Singing Her Way to Success
In 2004, Shalom established her own quintet with the purpose of developing a sound that is uniquely their own. This group has become a regular at Australia’s oldest jazz club, El Rocco, where it has a number of sold out concerts. Shalom has been described in Drum Media as “an evocative performer whose powerful voice transports audiences to another time.”
The group performs regularly at company functions and is flexible to perform as a trio or quartet depending on the size of the space. November and December is a particularly busy time for the group as they perform for work Christmas parties. They are adept at moving from background music to dancing music as required during the evening. Through her journey, Shalom has learned many lessons along the way. She is now able to define success as a process of continual learning and being prepared in order to take hold of opportunities as they arise. Also, Shalom has always been proactive in creating her own opportunities, and spends time planning goals and letting creative ideas simmer until they are ready to present the public. Her latest project has been a tribute concert to the ladies of the silver screen which will be debuting at Glen Street Theatre in July.
Shalom’s success is a combination of consistent hard work and dedication. She believes that it is important have technique as a basis, but ultimately the only thing that will progress someone from being a ‘closet singer’ is getting out there and doing it. “You may fall flat on your face as I did many times at the beginning with BBB, but this is all part of the learning process. Its really important to take risks, and I make sure that every time we play a concert there are a couple of new songs in the repertoire to ensure we keep on our toes. Its all about balancing your comfort zone with fresh ideas.” The biggest lesson learned has been to develop a strong sense of self, one that is not easily swayed by opinion or criticism. Quite simply, she believes in herself.
Upcoming performances include 3 July Songs of Silver Screen’s Leading Ladies at Glen Street Theatre and 7 July at the El Rocco Jazz Cellar in Kings Cross. |
In this issue Singing Her Way to Success |
Shalom Andrews enjoys entertaining audiences in a style that she has coined ‘vintage jazz and blues’ due to its 1930s-50s origins. From the age of 5 years old in the church choir, Shalom has been entertaining audiences with her amazing talent. She’s worked hard for the success she has earned and has invested her time in an acting degree and arts management, as well as 8 years fronting a 40 piece band called Benjamins Big Band (BBB). This band played a variety of musical styles including jazz, pop, soul and blues. With BBB, Shalom toured the USA and Canada where she performed at Montreal Jazz Festival, Harlem Meer Festival (Central Park, NY), Vancouver Jazz Festival, Wally’s Jazz Club (Boston) and Smoke Nightclub (Broadway, NY). She also sang annually at NSW jazz festivals including Manly, Kiama, Merimbula, Newcastle and Thredbo. 
Initially, her biggest challenge as a singer was gaining confidence to perform in front of an audience. Having trained in flute for nine years and completing an acting degree, Shalom is used to being on stage, but singing was a much more private experience. “I have found that with playing an instrument or acting you have something to hide behind. With singing, you are completely exposed and vulnerable. However, it is this baring of the soul that audiences respond to, and now I find it to be the most satisfying creative outlet. I have finally learnt to ride the adrenalin rather than let it overtake me.” Shalom intends to take the personal experience a step further by performing her own songs, which reflect a stronger blues/roots approach. 
She hopes the future brings more concerts and performances for the young lady with the big voice. 