Brenda Farlow (Soloist)

Brenda is a natural stage performer, who has performed internationally and throughout the UK.

During her early school days she demonstrated her singing ability, and later with local Operatic Societies in Saffron Walden and Cambridge she extended her experience.

Brenda originates from East Anglia, and has lived in Cyprus, Wales, Spain, and the West Country, where she always found an outlet to perform. Her regard for singing remained intense which lead to many years of stage shows, Concerts, Music Hall and Pantomime.

Her singing and dancing included leading roles in shows such as Grieg’s ‘Song of Norway’, Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’, ‘Fiddler on the Roof’, 'Carmen’, ‘Annie Get Your Gun’, ‘Oklahoma’ and Gilbert and Sullivan Operas.

For her ‘Music from the Shows’ performances with “Forget-Me-Not-Music” she enjoys performing the work of Ivor Novello, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Hoagy Carmichael and many others.  One of her main attributes is her ability to engage with her audience.

Working with pianist Robb Lawton, “Forget-Me-Not-Music” was a natural path where Brenda could take her wide repertoire to local audiences, such as Dinners, Concerts, Weddings, Retirement Parties and Homes.  

Brenda has a great love of musical song with a varied repertoire; and with Robb Lawton this continues to grow and grow. Recently Brenda has worked with Robb in his studio to create their first recorded collection of ‘Songs from the Shows’ ~ some of which can be heard in the ‘Soundcloud’ links below.

Brenda is a resident of Wiltshire.

Robb is a pianist who started playing as a child. He grew up surrounded by pianos and, as a chorister from 8 years old until he was 16, he developed a strong musical ear.

Rather than pursue the rigours of a classical training, Robb went his own way and developed a thorough working knowledge of musical structure for popular music on both piano and guitar.

The 1960s was a good time for young musicians who wanted to develop their own style in pop and jazz. As a result he developed his ability to improvise and compose.

He has played with trad jazz bands, rock groups, and recorded in studios since the mid 60s. After decades of playing with other musicians in Pantomimes, reviews, summer shows and accompanying vocalists and choirs, Robb focused on composition from the mid 90s.

Latterly he has enjoyed exploring the work of Ivor Novello and show music from the 30s, 40s and 50s by working with Brenda on her stage performance portfolio, specifically as her accompanist.

In the studio, Robb and Brenda have been busying themselves creating new recordings and arrangements for their collection of ‘Music from the Shows’. You can hear many of them by clicking on the Soundcloud panel below .....

100% of the music accompanying Brenda on the following tracks are played and arranged by Robb in his studio, using Pro Logic X.  It's all home-grown.

Robb is also a resident of Wiltshire.

His music website is www.robblawton.co.uk

Read: Daily Telegraph article: Performing in care homes for the elderly