Madame Jazz mesmerizes at Hootenanny, Brixton

Four sets, four female jazz musicians. It’s not the most common lineup, but for the Madame Jazz night at Brixton’s Hootenanny, it’s the status quo. Founded by Ella Knight with the goal of championing women in jazz, the lineup for Madame Jazz’s fourth night of residency was a voice-heavy delight.

First up on the roster, easing us into the night was Australian vocalist, Sunny Reyne. Accompanied by Melbourne-based Ollie Rolfe on keys, the duo set the bar high with a subtle but groove-driven display of neo-soul originals on the eve of her EP launch. It was an intimate start for a standing venue, but Sunny’s rich vocals enticed a sizeable crowd. Next up was South London singer and guitarist WINNIE who upped the groove factor, serving an education of R&B and soul greats on a 30-minute platter, fluttering through the likes of Marvin Gaye, D’Angelo and Leon Bridges with vocal prowess.

Anticipation filled the air for the third act and highlight of the night, Ni Maxine. With Jamal Campbell on drums, Jesse Eigen on bass and Maddy Coombs on tenor saxophone, it was a suspenseful start as the three rumbled and roared, with cymbal flares and saxophone moans building tension. As things reached a fever pitch, vocalist Ni Maxine took to the stage. She opened with a powerful spoken-word intro, before announcing “now, it is time to break the silence” to kick off her first song, ‘Three Generations’. What is unique about this vocalist is her pairing of a rich, full-bodied timbre with her calculated approach to rhythm - one moment it’s an indulgent, soulful ballad; and the next, she is punching out carefully placed staccatoed lyrics, or taking us into an up-swing or latin feel with total ease.

‘It Is Written’ was a beautiful display of vocal-like conversations between saxophonist Maddy Coombs and Ni Maxine, as Coombs melodically wrapped herself around the singer, responding with equally lyrical phrases to the vocalist’s calls.

Closing the night was the vocal treat that is SAHRA. This Berlin-born, London-based singer showed an unrivaled vocal prowess on the night, drawing the audience in close with her soul-stirring timbre, and locking them in tight with her emotive story-telling through original songs Crowds, and Me & You.

There is no doubt - Madame Jazz was crammed with talented women representing some of the jazz scene’s gems and provided an exciting glimpse into what is to come for the shape of vocal jazz.

– @maisyprattp Photography