Lucy Randell will mark the release of the new Amy Winehouse biopic by performing Back To Black

AS the excitement grows among loyal fans about the chance to revisit and remember Amy Winehouse’s seminal album Back to Black, the New Journal and Camden Markets have teamed up to offer our readers an exclusive free gig to hear the famous album in its entirety – sung live by jazz vocalist Lucy Randell.

Lucy, whose career has seen her star at venues Amy also played at – Ronnie Scott’s, The Jazz Café and Koko – has blazed a trail as a jazz singer with a range similar to the late pop star.

“Amy had that jazz voice – a voice like Billie Holliday or Dinah Washington,” says Lucy.

The event begins with a DJ set at 2pm before she takes to the stage with a full band to sing Back to Black in full.

“Her voice tone comes from that age and is the thing I really, really love about her. Learning her work you get a real idea of her sense of timing and rhythm,” says Lucy.

“It is really unique and really quite difficult to pinpoint.”

While Amy’s love of jazz and traditional swing from the USA is well documented, Lucy says another key driver is apparent when you deconstruct her work and rehearse it.

“What really comes over too is Amy’s love of hip hop and rap,” she says.

“To sing Amy Winehouse you have to recognise that rhythm and tonal texture, and her timing. You really have to listen to how she lands her syllables.”

Lucy is not a Winehouse tribute act and does not do an impression of the singer.

She has been asked to do an Amy gig and has had requests to appear in full regalia, including a beehive and tattoos.

“I am a singer who works in my own way,” she says. “I did not want to do an impersonation. Instead, I interpret her music.”

Lucy recalls the impact hearing the singer had on her.

“I remember the first time, exactly where I was,” she reveals. “She was on the radio. I was shopping in Miss Selfridges in Lakeside, Thurrock. I remember being shocked to discover she was my age. It influenced me to have the confidence to explore creating a sound I really wanted.”

Like Amy, Lucy spent her youth immersed in great music, inspired by her parents.

“I always sang as a child. I was singing before I could talk.,” she says.

Lucy’s mother was a singer and she grew up in a household full of music and art.

She said: “We listened to my parents’ vinyl collection endlessly. My mum did not like things that were too pop. she played us The Beatles, Bill Withers, Joni Mitchell and Pink Floyd. My dad loved jazz and soul. I remember one day at primary school a girl asked me who my favourite band was. “I replied, The Beatles. They looked really con­fused and said: who?”

Aged 18, Lucy studied music at college in Guildford.

“That was really good for me,” says the singer. “I was a little lost and not sure what to do with my life. My mum pushed me and showed me a path for a career in music.”

Lucy said a music education suited her.

“I didn’t get on to well at school and struggled with exams”, she says, and college focused her mind. “I really found out then what I wanted to do.”

And music training is lifelong. Working with signing coaches has helped her hone her performance.

“Vocal tutors help you stop developing bad habits,” she adds. “You can pinpoint problems.”

It looks like it will be an emotional and nostalgic afternoon on Saturday, when she takes to a specially built stage in the Stables Market, a stone’s throw from Amy’s statue.

Lucy Randell and her band play Back to Black live at the Stables Market, joined by the Dig IT Sound System DJs from 2pm, Saturday April 13, free entry.