Since her radio debut on Jazz FM in 2003 from a demo sent into Campbell Burnap, Zena has regularly worked on the London and South East jazz scene. She moved to London in the nineties from her native Wiltshire, near Bath. From a lifelong passion for soul and R&B which is evident in her delivery and song treatment, Zena "discovered" jazz just ten years ago. Her crystal clear, distinctive and soulful voice is influenced by an eclectic mix of sounds from Anita O' Day to Stevie Wonder and other seventies soul sounds to Eva Cassidy. With a distinctive soulful and bluesy approach to popular standards and lesser-known gems, British vocalist Zena james has received rave press reviews since the sell- out launch of her debut album Tell Me More (Jazzizit Records) in March 2007. From a lifelong passion for soul and R&B that characterizes her delivery, her funky arrangements and her album´s two compelling original tunes, Zena turned to jazz just nine years ago and has been making her mark on the South East scene ever since she sent a demo to Jazz FM in 2003. Her inimitable, emotive voice is influenced by jazz, soul and pop sound from Anita O’Day to Stevie Wonder to Eva Cassidy. Described by critics as “the real deal with an intelligent approach to the familiar lyric and a good ear for neglected classic”, her live performance is powerful, stylish and very engaging. Zena was born near Chippenham near Bath and lived in the Bath area until heading to Surrey University at 19 where she studied German and Russian. Having spent years as a teenager in her songwriter/guitarist father´s home studio recording pop tunes, she joined soul and pop bands in England and Germany before starting a London career in public relations. The full time to commitment to PR for charities and companies gave way to singing several years ago when she went freelance and Zena is now happily self employed building her UK Jazz career.