Hailing from a theatrical family, Freddie’s extraordinary voice soared from a young age. Originally a choral scholar and classical soloist, it is as a jazz interpreter that his mature, warm baritone voice has really found its calling. He cut his teeth as the lead singer of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra and studied Jazz Singing at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. His silvery fingered trumpet playing style and soft, velvety voice are uncannily reminiscent of the great Chet Baker, so it’s no surprise that he’s burst headfirst into the jazz spotlight.

Freddie was born from an artistically theatrical family, joining a local church choir in South London as a child, which sent him on his way to becoming the ambitious, and talented performer you’ll see on stage. His vocal talents have seen him play at some of the most sought after and iconic venues all over the world, with the Carnegie Hall, Glyndebourne, the Royal Opera House, Ronnie Scott’s, The Ritz and The Savoy to name but a few. He’s in the process of having his original songs mixed which he plans to release at the start of next year.

Accompanied by his first rate quartet, he’ll be performing the back catalogue of classic hits from the late, great Bill Withers, particularly from the albums ‘Just As I Am’ and ‘Still Bill’.

Chris Bland – piano, Kieran Gunter – guitar, Jack Turnball – bass, Floyer Sydenham – drums, Jessica Bullen – saxophone

Don’t miss this chance to experience these unforgettable songs live in London, reinterpreted with flair, soul, and a fresh perspective by Jessica Bullen and her band, featuring rising star Freddie Benedict on vocals as a special guest.

The Band

Jessica Bullen – Saxophone

Chris Bland – Piano & Synths

Olly Sarkar – Drums

Jack Turnbull – Electric Bass

Billy Marrows – Guitar

Special Guest

Freddie Benedict – Vocals

Individually, these six singers have performed on some of the world’s biggest stages, trained at top music colleges, and been critically acclaimed for their singing, writing, and production skills. Together they are NoVI.

NoVI is a London-based a cappella group, delivering a unique fusion of contemporary performance, classic ensemble, and cutting-edge technology. Established in 2017, this young, ambitious group embraces a wide range of genres, putting a personal stamp on each and every song in their repertoire. With original songwriting and innovative vocal arrangements at the heart of their ethos, NoVI seeks to make both great music and great art.

Their performance history spans the globe, including appearances in Australia, Russia, on the world-renowned stage of Carnegie Hall, and—most recently—a sold-out showcase in November 2025 at the Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero in Valencia. This upcoming performance also marks their first show back at the Crazy Coqs since February 2020, making it a particularly special return.

As a cappella becomes more and more prevalent in mainstream culture, they are excited to share their message with a growing audience and explore the depth of human emotion through music.

Line-up:

Lydia Clowes – Soprano

Grettel Killing – Alto

Sebastian Payne – Tenor

Freddie Benedict – Baritone

Jonny Stewart – Bass

Joel Fishel – VP/Beatbox