Sam Carelse has performed close to 300 shows, in venues such as The Grand, Brighton Pavilion and Brighton Dome, and at some of the UK’s most prestigious festivals. As well as fronting her own bands such as the popular gypsy swing group Amuse Manouche, her professionalism, musicality and versatility means she is a go-to vocalist for many bands of all sizes and styles, including the Soultastics, Brighton Mafia Big Band and Les Paul Big Band.

She draws particular inspiration from Anita O’Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Annie Ross. In addition, her understanding of harmony comes from her abilities as a pianist, which she continues to study in her spare time.

Sam’s ability to deliver thrilling live performances as well as providing music suitable for dancing and mingling to has made her one of the most in-demand vocalists in the South East. 2019 saw Sam establish herself in Bristol’s flourishing jazz scene, and 2020 is set to be her biggest year yet.

“The singer, one Sam Carelse, was extraordinary. I don’t know much about jazz singers but let me go out on a limb and say that I’ve never heard anyone who was white sound so much like Billie Holiday. This, I thought, is the kind of jazz I can live with.” Nicholas Lezard, The New Statesman