Fionna Duncan

Glasgow based singer. Started in her teens in folk music in 1950s and was offered a recording contract in the USA. However, returned to the UK to develop her rapidly growing interest in jazz. Made her reputation singing with the ‘Clyde Valley Stompers’, who became one of the top attractions on the pro jazz club circuit. Also sang with Glasgow’s ‘Steadfast JB’ and ‘Forrie Cairn’s Clansmen’. On a tour with the Stompers, Fionna sang on stage with Louis Armstrong. Since then has pursued a successful freelance solo career, singing regularly with top British bands such as those of Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball, Terry Lightfoot and ‘Bob Wallis’s Storeyville JB’. Also sang regularly with the ‘George Penman Jazzmen’ of Glasgow and Edinburgh’s ‘Scottish Jazz Advocates’ in the 1980s with whom she went to the Sacromenta Jubilee. In the 2000s, sang with her own trio which included bass player Ronnie Rae, her musical partner, appeared at various festivals and ran a number of jazz vocal workshops. A major figure in Scottish jazz.