Beate S. Lech

Beate S. Lech's truly exceptional voice has impressed fans and critics alike - the world over. Refined, resonant, and seductive, her range and tone are impeccable. Her once described "honey-smooth voice" is "infused with smoldering emotional heat". She could undoubtedly sing you the biggest lie you have ever heard, and your heart would want to believe every word of it. Born in Øvre Årdal, Norway (Sogn og Fjordane) in 1974, and raised in Volda, Norway (Møre og Romsdal), Beate grew up in a purely musical environment. Her Norwegian mother and Polish father were both musicians and music teachers that encouraged her musical development. She then moved to Oslo in 1993 to study music at the University of Oslo and the State Academy of Music. Amongst others, Lech's vocal instructors were Stina Nordenstam (SE) and Sidsel Endresen (NO). Beate still lives in Oslo to this day. Until recently and since 1999, her primary musical project has been the band Beady Belle (Jazzland Recordings), where Beate has been the lead vocalist, songwriter, and lyricist. Beady Belle presents melodically mature music. "Understated yet powerful stuff, bearing more fruit with each listen. Nothing overstays it's welcome and nothing intrudes where it doesn't belong. Hooks abound, yet are never pushed to the point of distraction from the rest of the song. This is assured songwriting." Beady Belle takes many of the musical conventions of country music; setting up expectation of the predictable country course, only to jump sideways into a purely urban cool jazz style, or have that vibe dissipate in a smoky haze of smooth soul cool. But they have never been purists: The stylistic juxtapositions are done with aplomb, never feeling bolted together, but instead are seamlessly blended, moving confidently across or simultaneously through different genres. Beady Belle has toured the world over. Bringing their infectious sound to, such nations as the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Turkey, Croatia, Poland, The Netherlands, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, and many more. They have performed live concerts in over 130 cities and played many of the greatest festivals in the world. Beady Belle has collaborated with musical icons like Jamie Cullum (UK), and India.Arie (USA), who are both featured on the band's fourth album "Belvedere". More information on Beady Belle can be found on their website: www.beadybelle.com. Over the last few years, Beate S. Lech has also collaborated with many artists and musicians, both on the live stage and in the recording studio. Amongst others: Sidsel Endresen, Bugge Wesseltoft, Jarle Bernhoft, Martin Horntveth, Lars Horntveth, Jon Eberson, Solveig Slettahjell, Hild Sofie Tafjord, Georg Riedel, Lester Young, Sjur Miljeteig, Peder Kjeldsby, Morten Quenild, and Simone Larsen. Beate Aslo Teaches at the State Academy of Music in Oslo. November 2011 marked the release of Beate S. Lech's debut album under her own name. "Min song og hjarteskatt" (Kirkelig Kulturverksted), features timeless Norwegian folk songs and hymns that have been ornamented with new lyrics from female poets - specifically for this project. An astonishing list of authors include: Marit Kaldhol, Bente Bratlund, Hilde Myklebust, and Beate herself. Borghild Slettevoll, Beate's grandmother, has also contributed many of the new lyrics. Musically, the album is a captivating blend of jazz, lullabies, and hymns. Drawings inspiration from Monica Zetterlund, Bill Evans, and Jan Johansson's "Jazz på svenska", the collection also includes some hints of negro spirituals and soul. The album was recorded in September in Oslo's fabled Kulturkirken Jakob, and is blessed with musicians of the highest caliber, including: Georg Riedel (double bass), David Wallumrød (organ), Erlend Slettevoll (grand piano), and Knut Aalefjær (drums). Latest release November 2014, "Høgtidsrom" - a Christmas Album. Old, traditional Norwegian Christmas songs, and some newly written. All arrangements written by Beate S. Lech - for band and choir. The choir on the album is SKRUK, leaded by Per Oddvar Hildre. Beate S. Lech has written new lyrics to several of the old songs. In the band: Andreas Ulvo, Marius Reksjø and Andreas Bye. All songs in Norwegian language. Discography: # Main projects 2014: Beate S. Lech - "Høgtidsrom" 2013: Beady Belle - "Cricklewood broadway" 2011: Beate S. Lech – “Min song og hjarteskatt” (Nominated for Norwegian Grammy) 2010: Beady Belle - “At welding bridge” (Nominated for Norwegian Grammy) 2008: Beady Belle – “Belvedere” (the video “Self-fulfilling” nominated for Norwegian Grammy) 2005: Beady Belle – “Closer” (Nominated for Norwegian Grammy) 2004: Metropolitan – “Love is blind” 2003: Beady Belle – “Cewbeagappic” 2001: Beady Belle – “Home” 1999: Metropolitan – “Metropolitan” 1998: Folk & Røvere – “Kaustisk soda” 1996: Folk & Røvere – “Vi som ikke har opplevd krigen” # Guest performance on other artists albums: 2009: Diverse artists - “Go’ natt”. Lullabies. (A collection of Kari Bremnes, Solveig Slettahjell, Silje Neergaard, Live Maria Roggen, Torun Eriksen and Beate S. Lech) 2008: Ralph Gum – “United Music” 2006: “Gramatikk og kjærleik” – Musical about Ivar Aasen 2003: Friko – “Burglar ballads” 2002: Folk & Røvere – “Bagateller” 2001: Jon Eberson – “Dreams that went astray” 1999: Jan Magne Førde – “Domen” 1999: Folk & Røvere – “Oslo” Beate S. Lech & Skruk - Høgtidsrom. Release 14/11: http://kkv.no/hogtidsrom