She'd like to teach the world to sing, and now Watford-based singer songwriter Esta B Daley is proving that her years of vocal training have paid off, having been crowned winner of the worldwide JazzFM Puresolo singing competition by leading UK saxophonist Snake Davis.

Her prize is a mentoring session and a performance with The Snake Davis Band at PizzaExpress Jazz Club Soho.

Esta learned piano from an early age and was already playing in a band by the age of 15. She went on to study music at Goldsmith’s College and Middlesex University.

By the age of 23, Esta was working as a session musician and had embarked on her career as a vocal coach, providing training for backing singers at Islington Music Workshop.

Esta now runs the Vocal Life Coach singing school based at Rickmansworth Golf Club. She says everyone can benefit from learning to sing.

“I work with autistic children and pupils who have been excluded. Singing really helps them to express themselves. It is something they can call their own, they can learn to develop an identity and be comfortable with who they are. As a performer, it’s fair to say Esta has found her comfort zone. She formed her own jazz band in 2006 and in 2008 she released her first EP, Edge of the Middle.

“I started quite late, I suppose,” says Esta. “When I was growing up, my father was always listening to the radio and I was surrounded by music all the time. I was inspired by electrifying performers such as Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner and, my all time favourite, Shirley Bassey.”

Esta will perform with The Snake Davis Band this Friday, May 21 at PizzaExpress Jazz Club Soho, doors open 7.30pm, The Foodies Festival, Hampton Court on Bank Holiday Monday, May 31 and at Watford Bandstand at the Watford For You Festival on July 31.

Details: 07790 451509, www.estabdaley.com, www.pizzaexpresslive.co.uk