Kiki Dee: 'Elton and I still send birthday cards' (From Bucks Free Press)

Kiki Dee: 'Elton and I still send birthday cards'

10:10am Saturday 13th October 2012 in News By Andy Carswell

KIKI Dee has been on a long musical journey during a career spanning six decades - now she's inviting her audience to do the same when she comes to Chesham later this month.

She takes in a trip to the Elgiva theatre with her musical partner since the mid 90s, guitarist Carmelo Luggeri, as part of the duo's first tour for three years.

The 65-year-old may have been off the road since 2009 but in between she and Carmelo have been busy working on their new album, which is out next year, and have been exceptionally keen to make sure it's perfect.

She said: "It takes as long as it gets to get something you are happy with and sometimes it takes years.

"It's based around acoustic guitar. You have to be quite committed to it but it's quite rewarding."

The new album contains one cover version but other than that it's completely new material - and fans who go to the Elgiva show will get a sneak preview of some of it.

As well as that a lot of her classic hits and original music from back in the day - dating back to the 60s, when her career took off - will be played at the gig.

Asked to describe her style, Kiki said: "I've never had a definite identity like jazz singers or folk. I've always done many different things through my life.

"What's good about an acoustic show is you can pull a lot of different types of material into it. You can be a bit experimental. It's quite a mix but it's based around the guitar, voice and keyboards.

"I say to the audience it's a musical journey - kick your shoes off and come on a musical journey.

"We talk to the audience and have a chat - that's a nice thing to do."

Most fans know her from the 1976 chart topping duet with Elton John, Don't Go Breaking My Heart, and she's still in contact with him.

Kiki said: "We don't see each other much but we always stay in touch. We send birthday cards but I wish I saw him a bit more. It's so hectic and busy we don't get chance."

- Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri are at the Elgiva Theatre on Friday October 26 at 8pm. Tickets are £17 for adults and £15 for concessions. To book, call the Box Office on 01494 582900.

For more leisure stories go to www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/leisure for I Love My Local, food reviews and more interviews.

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