Clare Teal

Welcome to the world of Clare Teal, distinguished British vocalist and acclaimed broadcaster, renowned for her contributions to jazz, specialising in the genres of swing and big band.

Clare’s passion for music was inspired by her father’s small collection of 78’s; including Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong

Signed to Candid Records in 2001, Clare’s big break came when broadcasting legend Sir Michael Parkinson discovered her around 2002. A deal with Sony Records followed, resulting in her Top 20 major-label debut, Don’t Talk.

After two records on Sony, Clare moved to a Universal imprint before starting her own independent label Mud records in 2009 with partner Mud - this has been Clare’s recording home ever since, resulting in 12 critically acclaimed albums including 2011’s celebration of the Great British Songbook Hey Ho, 2016’s Twelve O’Clock Tales where Clare is accompanied by The Hallé Orchestra and big band and 2021’s They Say It’s Swing.

Clare has released 22 albums, appeared on many others and sung with music greats including Sam Smith as part of their 2024 Prom at The Royal Albert Hall, Van Morrison (Carrying A Torch), Gregory Porter, Jamie Cullum (Road Less Travelled), Curtis Stigers and Kurt Elling.

Clare has produced 3 BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, broadcast on BBC Radio 2 and 3 and televised on BBC4.

As well as an award-winning performer and recording artist Clare is a historian of music, with an encyclopaedic knowledge of jazz, swing and big band traditions. Her love of these genres shines through all her work; on stage, in the studio, or as a beloved radio host for 16 years at BBC Radio 2, JazzFM and BBC Radio 3.