Maya Delilah at Rough Trade East
It takes a special kind of artist to a) be signed to the legendary jazz label Blue Note Records for their debut album and b), while promoting said album, be interviewed by Forbes. And yet, that’s exactly what’s happened with Maya Delilah, a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from North London. Following the release of said album, The Long Way Round, she embarked on a record store tour of live performances and signing sessions, with the London show happening at Rough Trade East.
The atmosphere is abuzz with anticipation before erupting into cheers and applause as Delilah takes to the stage with her band. Opening the set is Look at the State of Me Now, a gorgeous, gently-strummed ballad; being completely fresh to her music, this writer’s mind and ears were kept open for the sake of this review. Thus, it was a pleasant surprise to hear her plucking out a solo on her acoustic guitar.
The crowd falls swiftly silent following their applause, a pin drop could be heard… Delilah breaks it by whispering, “How are we all feeling?” and a few cheers reply. So yes, her debut album came out last Friday, and with that, it’s time for another song from it, Actress. She’s swapped the acoustic for an electric guitar, further demonstrating her skill by ripping out a clean and fast solo before the last chorus.
Settling into the set, it’s a very pleasant evening of different genres from the album (which Delilah describes as “chaos”), with jazz, blues, soul and country all getting a look in. For Maya Maya Maya – “This is a song about me”, goes the introduction – Rough Trade East momentarily feels less like a converted Brick Lane brewery and more like a jazz club, with accompaniment from a double bass and Hammond organ chords. An instrumental jam in the form of Jeffrey hammers this home, and it becomes increasingly evident why this brilliant musician was signed by a label like Blue Note.
Delilah doles out some thank-yous, including her mum, dad and sister, before inviting everyone onstage to down a shot of tequila. “You’ll get a shot, too, if you buy some merch,” she tells the room. “It’s getting warmer, and you all look like you need a grey t-shirt.” Before long, it’s the last song, and Delilah recalls a trip to Rough Trade for a Loyle Carner signing, saying it’s a dream come true to play here. With one final flourish, the night draws to a close with Begin Again.
Keep an eye out for Maya Delilah. With any luck, it won’t be long before she’s playing bigger rooms than this.
Gem Hurley
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events, visit Maya Delilah’s website here.
Watch the video for the single Man of the House here:
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