The Jetsuns Album Launch, The Boogaloo Archway Road, Highgate Thursday, March 20, 8pm

Joanne Louise, from North Finchley, was on her way to Brighton to perform at a friend's party, when a stranger on the train struck up a conversation.

"I was about to miss the train, and who knows how things would have turned out if I had. I plonked myself down on a seat, carrying all my gear. It was obvious I was a musician, and the guy sitting opposite me was curious to find out about my music."

Miss Louise was ready and prepared with her demo CD, which the stranger listened to on his discman, and was struck by the fact that the name she had chosen for the album she was planning, The Here and Now, was the same as the title of a workshop he would soon be giving.

"He asked how he could get in touch with me, and the next day he emailed me offering me £2,000 to get my album off the ground."

Four years, a bit more money and a lot of hard work later, the album is ready. Miss Louise says: "It's been a learning curve but it's been worth it because the reaction has been really good. I think for independent artists doing an album is the best way of moving your career forward."

Miss Louise's songwriting is inspired by greats like John Lennon and Bob Marley, who wrote about their concerns for the world. But musically, her sound could be described as new folk with a tinge of the blues, and echoes artists like Kate Bush and Sandy Denny.

Her band The Jetsuns is made up of bassist and slide guitarist Lewis Fielding and flute player Sarah Wackett. The album also showcases the work of other musicians, including BBC award-winning jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen.

Entry to the album launch is free. For more information about the event call 020 8340 2928.