Shan Mckenzie

English composer James Cook composed three major symphonies in his twenties and after a brief spell studying composition at Oxford in 1994 turned to the writing of sacred vocal and choral music, much of which has been recorded for Divine Art/Diversions. In 2000 he began to concentrate on organ music and competed a cycle of nine organ symphonies. Looking to expand his horizons further he turned to opera in 2010; his first, “Dorothy”, was premiered in London in 2015. Since then he has produced several more including a cycle of four on Biblical themes.

Sarah McKenzie - pianist, vocalist and composer - is one of Australia's up-and-coming jazz musicians. She sings with the kind of phrasing that only a true jazz singer can come up with while her groove of the piano is the stuff that makes people want to play jazz. She is a musical marvel.

Jazz pianist, composer and singer, Sarah McKenzie's sixth album, Without You, is a Brazilian jazz project that conveys her love for Brazilian music and culture. It includes a generous amount of Antonio Carlos Jobim songs along with four of McKenzie's originals and a few other selections, all played tastefully, and in her own inventive way. "I've always loved the music of Brazil, Tom Jobim, Elis Regina, and of course Astrud Gilberto," says Sarah McKenzie. "What I especially love about Jobim is the simplicity and clarity of his melodies, songs that one can remember and sing." Rather than simply recording a typical Brazilian heritage album, she reinvigorates the timeless music with fresh ideas and subtle surprises, adding to it's legacy.