The tongue-in-cheek, yet deservedly self-described jazz diva Suede is the reason why Brett Anderson’s band is now officially called "The London Suede". Performing under the single name Suede, she released her 1988 CD "Easily Suede" a clear 5 years before the UK band’s self-titled debut.

All Music Guide may refer to her as "an obscure lounge singer" in suing to protect her trade name, but once you’ve heard Suede’s work you’ll realise that she has as much integrity as she has quality and you’ll know that she deserves every opportunity for success on her own terms.

"Easily Suede" is a collection of classic and contemporary popular jazz and her 1992 release "Barely Suede" is strongly influenced by proficient gay songwriter John Bucchino, who has played keyboard with Holly Near since 1984. These studio recordings have lush and detailed production – all by Suede herself.

Her 2001 release "On The Day We Met" was recorded live in one very impressive take, on one night. The trio with David Pearl on piano and Max Murray on upright bass leaves Suede’s voice to fill centre stage - with her own addition of scat vocals, trumpet and guitar.

Suede shows her incredible emotional dynamic range in a swinging and sensuous version of Van Morrison’s "Moondance". Mama Cass Elliot would have loved this "Dream A Little Dream" and Suede has a great time with Janis Ian’s "This Must Be Wrong ". Throughout the CD we hear enough from the audience to know that they’re also enjoying themselves, but the performance itself is always the prime focus. It is one of the most sensibly produced and precisely edited live recordings that I’ve ever heard.

Suede is proudly lesbian, and her pride shines through her work. As a long time friend and supporting artist of The Flirtations she joined them as a trio in ‘96/’97 to tour and to record the album "Three" in Provincetown, Massachusetts – which is now her home town. Suede made a brief Australian tour with Sonia a couple of years ago, and hopefully more of us will be there to chant "Diva! Diva!" when she returns.