Biography
Esther Miller was born and raised in Port Elizabeth, South Africa's east coast motor city, where she sang in church and school choirs and raided the family Nat King Cole albums for early inspiration.
She studied medicine in Cape Town, but soon gave in to the lure of jazz.
In a wonderfully back-handed compliment, her alma mater, the University of Cape Town, reflected: "Giving up medicine in favour of Jazz was clearly a wise move."
She started off as the vocalist with Gerry Spencer’s “Jazz Cyclone” – one of the leading bands on the South African jazz circuit at the time.
During this early apprentice she worked with some excellent players, including guitarists Herb Ellis, Johnny Fourie, Errol and Alvin Dyers - saxophonists Winston Mankunku and Ezra Ngkukana, Bassist Basil Moses, to name but a few
Esther has honed her technique with classical singing lessons and delved into jazz history to take her inspiration from Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Shirley Horn and Blossom Dearie as well as the jazz/pop of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.
Recorded works include the 2009 release, "A Place in the Sunlight" “Dream Dancing” in 2006 - “Invitation” in 2002 – “Say Hello to Esther” in 1999.
The latest addition to her discography, “A Place In the Sunlight”, was recorded in September 2008. The album also features Pianist Steve Melling, Trumpeter, Steve Waterman; Bassist, Zoltan Dekany and Drummer, John Perry. Peter King performs a guest spot on alto saxophone.
“Voice, style and presence – she has it all.” Humphrey Lyttelton
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