But where her first two albums lacked a little grit and edge, her third, Arise, positions her firmly on the world stage.
Aided by British jazz talent including drummer and producer Moses Boyd, saxophonist Binker Golding and the ubiquitous Shabaka Hutchings, McFarlane has never sounded so inspired.
Stand-outs are many, including her own Fussin’ and Fightin’ and a cover of Max Roach’s civil rights anthem, All Africa, among them.
She plays Rich Mix as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival on November 15.
