Led by a versatile singer/songwriter, this band injects some fresh life into some vintage music

Davina & the Vagabonds, featuring the sassy vocals of pianist Davina Sowers and a brash frontline horn section, recall the jazz and blues of turn-of-the-century New Orleans. But, underneath that brazen outer shell is a technically savvy band with an extraordinary songwriter. Their brand new CD, Black Cloud, features 13 tracks all penned by Sowers – ranging from the down-in-the-dumps title track to the surprisingly cheerful “Pocket”. Icon Fetch talks to the band’s front woman about her writing process, reaching the finals of an international songwriting contest, and the origins of her “old school” roots.