Winners of the Best Vocalist Award at the 2017 Bucharest International Jazz Competition and finalists of the British Peter Whittingham Award, the German jazz vocalist Miriam Ast and Spanish pianist Victor Gutierrez released their debut album ‚Secret Songs’ on the German label Mons Records in July 2018. Both graduates from the Royal Academy of Music, they present a personal and intimate collection of originals and jazz standard arrangements characterised by heartfelt story-telling, fresh interactions and energetic improvisations. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign last year, they have been delighted to feature the legendary British saxophonist Stan Sulzmann on the album. The duo has performed throughout the UK and Germany including performances at SommerNachtJazz in Mainz, Beethoven-Haus Bonn, The Lescar Sheffield, The 606 Club and most recently as part of the world-renowned EFG London Jazz Festival.
“An album of originals and standards(…) by a promising young ex-Royal Academy vocal piano duo of German and Spanish descent, combining assertive scat and post-Jarrett jazz piano sensibilities.”
Jazzwise magazine
“Their music takes you on a journey into a compellingly intimate and joyful world.”
Gwilym Simcock
“Miriam Ast and Victor Gutierrez are an act worthy of all the accolades they have attracted, delivering a performance that was enclosed, personal, and most importantly, unforgettable.”
Akeem Balogun, writer Sheffield
