A Late-Night Jazz Session with Niia at The Velvet Whip, Philadelphia
- Emma Zoe Polyak
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
“Let’s get a little witchy,” said Niia a couple of songs into her set at The Velvet Whip in Philadelphia. The setting was definitely right for it: low lighting, eclectic décor, and an intimate, sensuous, late-night ambience. If there was a spell being cast, it was a subtle one, courtesy of Niia’s crooning vocals holding the crowd spellbound into the night.
As soon as I entered The Velvet Whip, I could tell that the venue change was in everyone’s best interest. The show, originally supposed to be held at World Café Live, was switched due to recent issues with the venue. At The Velvet Whip, Niia’s music felt at home. The close quarters and hushed room suited her smoky jazz songs.
The night opened with Dania, who set the tone with a multilingual set sung in Arabic, French, and English. Her performance was gentle and warm, easing the room into a relaxed state that carried through the rest of the night.
Niia’s set included songs from across her catalogue, including “Angel Eyes,” “Last Night in Los Feliz”(a song which she framed as a reflection on moving frequently when she was younger), “Nobody,” and “The Awful Truth.” Songs like “Macaroni Salad” and “fucking happy” leaned into a looser, more playful energy, while still maintaining a lush and indulgent sound. For her encore, Niia returned with a cover of Sinéad O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” a bold choice that fit seamlessly into the evening’s mood thanks to her soulful rendition.
That range reflects Niia’s broader musical identity. Her work blends classical jazz and soul with a modern noir jazz-pop sensibility, a balance that feels especially alive in a live setting. Niia’s latest album, V, released last October, marked a return to her jazz roots – roots that were fully on display throughout the night.
Niia’s music translates effortlessly into intimate spaces like The Velvet Whip, offering a slower, more immersive alternative to many live shows. There are still opportunities to catch her on the West Coast; you can find more information about upcoming dates here.
