Born in the East End of London, Virtuoso vocalist, Actor and composer Cleveland Watkiss Studied the voice at ‘London school of singing’ With Opera Coach ‘Arnold Rose’ and at the Guildhall School Of Music And Drama. Cleveland was also one of the co-founders of the vastly influential Jazz Warriors big band. His vocals can be heard on there debut album, Out of Many People which won a video award in Japan.
Cleveland was then entered for the Wire/Guardian Jazz Awards and was voted best vocalist for three consecutive years, and was the opening act of choice for two of the worlds greatest femail jazz vocalists 'Cassandra Wilson' And 'Abbey Lincoln'.... John Fordham, the Guardian music journalist accurately describes Cleveland as ‘arriving on the scene with a bang”.
He’s amazing vocal experiences has seen him perform with many diverse artists from around the world like: 'The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra',‘Dusseldolf Symphonic Orchestra‘,'Bob Dylan',Jackie Mittoo,'Keith Richards','James Taylor Quartet',Art Blakey, Sly & Robbie, Abdullah Ibrahim, 'Stevie Wonder', 'Patife',‘Lepaja Symphonic Orchestra‘, 'Carlinhos Brown', 'Robbie Williams','Joe Cocker','Bobby McFerrin', ‘The Who’'Branford Marsalis', 'George Martin',Art Blakey', ‘Julian Joseph‘,'Bocato Big Band','Lisa Stansfield', ‘Courtney Pine’, 'Janet Kay','Maxi Priest','Soul ii Soul', 'London chamber orchestra', 'Kassa Mady', 'Goldie','Cassandra Wilson', 'Kenny Wheeler big band', 'Sugar Minot','Talvin Singh', 'Bjork','Pete Townshend', 'London Community Gospel Choir' (LCGC), And many many More.....
Cleveland watkiss is also a very keen Music Educator, Working as a voice instructor for Singup, with workshops in Venues/Schools, colleges and Universities around the UK.
He also designed the vocal curriculum for BA Students at…
