Catching the dulcet tones of jazz piano as they seep into my mobile phone handset and dance unsuspectingly into my ear, Magdalena Reising has my instant attention; calm and appreciative she tells me about what she has planned for the coming months.

With plasters littering her fingers, it is clear Queen Gabriella is not making learning new jazz melodies easy. Bought in Wales in January 2011, Reising’s new magnificent harp, which she lovingly carried home for her mother to inspect like a new partner, was the very symbol of hope in this musical journey. Named after the Angel Gabriel, Reising details how she truly fell in love with the instrument, initially dubbed ‘Princess’ but avidly declared ‘Queen’ by her mother, for it is “a far too noble and stately piece and deserved the royal recognition”.

Originally starting out on the piano and guitar, Reising has a true history in music. The juxtaposition of Polish and Scottish influences, combined with the lingering instrumental arrangements of Steve Thomson and influence of Christopher Page, the fusion of musical ideologies makes for entrancing listening. “I am blessed,” she tells me, “I am working with wonderful people”. A true credit to musicians like Terry Seabrook and Louise Durra with whom she has created moving works, such as Blue Cafe Jazz which received a 5* rating at Three Weeks.

Such honeyed inspiration comes from quiet observations and a lot of people watching, she tells me. Since childhood she has always maintained a reserved nature, which is perhaps why so much honesty comes through in her music.  Starting out as a cocktail pianist, Reising recalls how she’d keep her emotions composed throughout the long afternoons, and express her soul on the piano keys come evening.

“I like to sing my truths,” Reising mutters.

“But you are only as good as you’re last performance”.

From her two jazz albums, she tells me her current favourites are Blue Cafe from the album of the same name, a poetic but political piece that she, sadly, doesn’t often play now, due to the developments in her newer music. On Coming Home, she describes her love for Angels, a slow medley, co-written with Steve Thomson.  “I like the idea that angels are coming and soothing and protecting,” an image that is clearly resonant throughout her life, be it in the very naming of Queen Gabriella.

Wholly ignorantly I asked Reising what songs had the biggest influence on her musical life, and although she initially could’t really name any, Reising mentioned how Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me has always stayed with her after a time travelling in Oman and Thailand. Everywhere she went Reising says she heard the unique sounds of Jones’ voice and goes as far as to say that it aided her transition from folk music to jazz. The more she listened (even if it was just echoes in the background), the more it became her passion.

“In every journey there are signposts, and although everyone make wrong turnings sometimes you will end up on the right path.”

Listening to the likes of Madeleine Peyroux and Billie Holiday, something in Reising told her that she needed to be immersed in her love for music on a daily basis… why, even earn a living from it. And what a credit to the jazz scene she is becoming.

You can catch Magdalena Reising in Brighton over the next few months.

22 October Iambic Arts Theatre

10 December Iambic Arts Theatre

17 December Shoreham Airport Restaurant

And please do keep an eye out on her website for the hotly anticipated Jazz Burns Nights come January.

And if you’re stuck for cash? Just make sure you book tickets to see her at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2012. With 10 set dates already booked, we’ll hopefully see you there!

Post by Hannah Van Den Bergh