Such a look would seem excessive affectation were it not absolutely necessary. With her cane and dark glasses, not to mention voluminous hair, pencil skirt and red heels, Melody Gardot looked like a damaged vamp from a Raymond Chandler novel. But her accessories help her through the after-effects of a serious road accident eight years ago.

At 19, the Philadelphia fashion student was knocked from her bicycle by a Jeep and almost died. A hobby pianist, during a year’s physical therapy she learned the guitar while on her back and wrote her first songs.

Her music ought to be angry and discordant, reflecting the pain that still dogs her movements. It is the opposite. As she prepares to release her second album next week she is well established as the most distinctive addition to Norah Jones’s soft jazz world.

The fact that she doesn’t have the strength to perform as many concerts as most made this night in probably London’s most atmospheric venue even more special. Purring her vocals, rolling her Rs as she scatted, she hypnotised with guitar on If The Stars Were Mine and Baby I’m A Fool.

With a rich string section conducted by British jazz musician Guy Barker, her band generated a beautifully relaxed sound. If she suffered any after effects upon departing, it was worth it.