Vanessa’s (V’s) musical influences stem from her Nana who worked the London circuit in the 1940’s and was big in old-time musical hall.  Tales from the stage prompted V to join the School choir and having been plucked from the ranks to perform her first solo she was on the way.  The fact that on the big night she screwed up on the ‘money note’ didn’t deter her although the choir master was none too impressed.

 Forced to seek other outlets for her burgeoning talent she tried her luck in local amateur dramatics in both straight and singing roles.  ‘Am dram’ group, The Barbados Players gave V her first professional kiss but in a low budget production of ‘No Time for Fig Leaves’ they couldn’t run to a fig leaf for V so she went on stage in stockings and suspenders.  Sadly, photos of this production were all removed by the censors but intrepid fans are still hopeful one will turn up.  Later while heavily pregnant V pulled off the part of the henchman’s stooge!

V knew that singing was her true love and like so many, karaoke gave her a break.  Alex invited her into his studio (oh yeah!) and a few very select people have heard the results (send a stamped addressed envelope).  Alex at least was impressed so as a duo they hit the road together.

 By the late 1990’s V was running her own karaoke show to make ends meet and met Carrie Broad.  Immediately the chemistry was there and Cover Up was born.  As a duo they performed close harmony covers.  On the books of Essex Entertainments, Norwich Artists, P&O Liners and Sumo they gigged in holiday parks and on cruise ships for summer seasons.  In the winter clubs and private functions the norm.  During this period V was offered a solo gig on a Mediterranean cruise but she turned it down; loyalty to Cover Up came first.  She’s that kind of a girl.

At Dickleburgh Music on the Common they supported the Pop Idol Roadshow.  The discerning audience wanted more than the kids could offer so V and Carrie went on and stole the show.  Earlier that day they had changed in the organiser’s cottage.  Simon Cowell (yes the very same) was a house guest and little did he know how close he came to notoriety when V found his address book!  Always the soul of discretion she only took one copy but never had the courage to ring his or any other number come to that.  Years later when he was famous and she wasn’t, their paths almost crossed again, but the X Factor didn’t get the Cover Up treatment!  Perhaps Jolene wasn’t the wisest choice for an audition.

 The high spot must have been playing at a wake! V reckons this is the only time her audience has been moved to tears.  Whether it was the music or respect for the departed – we may never know.   Whilst playing the Shell Club in London there was another function, a wedding down the hall.  Taking a comfort break, V bumped into Dennis Watermans’s daughter powdering her nose and Gary from Eastenders was ‘loitering with intent’ outside.  They wanted to join the Cover Up function and V wanted to join the wedding party.  Not sure who was the most disappointed that night; most likely it was Gary!

 Enough was enough for Cover Up and V decided the family firm needed her.  With husband Ady they took over the Conservative Club in Framlingham and became musical impresarios, booking local bands.  Charity nights were an important feature and in 2½ years they raised over £7000 for the local children’s hospice.  They moved on to the White Horse pub in Fram and continue the live music theme and charity nights.

In a weak moment V decided to learn guitar to augment her love of songwriting.  She met local guitar teacher Daniel Wherrett.  During a lesson Daniel innocently asked if she could sing to the chords she was were learning.  After he had pealed himself off the far wall she confessed that she would love to play and front a rock band, just once!  The rest is history.  Daniel and Chris (Bayfield) were putting together a band for Hachfest 2007 and out of the ashes Boulevard Blond was born and V’s wish came true – aaahh!