The Skinny On... Georgia Cécile

In 2021, Glasgow artist Georgia Cécile won Best Album at the Scottish Jazz Awards for her debut, Only the Lover Sings. The following year she was crowned UK Jazz Act of the Year and Vocalist of the Year in the Jazz FM Awards. Over the years Cécile has performed everywhere from tiny basements like The Jazz Bar in Edinburgh, to world famous spots like Ronnie Scott’s in London, to glamorous celebrity-packed New Year's Eve parties in Monaco.

Fresh from playing a packed Celtic Connections show in January, at the end of this month she’s on track for a headline show at The Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh to celebrate the release of her brand new, dripping in vintage jazz and soul, EP City Girl. Due at the end of February, City Girl features a crack cast of talented musicians (including members of Jungle and Incognito) across its five tracks as Cécile explores the feeling and energy of big city life. With the record on the way, we get to know Cécile a little better as she takes on the Q&A.

What’s your favourite place to visit?
Probably New York City! The energy and feeling is like nowhere else on Earth! I never tire of exploring the city and the jazz scene there is the best in the world!

What’s your favourite food?
Italian food and salt and vinegar crisps!

What’s your favourite colour?
Emerald green! My birth stone! 

Who was your hero growing up?
Nina Simone! I was obsessed with her piano playing, her voice and her presence of power. She makes people stop and listen to her. I love her style too.

Whose work inspires you now?
I am obsessed with Doechii at the moment, her commitment to excellence in her work is incredible. The bar has been set so high by her!

What three people would you invite to your dinner party and what are you cooking?
So I don’t cook very well for a start, but I’d order something in and I’d like to invite Judi Dench, Oprah and Shirley Bassey.

What’s your all-time favourite album?
Songs for Swingin' Lovers by Frank Sinatra. It is the epitome of class and timeless swing! I couldn’t go a day without it.

What’s the worst film you’ve ever seen?
Gosh, I hate sci-fi, anything like Star Trek is a big no for me!

What book would you take to a desert island?
The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. It’s a beautiful exotic story and laden with key life wisdom! I learned so many lessons from this book, it’s magical.

Georgia Cécile. Image: Jelani Pomell

What are you most scared of?
Failure!

What was the last gig you went to?
My friend Alex Bryson had his album launch at the Pizza Express jazz club last night in Soho, it was incredible!

Tell us a secret?
I don't really have any, honestly, I’m an open book.

Which celebrity could you take in a fight?
I wouldn’t really fight anymore, I’d rather get a cuppa tea and a Tunnock's Teacake and talk it over!

If you could be reincarnated as an animal, which animal would it be and why?
Definitely a cat. My little ragdoll cat Simone (named after Nina) has the best life ever!

In line with this month’s meet the team question, who is your favourite puppet and why?
Elmo? I guess I saw the movie in Universal Studios in the USA when I was a kid!

And what’s your favourite song involving a puppet?
The Sesame Street theme tune.

Finally, you’re releasing your latest EP, City Girl, at the end of February – what inspired the record, and what can you tell us about it?
This record is inspired by the feeling and energy of big city life! I moved to London two years ago and this EP is a result of the creative relationships I have found here and the inspiring experiences I have had living here. The record is a culmination of my core influences in jazz and soul music but pushes the boundaries of the genres.

Being in London has given me a sense of permission to be playful and more exploratory in my music making. I feel able to take more risks and try new things. Working with people from all cultures and walks of life has really inspired my sound, it’s pushed my creative boundaries. I wanted to capture the vitality, energy and feeling of the cities that I have spent the most time in – London, Glasgow, New York, Paris.

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City Girl is released via on 28 Feb; Georgia Cécile plays The Queen's Hall, Edinburgh, 28 Feb