Colours is the debut single by rising star jazz vocalist, composer and arranger Freddie Benedict. Beginning his professional career as the lead male singer with National Youth Jazz Orchestra (a position he retained for over a decade), Freddie has performed all over the UK, including prestigious venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, The Ritz, The Savoy and The Maine, while regularly selling out London’s famed cabaret venue Crazy Coqs. Now Freddie presents the essence of his live performances, with a recording of an original composition that showcases the young vocalist’s talent, both as a singer and songwriter.
Freddie describes Colours as
an original song that uses the spectrum of hues and emotions to explore the highs and lows of first love, through the medium of jazz and scat. Written during the lockdown, the song marks the beginning of my journey into songwriting. It emerged as a form of processing grief and healing when my father passing away at the outset of the pandemic, reflecting a loss of innocence, a longing for simpler times and a realisation that things can never stay the same.
On the first hearing through I thought the overall sound was good, the vocals clear, and the lyrics well written. It was only when I hit replay and listened did I come to appreciate how well structured Colours is. The opening verses are backed by bass and drums only and I have to say that, in my opinion, the bass lines are excellent – strong but not overpowering – the drumming clean, crisp. On the chorus the addition of piano and guitar fill out the sound and give the tune a subtle swing. There is a middle section where Freddie shows his scatting abilities before things soften out and vocal range is put to good effect.
This single gets its digital release 1 May, 2026 and its live launch on the same day at Crazy Coq’s. The only thing to ask is, when will there be an album featuring Colours? I think Colours is a fine example of how to introduce your vocal and composing skills in one hit. There is a lot to admire about this single: Freddie’s vocals, the backing band, and the arrangement and I look forward to hearing more from Freddie Benedict’s time in the recording studio.
Musicians: Freddie’s Benedict (vocals), Chris Bland (piano), Kieran Gunter (guitar), Luke Fowler (bass), Floyer Sydenham on (drums).
SimplyJazzTalk 