Roy Forbes Trio

‘Is there a better male jazz singer in this country? Probably not. Roy Forbes is a master of his trade’ (The Birmingham Mail).

Roy was born in Sparkbook, Birmingham, and started singing at school and at his church where he joined the choir. Ska was a big influence from his father who also loved country music and jazz. In the 80's he met saxophonist Andy Hamilton and started singing jazz with the Blue Notes for 13 years. 'First of all, Andy gave me a tape with the songs on that he thought I should be singing, which was mostly like Joe Williams and Count Basie. And, okay, I listened to them. And I learned the songs. But I never did sing the songs in the way they were on the record. Never. That singing that I did after learning the songs was coming purely from me, it was my personality.' Infused with the warmth of that personality, his dynamic and soulful treatments of the Great American Songbook have brought him acclaim at international festivals as far afield as Milan and St. Lucia, as well as continuing popularity in his native Birmingham. His impeccable song stylings are a regular, much admired feature.

Until his daughter was born in 2000 he was a full time professional musician but then took on day jobs to support his family. He has worked for the Post Office for many years while maintaining a part-time career as a singer including leading his own quintet.