Celebrating over 40 years as a live performer, Eddi Reader has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers. What sets Eddi apart is the depth and quality of the emotional performance and ability to not only move the listener, but connect her experience to that of her audience. No two performances are ever the same.
Though first brought into the limelight as front woman for Fairground Attraction, who’s #1 single, Perfect and parent album, First of a Million Kisses, both topped the charts in the U.K., Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, it was Eddi’s subsequent solo albums that signaled her ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them very much her own. Notably, The Songs of Robert Burns (2003) is a timeless interpretation showcasing the poems of Scotland’s national bard and gained her honorary degrees from Strathclyde University, Caledonia University, Stirling University, Edinburgh University and Paisley University as well as an MBE for outstanding contributions to the Arts.
With her work in song, from the traditional to the contemporary, Eddi Reader extinguishes the preordained boundaries of genre, bringing joyous life to all forms. Her rare blend of meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combine with an astute and pragmatic nature to make her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary music. With 10 critically acclaimed solo albums, and awards in tow, Eddi continues to delight audiences worldwide. The past few years have proved to be some of her busiest yet, playing sell out shows as part of her ‘40 Years Live Tour’ in addition to appearing as special guest with the Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra for an extensive UK tour.
Eddi has also explored the acting profession, through her acclaimed performances as Jolene Jowett in John Byrnes Your Cheatin Heart (BBC Scotland production starring Tilda Swinton). She also appeared as a 1937 jazz singer in Richard Linklaters movie: Orson And Me, starring Zac Ephron and in her contribution as Joy 3 in Michael Boyd’s production of Janice Galloway’s The Trick Is to Keep Breathing, (Radio Four and a Tron theatre production also starring Siobhan Redmond and Jenny Black).