Maja Jaku

EPK - Maja Jaku

Biography

Maja Jaku is an acclaimed jazz and soul vocalist, composer, and respected university professor whose voice and artistry transcend cultural and musical boundaries. In 1991, she passed the fiercely competitive entrance exam for the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, where she studied under jazz legends Sheila Jordan, Mark Murphy, Andy Bey, and Jay Clayton. These formative years shaped her singular style — a sound rooted in emotional honesty, fearless improvisation, and technical brilliance. Since then, Maja has released several acclaimed albums, collaborated with world-class musicians, and performed across Europe and internationally. In addition to her career as a performer, she is a respected educator at Jam Music Lab University in Vienna, where she mentors the next generation of vocalists. Maja’s artistry has been described as courageous, poetic, and transcendent — a singular voice in contemporary jazz.

Latest Release

Titel: Blessed & Bewitched

Label: Origin Records (USA)

Publicity Firm: Jim Eigo – Jazz Promo Services (JPS)

Recorded: February 19–20, 2025

Released: October 17th 2015

Studio: The Bunker Studio, Brooklyn, New York

Produced by: Maja Jaku & Adrian Varady

Mixed & Mastered by: Vlado Dzihan — Milkshop Mastering, Vienna

Photo: Seva Mazurika

Cover Design & Layout: John Bishop

Maja Jaku — vocals

Michael Rodriguez — trumpet

Alan Bartuš — piano

Dezron Douglas — bass

Johnathan Blake — drums

Adrian Varady — drums/percussion (track 3)

1. The Witch – 7:05

2. I’m a Queen – 7:28

3. Lonely Little Fox – 4:50

4. Blessing Will Come – 7:02

5. Never Let Me Go – 5:25

6. Rituals – 3:54

7. Everything Must Change – 5:00

Album Blessed & Bewitched

Press Quotes (Blessed & Bewitched)

  • European jazz icon Maja Jaku steps confidently onto the American jazz stage.

    Skope Magazine (US)

  • A bold statement of authenticity, vulnerability, and uncompromising artistry.

    Jazz Journal (UK)

  • Best jazz record.

    Jazz Blues (EU)

  • Powerful yet nuanced… impossible to ignore.

    JazzViews (UK)

  • Time well spent for jazz fans, Blessed & Bewitched is a resounding success. (5 star rating)

    Amazon (US)

  • Soulful grace and raw honesty.

    Otmar Klammer (AT)

  • Nice, especially on standards like ‘Never Let Me Go.

    Tom Hull (US)

  • Power, magic, depth, and a striking emotional range.

    JazzViews (UK)

  • This is not just another jazz vocal album. This is an artistic statement in an age of shallow production. An album that challenges — and rewards. Not made for algorithms. Made to last.

    Indie Boulevard Music Awards (US)

Videos

Major Achievements & Features

  • “The Witch” — Song of the Day on All About Jazz
  • Blessed & Bewitched featured in the 90th Annual DownBeat Magazine
  • Appeared on the front page of the Origin Records album catalog
  • International critical acclaim across Europe, USA, and Japan
  • Extensive U.S. radio airplay (jazz & public radio)
  • Charted prominently on the U.S. JazzWeek national radio chart.

Infos

Website: majajaku.net

Booking: Email