Chrystel Wautier is one of the most promising talents on the Belgian jazz scene. Drawn to the genres of soul and R&B from early on, she also crucially studied classical music from the age of seven, focusing on music theory and piano. At age 19, her interests turned more toward jazz. Her father, who is both a pastor and a musician, introduced her to the sounds of gospel. In 2000, she won a place at the Brussels jazz conservatory, winning competitions two years later. With her own quartet, she was soon finding opportunities to perform all over Belgium, appearing with such luminaries of the country's jazz world as Jean-Louis Rassinfosse, Philippe Aerts, Richard Rousselet and Mimi Verderame. In 2007, she released her first album, Between Us, with her second, Peace of Time, following in 2010. Chrystel Wautier has also performed backing vocals in a great number of different capacities, including in the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest, in which she supported Belgian stars Krazy Mess Groovers. Her third album, 2013's Before a Song, features a quintet whose members depart from traditional jazz sounds in favour of a more modern and experimental approach. Prevalent among their influences are elements of soul, gospel, pop and Latin jazz, in the context of their own compositions and lyrics, with most of the instrumentation the work of pianist Cédric Raymond. Before a Song has been received with great enthusiasm by both jazz critics and listeners alike, and its title number has become a mainstay on Belgium's national radio stations. For her appearance at Jazz Showcase, Chrystel Wautier will be playing a selection mostly from this record.

Presented by: Palace of Arts