Rochester jazz vocalist, Madeline Forster has a style that belies her age. Gaining tons of attention in her hometown and beyond, we caught up with Madeline, via email, at her York University residence in Toronto to find out a little more about the young talent.

MP: How did you get started as a vocalist/ performer? MF: “I have been in and around music my whole life, but I didn’t start singing jazz until my senior year of high school. When I went to college in Toronto, I studied with a professional jazz singer and performed there occasionally. I began performing around Rochester this past December and since then, everything has been moving pretty quickly.”

MP: What is it that attracts you to the jazz genre? MF: “There is something timeless about jazz. I like that it’s always evolving and that every performance leads to new and different ideas.”

MP: Who do you cite as your major influences? MF: “I have many influences but without a doubt the most significant for me has been Ella Fitzgerald.”

MP: What future projects/performances are you looking forward to? MF: “Right now I am aiming to get into the studio at the end of the summer to make an album, which I am very excited about. I also have many gigs lined up throughout the summer and I am always looking forward to those.”

Madeline Forster’s upcoming gigs include June 5 at The Rabbit Room; June 6 at Bodhi’s; June 7 at Fairport Canal Days; June 13 at The Lodge @ Woodcliff; June 14 at Bistro 135 & June 16 at Abilene.