Lea DeLaria
@ the PizzaExpress Jazz Club
16 November 2010

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Biography

Lea DeLaria, who already enjoyed a career as a Broadway singer and stand-up comedian, made her recording Warner Bros. debut in 2000 with the album “Play It Cool”. Her second album, “Double Standards”, received rave reviews in the UK and US press.

DeLaria’s UK jazz live dates have included the London Jazz Festival (2001 and 2007), Brighton’s Komedia, as well as several sold-out residencies at Pizza Express, and Pizza On The Park. She has also appeared at the New York City JVC, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and as the featured vocalist of The 50th Anniversary of The Newport Jazz Festival Tour.

Delaria is the first openly gay comic to appear on national television in the United States ( Arsenio Hall, 1993) from this point forward she has toured the world with her one-of-a-kind blend of cool jazz and in your face comedy.The United States Congress officially criticised Delaria in 1993, but this has not stopped her winning accolades including Muff Diva - Best Of The Fest (Edinburgh 1993) and Best Live Performance (Backstage Award 1999). Her work for television has also recieved acclaim, including the 1994 Regional Emmy for her performaces on Chanel 4 UK Television. Delaria was also awarded the 1999 Glama award for role in

Delaria continues to tour, performing at major festivals and clubs worldwide. She continues to impress critics and woo fans with her voice, she also continues to cross boundaries with her no take prisoner comedy approach.

Desert Island Discs

Which 2 albums would you take with you to a desert island?

David Bowie – Changes
Charles Mingus – Ah Um