Juliet Kelly
Aphrodite's Child
© 2003 Juliet Kelly (634479724121)
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Mesmerising rhythms, haunting lyrics and smooth, silky vocals cast a luminous spell.
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Juliet's story isn't one of the girl who started singing as soon as she could talk or of a background of school plays or stage-school. Her journey to becoming a singer was an unexpected and sometimes difficult one...
"I never expected to become a jazz singer! In fact, when I was 5 years old I imagined that I would become a pro tennis player (interestingly, I've never even played a tennis match!) or a laywer (I loved arguing the pros and cons of having to tidy my toys away...) I grew up in a strict, religious household where all music apart from the religious variety was completely banned. I flouted these rules every Sunday by listening in secret to the chart show on my tiny, ladybird shaped radio. At school I was shy and reserved and any involvement in school productions was strictly in a non-speaking part or preferably behind the scenes!
After following the expected path by studying for a degree in economics, everything changed when I enrolled on a jazz a cappella vocal class at a local music workshop where the teacher, Anita Wardell, told me I had a natural talent for jazz. Up until then I'd known nothing about jazz and had never sung in public but after doing my first gig and getting paid for doing something I loved so much, I realised there would be no turning back...
Within a year, after lessons with Anita who was a great inspiration to me, I auditioned for and was accepted on to the postgraduate jazz course at London's prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama. I had a wonderful time there and it was one of the best things I've ever done. Soon after, I was lucky enough to work with some outstanding musicians including John Etheridge, Orphy Robinson, Gary Crosby amongst others and I have performed at venues around the UK as well as in Ireland, Germany, Italy, Israel and Australia.
Still, it took quite some time before I discovered my musical identity and whilst a lot of my peers were recording albums of standards, I delayed, waiting and hoping to find my own voice and to record an album of my original material. This resulted in my "Acoustic Groove" sound which I termed because although there is a slight, laid-back groove to my music which usually features a bass riff, it is definitely an acoustic sound as opposed to regular soul or R&B and melodically the main influence is jazz. Having said that, I love jazz standards but I wanted to share my own perspective of the beauty, freedom and expression of jazz-influenced music - music that can appeal to a younger and more diverse audience as well as to more mainstream jazz fans.
My debut album, Aphrodite's Child, features a wonderful band with Mike Gorman (piano), Tom Barlow (acoustic bass) and Seb Rochford (drums) with special guest, Tony Kofi (sax). I really hope that you enjoy the music - it's all very personal to me and shares my experiences of love, desire, overcoming fear and remaining optimistic!"
Juliet's eagerly awaited debut album showcases her original songs with their beautiful, haunting vocals over laid-back grooves. She is an artist with universal appeal that goes far beyond the usual jazz audience.
The album features her own highly accessible compositions which range from toe-tapping grooves to breathtakingly beautiful ballads, and also includes an interpretation of Sade's "Your Love Is King" - Sade being one of Juliet's early influences.
Her subtle, but sure, phrasing and spellbinding delivery are complemented by brilliant support from the hottest young jazz musicians on the scene - Mike Gorman on piano (Jim Mullen, Us3, Incognito), Tom Barlow on acoustic bass, Seb Rochford on drums (winner of "Rising Star" category at BBC Jazz Awards 2004) and special guest Tony Kofi on sax (Courtney Pine, Brandford Marsalis, Andrew Hill, Jazz Jamaica).
"...a singer whose rich, raw voice is as compelling as her compositions." Jazzwise
"Sweet, sexy and seductive... an absolute pleasure to listen to..." Ian Carr, jazz trumpeter & historian
"A beautiful singer, of beautiful songs." The Guardian
reviews
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Heard it. Bought it. LOVED IT (4.5 stars)!
author: ManuelEverything about this debut tells me that Juliet Kelly is someone whose gonna be stickin' around for a VERY long time. Her voice and technique are virtually flawless, not to mention the fact that she writes much of her own material as opposed to running through the usual standards from the Great American Songbook. Another plus going for Kelly is the given tightness and rhythmic swing of her backing unit (comprised of some of the finest young jazz musicians on the UK scene; hearing saxman Tony Kofi on three of the album tracks is an added bonus). It's a shame those in the US like me haven't been exposed to the good stuff often enough in recent years, but thanks to online sites like CDBaby that problem is slowly but surely being remedied. Personally speaking, this is one of the few vocal jazz albums that truly got me after the first listen. Yeah, IT'S THAT GOOD!!!
A good first recording that begs for listening
author: Downbeat MagazineA young Londoner with film star looks, Juliet Kelly serves up a good first recording that begs for listening by adherents of jazz and pop-jazz. She brings emotional credibility to her interpretation of words on hesitant romance in the ballad "Wait For Me" and her newfound confidence extends to the swinging "Love Can Change Your Life." Kelly confronts a "warning cry from deep inside" with gentle surety in the slow-paced "Siren Song" and puts across Sade's "Your Love Is King" without callowness or affectation. "When You Believe In Love" evidences her joy in the freedom of expression, the projection of the jazz elements in her singing.
Love your voice never stop please
author: Paul SEQUENCE FergusonGlad to see that there is still magic in the world, never stop the music it is life it self.
Gorgeous voice and beautiful songs
author: Isobel KayFrom what I've read of the reviews, Juliette Kelly is a rising star. And listening to her debut album, she deserves all the praise - her voice is magical, her interpretation of the songs is always sensitive and inventive. A talented song-writer too - beautiful compositions, musically and lyrically. Thoroughly recommended - catch her on the way up!
This is a wonderful album
author: jazzreview.comI don’t think we have to worry about another British Invasion, but Juliet Kelly’s new album, Aphrodite’s Child evidences its possibility. The young vocalist is talented, knowledgeable and hard-working. The London located artist gives us an almost complete album of originals, and at the same time challenges us not to fall in love instantly. Her rich alto tone grabs our attention immediately. Like so many great jazz songstresses, her voice is powerful but always in control, giving us the impression it could burst at any moment. Not only is her tone vibrant but her rhythmic feel is just as vivacious. Her articulation is smooth but accurate. Her lyrics clear but not over enunciated. All these things combined give us the feeling of a truly instrumentally knowledgeable vocalist. Her entire performance gives an air of perfection without the perception of over-preparation.
Tantalizing Jazz Vocalist!
author: R.B. DuncanJuliet Kelly is an absolutely soulful young vocalist! Her rich voice captivates audiences and touches the our hearts of each listener. Expect more to come from Kelly, she is also a wonderful writer. This cd is a winner!