We’re thrilled to welcome Parliamentary Jazz Vocalist of the Year winner, Emma Smith to The Bear Club for the first time. With her star very much on the rise and with extensive experience performing everywhere from the Royal Albert Hall to the world’s leading jazz clubs, it’s no wonder that Emma’s shows are fast becoming the hottest ticket in whichever town she’s playing in.
She has collaborated with the likes of Michael Bublé, The Quincy Jones Orchestra, Jeff Goldblum and Jeremy Pelt / Wayne Escoffery quintet. Along the way, she has built a formidable reputation as a powerful, expressive artist on the global jazz scene, nurturing a loyal fanbase that returns show after show.
Emma’s many accolades to date include the widespread success of her long-established vocal harmony group, The Puppini Sisters, as well as a four-year stint as a broadcaster on BBC Radio 3. She also holds a position with acclaimed touring group, the Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. Following a triumphant tour with American supergroup Postmodern Jukebox, Emma’s career continues to soar — with tastemakers tipping her as one of the most exciting voices in jazz today.
Growing up in a family of jazz musicians, it was inevitable that Emma would catch the bug for joyous, swinging music. With a saxophonist mother and a trumpeter-composer father, she was surrounded by jazz chords, bebop records, and three-part vocal harmony from a young age.
Emma has received a range of awards and acknowledgements - she was nominated for the Parliamentary Jazz Award in the Jazz Vocalist of the Year category in both 2022 and 2023, before proudly winning the title in 2024.
Her much-anticipated new album Bitter Orange arrived in summer 2025 to great acclaim. It’s a gorgeous homage to the Great American Songbook, the world of show tunes, of Julie London, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and, perhaps most notably, Barbara Streisand. An intimate snapshot into the mind and personal life of a self-making female artist, Bitter Orange captures Emma’s mission to be heard and make an impact in today’s world — with a sound rooted in yesterday.
“…delivers risk-taking, humour, a deep pocket, unforgettable interpretations and, most important of all, a huge emotional payload.”
“Emma Smith is a singer with a voice that is a breath of fresh air to the jazz world.”
“…she interprets the material with wonderful panache”
Doors 7pm / Music 8.30pm / Tickets £20/ £16 for members
All seating/tables are first come first served.