Elsenham singer Rosie James takes on music legends at big band show

A singer and songwriter from Elsenham turned her talents to big band favourites at a concert, emulating greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Barbra Streisand.

Rosie James teamed up with Tom Huttlestone for the Tom Sings The Legends show at Royston Town Hall, hosted by big band Opus One, on November 2, and wowed the audience with a solo performance.

The former Stansted Mountfitchet High School student has sung at several charity events, including Stortford Heroes Party In The Park, and performed at Thaxted Festival and the Jack Petchey Foundation’s Glee show at Cliffs Pavilion in Southend.

Rosie, 25, who teaches students at De Rosa New Music shop in Saffron Walden, has been working on new material with award-winning producer Rob Jones at his Manor Studio in Braintree.

She will soon be releasing her own album in collaboration with the Singers Company Canada and multi-platinum award-winning producer Roy Hamilton III.

The big band show enabled her to diversify, and the success of her duets with Tom has sparked plans for more concerts together.

Band leader and show producer Mark Huttlestone spotted Rosie performing in a Costa Coffee shop in Saffron Walden and, impressed with her vocal quality and tone, decided she would be ideal to complement Tom for the show in Royston.

“It was a joy having Rosie perform with the band,” said Mark. “She’s an immense talent who absolutely complemented Tom on the night.

“I hope this will be the springboard for new ventures in 2025, starting with a show at The Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, a venue performed by many great bands including the Sid Lawrence Orchestra.”

Opus One Big Band was formed in Hertfordshire in 1983 and has had many successful years developing from amateur to professional status, performing at the Royal Albert Hall, National Trust events to more than 20,000 people and working with stars including The Beverley Sisters, Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet and Gary Williams.

Tom Huttlestone has recently turned professional and is building up a reputation in Hertfordshire and Essex. For more information see his website at www.thomashuttlestone.com.

Catch up on Rosie’s latest musical events on Instagram: @rosiejsings / @tomhuttlestonemusic.