At this point in the month (time of writing: Thursday 24 August), Festival fatigue can begin to creep in for Edinburgh audiences. For fallen victims of any sort of slump, may I suggest a heavy dose of Endea Owens And The Cookout (her talented entourage) to reinvigorate your mind, body and soul? The double bassist, composer, bandleader and Juilliard Jazz alumna brought positive energy by the bucketload to Edinburgh International Festival’s Hub space.

Kicking things off with Owens’ own composition ‘Feel Good’, the room was awakened to the powerful sound of a five-piece band, plus two vocalists (whose presence sadly took some time to register due to initial mic issues). This may be the band’s first time touring together, but the synchronicity between these musicians is more than evident. Alto saxophonist Louis Fouché and trumpet player Kris Johnson’s harmonies blended beautifully, while Owens’ commanding bass was gently but assertively held down by Jerome Jennings’ drums.

Solos were masterfully delivered and warmly received, especially when Owens was in the driver’s seat. Her control of volume and resonance allows her bass access to a wide range of octaves and sound, of which she utilised every inch and decibel. Mostly playing her own material, Owens also showed us just how talented she is as a composer. ‘Where The Nubians Grow’ and ‘For The People’ were particularly uplifting in their use of harmony and lyrics, made even livelier still by Owens’ preacher-worthy speeches. After uniting us all in song (and some of us in dance), Endea Owens ended the evening with the words ‘I hope you leave feeling better than you started.’ Thanks to the creative generosity of her and The Cookout, we most certainly did.

Endea Owens reviewed at The Hub as part of Edinburgh International Festival.