Jamie Cullum, Gary Barlow, Seal ) and James Maddren ( Jacob Collier, Kit Downes ).

‘As It Is’ is a testament to Polly Gibbons’ incredible talent and ability to capture the range of human emotions through her music. The album releases on 30th June across all streaming platforms and on special edition double 12” vinyl.