Fiona Ross Celebrates 100 Original Songs with Jazz Album 'Moments in My Notebook'

Fiona Ross Celebrates Her 100-Song Milestone with 'Moments in My Notebook'

Fiona Ross, the award-winning vocalist, pianist, composer, and producer, has just released her latest album titled 'Moments in My Notebook', celebrating a remarkable milestone in her musical career—her 100th original song. This album, which is now available, comprises 21 tracks that beautifully blend jazz elements, personal narratives, and a rich array of musical influences that showcase Ross's extraordinary creativity and emotional storytelling.

With this release, Ross proves once again that she defies conventions, and the album's tracks serve as vivid snapshots depicted from her life experiences. In her own words, "I still write everything in notebooks." Many of the songs stem from diverse inspirations—some blossomed from a poignant bass line, others from a simple lyric, and several even sprang from casual conversations overheard at a café. 'Moments in My Notebook' is thus a collection of 21 heartfelt moments pulled from those pages, emphasizing the artist's journey.

The album opens with the striking single 'Let Your Soul Shine', which was inspired by a sign Ross spotted at a local market stall. Ross reflects on the simplicity of creativity, stating, "I walked home, sat at the piano, and the song poured out in ten minutes." This clear and powerful emotion is echoed throughout the album, particularly in tracks like 'Pirates in Paris', a romantic anthem symbolizing Ross’s personal journey towards freedom. It's a clear homage to her experiences in Paris, a city she describes as a place where she feels truly herself.

Another standout track, 'I Don’t Want Money', speaks to the profound struggle many creatives face when pursuing passion in a world that often prioritizes monetary gain. Ross articulates this beautifully, intending the song to resonate with any artist eager to dedicate their life to what they love. Her dedication to showcasing authenticity isn’t only evident in her catchy melodies but also in her poignant lyrics, as expressed in 'Voices Unheard', which honors historical figures often forgotten in mainstream narratives, mentioning the likes of Melba Liston, James Baldwin, and Ida B. Wells.

A unique highlight of this album is 'China Told Me The Live Session', inspired by fellow musician China Moses. The track was recorded on the same day at Premises Studios, featuring an all-female empowered team, including the emerging teen ensemble J Steps. The selection of musicians on this album further enhances its depth, with contributions from notable artists such as Gibbi Bettini on guitar and Dave Boa on trumpet, alongside a collection of guest spots by other talented musicians.

Produced across multiple studios, 'Moments in My Notebook' balances the energetic spirit of live jazz with high-quality production, allowing each track to breathe and resonate with listeners. The closing song, dubbed '100 Songs', serves as an introspective reflection on Ross's artistic journey and legacy. It raises a touching question, asking, "What would my parents say if they were here?"—a moving finale to a significant milestone.

In honor of this release, Fiona Ross is set to embark on a UK and European tour, including a notable performance scheduled for June 4 at London's Soul Mama. This tour is an exciting opportunity for fans to experience her heartfelt music live, intertwining storytelling with innovative jazz sounds.

Fiona Ross’s 'Moments in My Notebook' is not just an album, but a testament to her enduring spirit as a creative artist, showcasing her dedication to personal storytelling through an awe-inspiring 100 songs. It is a vibrant celebration of artistic expression and a reminder of the enduring power of music to reflect one’s journey and experiences.