Joe Stilgoe

Joe Stilgoe (born 29 May 1979)^[1] is a British singer, pianist and songwriter.^[2]

Early life and education

Stilgoe was born in Sevenoaks, Kent. As the son of the lyricist and entertainer Sir Richard Stilgoe,^[3] and opera singer Annabel Hunt,^[1] Joe’s 'formidable piano technique and vocal range stem from a classical training that started from the age of five'.^[4]

Educated at Sevenoaks School,^[5] Stilgoe went on to study Music at the University of Southampton^[6] achieving a First Class degree. After spending a year performing on cruise ships, Stilgoe continued his musicianship at Trinity College of Music.^[7] Subsequent education at Trinity College of Music cultivated Stilgoe’s studies with jazz pianist Nick Wheldon and singer Anton Browne.

Musical career

During his time at Trinity College, he began to get noticed in bars and clubs, with a long term residency at The Dorchester hotel, London.^[8]

Stilgoe’s first public engagement was at the Pizza on the Park, London in 2004. Following the performance, Dame Cleo Laine later called Stilgoe in to perform with her and husband Sir John Dankworth on their Radio 2 show Live At The Stables.^[8] With this exposure and regular gigs at clubs including The Spice Of Life, Stilgoe was soon spotted by two producers. Despite interest from Warner Bros. Records, an offer made was declined shortly after. He then signed with jazz label Candid in 2007,^[9] Candid released his debut album I Like This One in 2008 to praise from national press, including Jazzwise magazine, “This debut album from Candid’s latest signing Joe Stilgoe is an impressive opening salvo by anyone’s standards”,^[10] “Songs at the piano don’t get much sharper than this...Whether he’s performing his own material or reshaping an old favourite”(The Observer),^[10] “Revealing himself to be a powerful improviser with an instinctive gift for melody”. (The Times).^[10]

In 2007; Stilgoe supported Melody Gardot at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.^[11] His first appearance at Ronnie Scott’s, Soho, London in 2008 saw the launch of debut album. Stilgoe has performed at private functions for Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace and Sir Paul McCartney.^[12] As a sought after cabaret act for private, charity and corporate events, he regularly performs at the most exclusive parties for a clientele as diverse as Madonna, Mark Ronson, Prince Edward, Sir John Major and Tom Ford.^[13] Stilgoe tours constantly with his band and as a solo act.^[13] His debut solo appearance at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2011 with sell-out show ‘One Hour!’ garnered much critical acclaim, with five star review from The Scotsman.^[13][14]

After contractual issues with Candid, Stilgoe bought himself out of the contract and used money earned from his concerts to record demos of new songs, bringing him to the attention of industry legend and veteran Nick Stewart. Nick Stewart signed Stilgoe under his management with Nick Stewart and Associates in 2010.^[15]

With Grammy-nominated producer James McMillan, Stilgoe recorded the new album We Look To The Stars, released in July 2012.^[13] The album went straight to number 1 in the Amazon Jazz Chart^[16] on its day of release and has been championed by Radio 2, Sir Michael Parkinson (who dubbed Stilgoe ‘a truly remarkable singer songwriter, not to mention piano player’),^[14] Richard Madeley and Chris Evans. The album has been a critical success across the board with reviews including Dave Gelly in The Observer saying “it’s a delight”^[17]) and Jazzwise magazine described the album as “superb”.^[18] From the album, We Should Kiss was released as a single in July 2012 following the album release. The single caught the attention of prominent French shoe designer Christian Louboutin who used the song as the jiving centre-piece of his successful showcase –Fue at Le Crazy Horse in Paris and exhibition at the London Design Museum.,^[19][20] Stilgoe has participated in numerous recording sessions as both a pianist and singer; including the single "Elephant" by Alexandra Burke.

A publishing contract with Kassner Music was signed in 2012,^[13] Stilgoe continues to perform around the world as both a solo act or with his band, featuring musicians Chris Hill, Ben Reynolds and Tom Richards. Prestigious venues include: Ronnie Scott's, the Royal Festival Hall, The Queen Elizabeth Hall, The Barbican, The London Jazz Festival, Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Edinburgh Festival, Henley Festival, Barbados Festival, Bestival, Latitude, Sardinia Jazz Festival, Sicily Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Dubai Jazz Festival and in jazz clubs from New York to Berlin to Kuala Lumpur.^[13]

Comedy and radio

Joe has worked extensively on radio, with contributions and special guest appearances with Alan Carr, Sir Michael Parkinson and numerous other BBC Radio programmes including Friday Night Is Music Night. Stilgoe also appeared on The Now Show in 2011 and 2013 and is a member of award-winning Edinburgh show and BBC Radio 4’s The Horne Section with Alex Horne since 2010.^[13]

Personal life

Stilgoe lives in west London with his wife, actress and director Katie Beard.^[20]

References