Zena James may be a relative newcomer to the crowded field of young female jazz singers touring the country at the moment, but this doesn't mean we have to wait for her voice to mature. This 37-year-old from Twickenham is already blazing a trail and making a name for herself, despite the fact she only gave up her full time PR job and turned professional three years ago.

Her voice is described as warm and sultry by some; others suggest that it's commanding, expressive and emotive.

As a teenager she had recorded songs in her guitarist father's studio and carried on singing while studying languages at university. But having gained her degree, Zena's PR job took over and any thoughts of a musical career were put on hold.

It was her hairstylist who suggested she went along to the Richmond Jazz School - something Zena almost dismissed as inappropriate, given that she'd cut her musical teeth on Mortown, soul, R&B and pop. Nevertheless, she decided to give it a go - and found discovering jazz a revelation.

After eight years of weekend study and hanging out at the Jazz School, Zena brought out her first album Tell Me More, but continued juggling her increasing number of musical commitments with her PR career. She finally found it impossible to be in a jazz club until one or two in the morning and then in the office at nine - so gave up the day job.

Now a professional singer, her style is influenced by bluesy soul and pop and her heroes include Eva Cassidy and Stevie Wonder.

Zena will be performing with her jazz quintet at the Carswell Golf and Country Club, which is just off the A420, near Faringdon, next Friday (29) at 8.30pm For tickets you can phone: 01367 710593 or go to www.oxfordlivejazz.com