“Love comes, love goes… but songs are forever. Stories about new illusions and broken hearts. Tears, laughter and passion.”
529 is a London-based duo consisting of vocals and piano. Our mission is to bring classic and contemporary jazz, soul and popular music into the realm of voice and keys, simple yet sophisticated.
Claire & Rory have been working together as a duo in various guises for 3 years. Notable appearances have included Claire’s Jazz Cabaret Residency at Corks & Forks in Camden North London and at Acoustic Sounds near Brixton, South London. Claire’s repertoire of colourful characters, stories and situations populates Rory’s thematic landscapes to create musical scenes that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
When Claire graces the stage, she is simply at home there – engaging and enticing to watch – her shows have included storming appearances at The Pheasantry Pizza Express Jazz Club, Vauxhall Tavern and Edinburgh Festival.
Claire Birdland – Vocals
Claire Birdland is a renowned singer, actress, character comedienne, entertainer and events organiser. Born and bred in London, Claire trained in theatre and visual practice at Brighton and Dance, Drama & Live Arts at Manchester before completing a PGCE in Drama & Theatre Studies. On a performance level, Claire combines her love of connecting and engaging with individuals on all levels, which transmits into her performance art. Claire combines her busy schedule with work as a children’s teacher, mentor and entertainer by day and cabaret burlesque singer by night.
Rory Duffy – Piano
Rory Duffy is a pianist, saxophonist & music producer with a background in jazz and improvised music. Originally from Stroud, South West England, Rory is currently based in London, where he has worked in a variety of fields ranging from big bands and contemporary music groups to DJ’s, jazz and world music ensembles, party bands and musical theatre productions to promotional and media work, studio sessions and saxophonic / symphonic wind orchestras and quartets. Outside 529, current projects include Diáspora, Fiesta Latina and his Jazz Quartet.
"Decidedly surreal...Birdland's characters are inventive and delightful...deeply engaging, original characters...somewhere between character comedy and performance art...undoubtedly magnificent imagination...an excellent singer"
