Madison McFerrin on bringing her one-woman ‘soulapella’ show to Glasgow Jazz Festival and carrying on family’s musical legacy

It’s a tough task being a one-woman show, but Madison McFerrin does it with ease.

The Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, who is coming to Scotland later this month as part of the Glasgow Jazz Festival, does everything herself on stage, from the rhythm section to providing the backing vocals for her own lead vocals.

The tapestry of harmonies, beats and lyrics build up for the audience on stage as they watch on.

There was no way Madison wasn’t going to pursue a career in music, given the fact that it runs in her family.

If the last name rings a bell, it’s probably from her father Bobby – a multiple Grammy winner famed for his 1988 hit Don’t Worry, Be Happy.

Before him, Madison’s grandfather was Robert McFerrin Sr., who sang with the Metropolitan Opera.

Madison’s brother Taylor, a producer, also helped influence her electronic style.

Ahead of her show at The Blue Arrow later this month, we spoke to Madison about her style and family influences.

How excited are you to be coming to Glasgow to perform at the Jazz Festival?

It’ll be really fun! I’ve never been before, so I’m excited.

You’re a one woman show, is it daunting going out there by yourself?

I wouldn’t describe it as daunting. It’s pretty fun actually to be able to command a crowd on my own.

Sometimes I miss having other people around and in the future I’m sure there’ll be larger iterations but it’s pretty cool.

To those who haven’t heard your music, how would you describe your style?

I’d call it a capella soul- soulapella!

Did your family having such a musical background put you into this career path or did you find it yourself?

I’m sure it was a combination of both. Music was hard to get away from in my household but it was something I fully embraced and loved doing.

I only had good examples that I could do it as a career, so I figured I could probably do it too!

Many people might shy away from using such a famous last name but you’ve embraced it.

I like my name! There’s no reason for me to have to change it. My father is an incredible musician and his last name I’ve only found garners respect, I’m not ashamed of that by any means and he’s also been a wonderful father.

My name has nice alliteration to it, I had contemplated using a stage name but it didn’t sound as good as my real name!

At the same time, you’ve created very much your own sound.

I can’t help but be myself, I’m using my real name there’s no stage persona. I don’t know how to be anybody but myself and that’s going to come out through my music.

It’s very much my personal self coming out through songs. I’d only be doing fans and myself disservice by trying to play a different role.

What can the audience expect at your show?

They can expect to have a good time! It all just builds in front of you. It’s just me. The a capella thing is very apparent from the get go, but I think it’s all about watching the magic happen during the show.

You’ve had a great response to recent releases and now you’re touring the world, how does that feel?

It’s been great, I’m doing what I always set out to do with my life. It’s nice to be living that dream and I’m very grateful for that.

Madison McFerrin, The Blue Arrow,  Glasgow, Sunday 23 June https://www.thebluearrow.co.uk/events/2019-06-23-the-blue-arrow