Victoria Newton

Born in Australia, Newton developed her academic focus on jazz and classical traditions while based in Perth, completing studies in clarinet at the University of Western Australia. She simultaneously enrolled in a jazz vocals program at the Conservatorium and performed regularly as a member of the Western Australia Youth Jazz Orchestra. After entering the Australian Singing Competition she advanced to finalist status. Relocating to the UK in 1990, she rapidly gained recognition across London’s jazz, pop and Latin circuits. Early collaborators included acid-jazz guitarist Ronny Jordan and the Latin jazz fusion band Cayenne, where she took the role of lead singer; she was also the first vocalist engaged by Steve Rubie’s Latin ensemble Samara.

In late 1994 Newton joined dance-pop group Strike as lead singer, an affiliation that generated extensive touring and select studio work. The act’s debut single “U Sure Do” climbed to number 4 on the UK charts and achieved solid sales across continental Europe and Australia. Strike subsequently performed in Spain, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany and Japan, securing additional UK Top 40 singles while their album I Saw The Future earned both critical praise and strong public response.

Newton’s broad repertoire has made her a frequent choice for engagements at prominent London hotels and clubs. She performs repertoire in Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese. In 2002 she appeared with the London funk outfit 3 Bean Salad. Beyond those affiliations she fronts the all-female ensemble Katmandhu and participates in Oxala, a Brazilian-music collective. Her debut jazz album under her own name appeared in 2004 and met with favorable notices from both reviewers and listeners. Jazz artists she has accompanied include pianists Jonathan Gee, David Newton, Gwilym Simcock and Gareth Williams. In addition to her stage work, Newton instructs on the Jazz Studies course at Trinity College of Music and maintains an established practice as a vocal coach.