Biography
Singer, performer and bandleader, Madeline Hawke was born in Canberra, Australia in 1988. After studying at The Canberra School of Music learning from Australian jazz singers such as Vince Jones and Kristen Berardi, she continued her study on scholarship at Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA. At Berklee she was instructed by American jazz musicians such as Bob Stoloff, Jan Shapiro and William Banfield and performed with notable singers including Bernice Johnson Reagon. She has completed a Bachelor of Music and is now studying her Masters in Dublin, Ireland.
Coming from a musical background Madeline also draws inspiration from Irish traditional music. She is proud of her Irish heritage being the great-granddaughter of the ‘Queen of Connemara’, Irish ballad singer, Delia Murphy.
Madeline has performed in Australia, USA, France, Ireland and Serbia. While in Australia she managed and led the Madeline Hawke Quartet and performed on stage with many talented jazz musicians including James Morrison, John Morrison and Carl Dewhurst. She was also one of four finalists in the 2005 Generations in Jazz Vocal scholarship as well as winning the Australian American Association scholarship in 2008.
Performing on Australian and American radio and television Madeline has a wide repertoire of songs from classic jazz standards to modern compositions. While searching for new jazz material and reviving rare jazz standards she also has been the inspiration for original compositions by American and Australian composers. She’s always open and excited by opportunities to collaborate with musicians and songwriters.
“Madeline has introduced some delicious new tracks to the world of jazz! She is a singer who expresses herself with serious intention without losing the light and seductive quality of jazz, something all listeners should enjoy!”
– Bob Stoloff, internationally recognized Jazz improvisor, author and teacher.
“Madeline’s incredible gift must, must continue!”
- William Banfield, acclaimed Jazz musician and scholar
“Madeline Hawke has had a great deal of people sit up and take notice of her in recent times given her unique style of jazz vocals. She is sure to be a jazz star of the future even playing with the greats such as James Morrison at this early stage of her career.”
- The Canberra Review
Madeline can be contacted via email at madeline@madelinehawke.com
