Juliet Kelly
"Kelly has been a well-kept secret of the UK scene for some time, but the honesty and charm of Spellbound Stories might change that."
John Fordham, THE GUARDIAN
©Annabelle Narey
Juliet Kelly is a vocalist and composer who has worked with many outstanding musicians (including Seb Rochford, Tony Kofi, Omar Puente, Jason Yarde, Carleen Anderson and Courtney Pine) and performed in venues around the UK as well as in Ireland, Greece, Russia, Italy, Germany, Israel, US and Australia. Much loved for her strong stage presence and compelling yet accessible jazz performances, Juliet has created a signature style and is widely praised as one of UK’s finest singers.
2015 brought a new originals project, "Spellbound Stories". Lilting melodies, quirky harmonies and intoxicating rhythms combine in this original programme to create an eclectic mix of songs inspired by some of Juliet’s favourite novels. The plight of a scorned mistress, accidental time travel and cross-cultural love are just some of the themes explored by the acclaimed vocalist and songwriter. Her stellar band consists of Nick Ramm - piano (Cinematic Orchestra, Hello Skinny), Oli Hayhurst - double bass (Pharoah Sanders, Jacqui Dankworth) and Eddie Hick - drums (Gilad Atzmon, Mark Ronson). The album has received 5 stars from the BBC Music Magazine, fantastic reviews and was hailed as a “delight” thanks to Juliet’s rich, full voice.
"This fourth album from vocalist Juliet Kelly completely seduces the senses... Kelly's wordless vocalese in Ghosts (mixed by Seb Rochford) is a standout, while "All He'll Ever Need" illustrates the singer's facility for penning the catchiest of vocal hooks... nothing quite prepares you for the wonderfully strange take on "Wuthering Heights", the album's sole cover. "
Peter Quinn, JAZZWISE
"The nuanced warmth of Kelly's rich, full voice is streets ahead of most of her contemporaries." BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE
A Bit Mo’ About Juliet Kelly...
Juliet recorded her debut album “Aphrodite’s Child” (33 Records) in 2003. It featured her original songs and garnered excellent reviews from critics in the UK and the US as well as widespread radio airplay. Juliet took honours in the jazz category of the 2004 International Songwriting Competition judged by Branford Marsalis. Since then Juliet has showcased her songwriting talents with further releases, including “Delicious Chemistry” (2005) which featured her regular band that included Mercury award-winning drummer Seb Rochford and a guest appearance from Courtney Pine and “Licorice Kiss” (2009) which offers her own take on some 80’s classics alongside her own creations that range from toe-tapping grooves to Latin-inflected ballads.
Juliet’s show “Celebrating the Divas of Jazz” is a tribute to the jazz singers past and present who have inspired and influenced her. Including songs from Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone and Billie Holiday, this performance not only showcases popular favourites but also introduces lesser-known gems. Juliet has taken the show on tour in the UK as well as abroad with visits to Russia, Hong Kong and Belarus including a debut performance at legendary Moscow venue The Society of Composers, a live performance on a popular Moscow radio station and a television interview in Perm. "Bond to Bowie: Songs of Screen and Stage" is another popular show in which the acclaimed singer and songwriter shines a spotlight on her favourite songs from stage and screen. Bringing her warm personality and a jazzy flavour to the songs from classic movies, musicals and tv shows, Juliet takes us on a whistle-stop tour through the ages of musical entertainment.
"One of those rare singers that tells a genuine story with her music, through her passionate performance and naturally warm voice, it's a beguiling combination that's hard to resist. One of the UK's finest singers in any genre."
TIME OUT
For more information about Juliet visit www.julietkelly.com