Multi-platinum-selling jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux visited St Mungo's Endell Street hostel on Wednesday 15 April as part of her visit to the UK for the release of her latest album, Bare Bones.

The French-American singer met with St Mungo's clients who are part of the training programme based in the recently refurbished hostel's recording studio. Clients are trained in music skills, including song writing and recording, encouraging their creativity while developing transferable skills that can give them the confidence to progress into further training, voluntary or paid work.

MP Steve

In the studio. Photo: Heath, St Mungo's resident

Madeleine and her guitarist jammed on several songs with the St Mungo's musicians, including her own single 'Instead' and songs composed by St Mungo's resident Steve. Steve was a professional musician, touring and recording for many years before family breakdown and problems with drugs and alcohol led to him becoming homeless. Working with music again has been a key part of Steve's recovery and has helped to create a sense of possibility and hope for the future, he said "I'm still on very thin ice but it's getting thicker by the day". Steve is now moving into his own flat and is putting the finishing touches to over a dozen songs he's recorded at the Endell Street studio.

MPeyroux Steve and Alpheous

Steve, Alpheous Little, St Mungo's Social Enterprise and Vocational Training Manager, and Madeleine Peyroux. Photo: Heath, St Mungo's resident

There have been great results from the introduction of this innovative part of St Mungo's work and learning services, and we would like to see more clients given a similar opportunity. Currently we are looking to equip and open another recording studio in a St Mungo's project in Hackney, giving more homeless people confidence and focus as part of their recovery.

Click here for a video of Madeleine and the musicians playing Instead, a song from Madeleine's new album

Click here for a video from the studio of the group playing one of Steve's songs

Click here to see the Channel 4 news report on the visit.

Bare Bones is Madeleine Peyroux's third album in four years and was released on 13 April. She has previously released Careless Love in 2004 and Half the Perfect World in 2006. Madeleine tours the UK from 26 April to 2 May 2 with dates in London, Brighton, Liverpool, Birmingham and Cheltenham. For mor information visit madeleinepeyroux.co.uk