Fundraising gig in aid of vocalist

Explaining the rationale behind the event on May 8 in Bert’s Jazz Bar, fellow musician Lewis Smith said: ‘‘As is the tradition among Belfast musicians, we want to raise some money to support our colleague, to help aid her in her recovery and to give her space to breath before gifting us with the pleasure of her voice once again.’’

‘‘A core band of The Bert’s All Stars will be there to give musical support to guest singers and musicians. They will donate just like everyone else. It’ll be a brilliant night featuring some of Belfast’s greatest jazz musicians. There will also be an auction - proceeds to Marion.’’

Marion Jordan, from Belfast, is an award-winning performer. With over 15 years experience in concert, wedding and musical theatre work, she is an accomplished and highly regarded soloist and jazz singer, leading Linley Hamilton’s Mardi Gras band.

However, her career was put on hold earlier this year following a tragic accident.

She explains: ‘‘One night in February before a Swing Gal gig, I had an unfortunate accident where I fell backwards onto my head, twisting and over-extending my neck’’

Marion said she realised she had injured herself pretty badly, but added: ‘‘As a true veteran musician would do, the show must go on and Swing Gals performed. I battled on loaded up with painkillers and a smile.

‘‘I even kept recording the next night with the Arco String Quartet, ready to finish my upcoming sacred album.’’

She added: ‘‘After getting around to having an X-ray (being a busy mother of two and self employed singer) during the week, the results were drastic and really took me by surprise.

‘‘I was hospitalised for a week in the Royal’s spinal fracture ward. It was very frightening and made me realise how lucky I was that there was no paralysis from the fall. I was kept in for a week, missing my debut Swing Gal performance with the Ulster Orchestra, amongst other planned concerts.’’

Marion was out of work for three months and for the first three weeks ‘‘didn’t even make a sound’’.

‘‘That was an extremely weird experience for me. I’m normally all-singing, all-dancing. The housebound Marion was challenging to say the least. It was almost like God had put a brake on my life. But my family and friends were just awesome. I’m so grateful for them all.’’

When Marion had her accident she was in the middle of recording a sacred album, which should be available in coming months.

‘‘It’s inspired by my love of spiritual music and will be a meditative CD, in memory of my dear nephew James who died last year,’’ she said.

‘‘My faith has been my stronghold, throughout my entire life. It’s where I get greatest peace and strength. It’s also a blessing I can realise my love of singing and music alongside my faith and the power of prayer, the power of music is incredible.’’ she added.

The fundraiser will be on May 8 in Bert’s Jazz Bar, 9pm. Donations can be made at: https://www.gofundme.com/marionJordanFund