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This is a print out of Julie Blue's EPK™ (Electronic Press Kit). For
a complete EPK including audio & photos, visit: |
_-_Soulful_Songstress_Julie_Blue.jpg)
(Solo, Quartet or with Choir) |
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| Primary Genre: | Jazz |
| Secondary Genre: | Gospel |
| Contact Name: | Julie Blue |
| Email: | julieblue@telus.net |
Julie Blue is a soulful songstress and prolific composer. She is a world class pianist with a warm, intoxicating voice. She is an inspirational solo performer, rocks the house with her jazz/world-beat Quartet and raises the roof with her 60 voice jazz/gospel choir.
Biography
MEDIA REVIEWS:
"With a voice as sultry as Sade's and as dreamy as Dido's, Blue unites the world of jazz, blues, pop, and soul with tasteful and deliciously inviting compositions. "
- Carson James, Chillout Island
"soars with beautiful melodies and inspired lyrics."
- The Vancouver Province
"Blue's voice is rich with texture and laced with palpable emotion."
- Adam Herrington Whisperin' & Hollerin' U.K.
"Julie Blue, what a performer! She took our quiet little gospel hour on Sunday morning and galvanized it into Prime Time. Julie has the amazing gift of drawing in both audience and other performers and making them a part of her joy in music. It's impossible not to be captured by her
songs, her spirit and beautiful voice. Truly a major highlight of our festival."
- Keith Alexander, Artistic Director
Edge of the World Music Festival
JULIE BLUE
Songs of healing and love embody the heart of Canadian singer/songwriter Julie Blue. With a richly soulful and beautifully evocative voice that has had music critics comparing her to Norah Jones, Sade, and Dido, Blue looks beyond stylistic boundaries, weaving together influences of jazz, classical, pop, and blues with a painter's eye for sonic detail. Blue's latest album, One of a Kind Woman, brims with warmth and an uplifting, therapeutic spirit. At a time when pop music has been redefined as disposable and superficial, Blue has dared to inject substance and timelessness in her songs, polishing them with radio-friendly hooks and a classy presentation.
Blue was born in Calgary, Canada. Her early passion for music led her to start playing piano at the age of five. By the time she was 17, Blue was already singing and playing professionally. She finished training in jazz at Capilano College in Vancouver, British Columbia and spent years studying classical music and voice. A global artist, Blue has performed throughout the United States, Africa, Australia, Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean and Japan. She currently performs at festivals and concerts with her trio or quartet of world-class musicians including multi-instrumentalist Joseph Pepe Danza and renowned bassist Laurence Mollerup.
Julie's current projects include a performance as Musical Keynoter for Goldie Hawn's Bright Light Foundation fundraising event; Matthew Fox's Earth Revival Cosmic Mass; and the Neale Donald Walsch world tour. She also performed at the Minerva Foundation's Life in Balance forum, and the international conference of both Noetic Science and Religious Science. She was a featured artist at the International Unity Conference in Kansas City, was part of the grand opening of the new R.O.M. museum in Toronto, and performed at the Edge of the World festival in Queen Charlotte Island.
She founded the Singspiration Creative Empowerment Programs in 1989 and has touched thousands of people through her Healing Sound and Songwriting Performance courses. Blue also writes music for and directs a 70-voice gospel choir, "The Singspiration Singers." Blue has also artistically directed many shows and concerts over the span of her career. She continues her fifth year of performances as Motivational Presenter at Harv Eker's Enlightened Warrior Camps in Canada and the U.S.
Julie's film composing credits include the award-winning documentaries Close to the Heart, Stolen Lives (which was the recipient of a Leo award), and Life and Times of Alex Trebek and Shipyard Lament for CBC. Her current projects include Traveling at the Speed of Life, an Ocean Playground Productions feature film; the National Film Board's documentary My Father, My Teacher; and the PBS documentary called Pete: Moving Man-Made Mountains.
One of a Kind Woman, her sixth album, made its debut a two sold-out concerts in Vancouver. Her instrumental CDs, Shining Through and Heart of the River, are selling internationally.
JOSEPH "PEPE"DANZA
www.pepe-music.com/
'Pepe' Danza is an electrifying percussionist and multi- instrumentalist (he plays over 40 instruments) originally from Montevideo. He has received many awards including Westcoast Music Award's "Musician of the Year" and nomination for the prestigious Juno Award.
Pepe lived in Japan for 3 years studying Shakuhachi Flute, two years in India and Sri Lanka for Indian music, Brazil for studies in Afro-Brazilian, Samba and Bossa Nova music, and shorter periods in Indonesia (studying Gamelan), Korea and the Philippines .
Pepe has performed with the Vancouver Symphony and Chamber Choir. He performed at a concert in honor of the Dalai Lama with Raffi and Ann Mortiffee; and HM was in attendance. In his extensive touring he has shared the stage with Ani DiFranco , Oscar Lopez and David Lindley .
Pepe is Artistic Director for the Vancouver Sacred Music Festival and performs at the Seattle World Rhythm Festival. He represented Canada in the 1999 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur while performing with the group ASZA.
DARYL JAHNKE:
www.daryljahnke.com
Daryl has been playing jazz and Latin music professionally since 1982.
He began his own creative jazz project in 1987 which led to the recording of the critically acclaimed CD "In Other Words".
Since then, he's been busy as a performer, studio musician, composer, producer, musical director and teacher and have been involved in creative projects led by some of Canada's best musicians.
He travels as a performer have taken him to New York, Cuba, Tokyo and across Canada where he has worked with highly respected musicians, including members of Cuba's premier Latin jazz band "Irakere", Tokyo/New York trumpeter Terumasa Hino and bassist Paul Jackson of Herbie Hancock's "Headhunters'" fame.
On the local scene, he has been a featured performer in the Vancouver International Jazz Festival since 1986.
LAURENCE MOLLERUP
www3.telus.net/mollerupbass
On both Double Bass and Electric Bass, Laurence is a mainstay of the West Coast music scene.
He is active in many fields including classical, jazz, Latin and world music.
He performs with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Symphony, and Vancouver Opera Orchestra.
Instrumentation
Julie and the Quartet's sound is Jazzy Blues layered with the feeling of Gospel, accented with the pulse of World Beat rhythms.
Julie Blue: Grand Piano and Voice; Composer.
Joseph "Pepe" Danza: Multi-instrumentalist / Percussion (he plays over 40 instruments).
Daryl Jahnke: Guitar
Darren Parris: Bass
Choir Members: back-up vocals as needed
Discography
"One Of A Kind Woman" - CD, Jazz (released June 8, 2007)
"Wing and a Prayer" - CD, Pop Inspirational
"Heart of the River" - CD, Instrumental
"Shining Through" - CD, Instrumental
"If You Dare" - CD Pop/ World Beat
"Here Comes the Sun" - CD Solo Piano Beatles Covers
"Enlightened Warrior" - CD for Harv Eker Training Camps
"One of a Kind Woman" is now playing on the following
Radio Stations:
CBC - North by Northwest, Vancouver
CBC - Breakaway, Quebec
CBC - Kelowna Early Morning
CBC - All in a Day, Ottawa
CBC - Fresh Air, Toronto
CBC - Info Radio, Winnipeg
CBC - Points North, Sudbury
CBC - Trails End, Yellowknife
CBC - Voyage North, Thunder Bay
KDHX St. Louis, MO
KAOS Olympia, WA
KSER Everett, WA
KBOO Portland, OR
KXCI Tucson, AZ
KBUT Crested Butte, CO
KPFA Berkeley, CA
KPFT Houston, TX
WFDU Teaneck, NJ
KMUD Redway, CA
Streaming on Positive Music Association Radio, SeeQ Radio, Next Radio, One Vibration Radio and Verizon Wireless
Links
| http://www.julieblue.com/ |
CD Review
Chill Out Island Magazine
Chill Out Island
From New Age to downtempo electronica to acoustic folk, Chill Out Island surveys the finest in relaxing music.
Crooner Julie Blue is soulful, passionate on new CD
January 9, 2008 at 4:42 am • Filed under Easy Listening, Jazz and tagged: blues, Jazz, sade
Reviewed by Carson James
Artist: Julie Blue
Title: One of a Kind Woman
Just as its title promises, Julie Blue is, indeed, a One of a Kind Woman on this beautifully crafted and sweetly-scented album. With a voice as sultry as Sade's and as dreamy as Dido's, Blue unites the world of jazz, blues, pop, and soul with tasteful and deliciously inviting compositions. Her vocals are the key to your heart, opening the doors of various emotions, from romantic regret ("Love Looks Like Now") to positive reinforcement ("Believe in Yourself") to spiritual reflection ("Way of the Mystery"). It's all performed with emotional highs and lows, delivered with passion yet restraint as well.
Blue is a crooner, but one with real feeling in her voice; she is not some restaurant karoake singer. No, Blue is a vocalist who captures the thoughts conveyed in her words with an honest-to-God sincerity. "Love Looks Like Now" recalls Shawn Colvin's "Sunny Came Home" in its mix of sad lyrics with rather upbeat adult alternative music. "Love Looks Like Now" surprised me because I was expecting a mostly jazzy affair. However, Blue is not one to be categorized. "Believe in Yourself" has echoes of Elton John in the piano playing and "Bluer Than Blue" and "Well of Love" are extensions of the blues.
This is a CD that continuously surprises and delights as it goes along. To say that I'm merely in love with it is an understatement.
http://www.julieblue.com
CD Review
Whisperin and Hollerin Magazine UK
'Julie Blue'
'One of a Kind Woman'
- Genre: 'Soul' - Release Date: '2007'
Our Rating:
There is nothing complicated about the music of Julie Blue (http://www.julieblue.com). However, there aren't many people these days who could pull off material this radiant and heartbreaking. And I mean heartbreaking not in the sense that the songs are sad although a few of them are. Blue breaks the heart with the aching prettiness of her singing; it's almost too lovely for this world, a voice sent down from the heavens. But, having said that, you might expect a more otherworldly croon a la Enya, which is not the case. Blue's vocals are down-to-Earth and in your ear; they whisper in the darkest corners of your room, caught between the sun and shadow.
Norah Jones may get all the Grammys yet I find myself being more attracted to Blue's voice, which is rich with texture and laced with palpable emotion. The meltingly gorgeous soulfulness of "Something Guiding Us On" truly moves and elevates our inner core.
Blue's singing strikes me as therapeutic, comforting. Many women who create music in this genre aim for sexiness but Blue combines sensuality with a nurse's empathy and tender loving care; her vocals don't just kiss you, they embrace you. "Please Come Home" is ethereal as starlight. The lush "Way of the Mystery" centers Sade-ish atmospherics with tropical world beats. "Finding Grace in Everything" crosses the bridge between smooth jazz and acoustic pop.
Although not a Christian CD, I could see this record appealing to that crowd because of the hopeful messages of overcoming sorrow that is threaded through Blue's lyrics. One is left playing this record repeatedly for the positive vibrations it emits every time it plays.
author: Adam Harrington
CD Review
The Vancouver Province
Wing and a Prayer, Julies first singer-songwriter release after four albums of solo piano, soars with beautiful melodies and inspired lyrics.
...Lorne Mallin,
The Vancouver Province
CD Review
Banyan Books and Sound
Banyan Books Review
Julie Blue is a Diva, choir director, composer and musical force bringing joy to many.
This new album 'Wing & a Prayer' features Julie on vocals with a tasty backing of guitar, bass, sax, trumpet, and drums. Songs like "Strength to Fall", "Melt My Heart", "River of Life", and "Thank You" beautifully convey Julies gospel soul and great big tender heart. Liner notes include the words to all her songs, which offer us strength and encouragement to live our lives as fully as we can.
CD Review
Shared Vision Magazine
"The real star here is Blue's effective vocal prowess. Having spent most of her adult life teaching others how to find their voice, Blue has inadvertantly found hers in creating a treasure which encompasses both her talents and spiritual beliefs. The whole CD has a catchy sing along connectedness to it and a special poignancy that's bound to make you feel a little more comfortable in your skin."
...John Beaudin
Shared Vision Magazine
Neil Donald Walsh
Founder, World Oneness Tour
I am so moved by Julie's songs and lyrics, by her ability to inspire others, and by her creative energy!
-- Neale Donald Walsch
Charlotte Diamond
Winner and 3 time Juno Nominee
"I really enjoyed Julie's new CD. It was music that I needed to hear.
We all go through transitions in our lives when we need to be inspired by others. We learn from each other how to overcome obstacles and insecurities to keep moving
forward and let our creativity flow.
Julie's songs are uplifting and thought provoking. The production is excellent and the musical arrangements support the
lyrics. Julie's voice and personality are always front and centre!"
Please extend to Julie my congratulations.
Good luck! Charlotte Diamond
A typical set is 30-50 minutes. Julie plays original material. Some of the song titles are "Believe in Yourself", "Send Me an Angel", "Melt My Heart", "This Is What Love Looks Like Now", "Strength to Fall".
Because of Julie's creative and musical versatility, she puts together sets and groups according to the needs of specific events and concerts.
As a solo performer, Julie needs a tuned Grand Piano, a vocal mic on a boom stand and a professional level PA system and monitor.
With her Quartet we need to add a bass amp, two more vocal mics and 4-5 more instrumental mics for Pepe's drums, percussion and flute. Additional mics needed for back-up choir vocals.
| Date | Time | Venue | City |
2007 |
Celebration 2010 at Millennnium Place Theatre | Whistler Resort, BC | |
|
Spiritual Centre for Dynamic Living | Vancouver, BC | |
2007 |
Spiritual Centre for Dynamic Living | Vancouver, BC | |
2007 |
Neil Donald Walsh "World Oneness Tour" | Vancouver, BC | |
2007 |
Spiritual Centre for Dynamic Living | Vancouver, BC | |
2007 |
Spiritual Centre for Dynamic Living | Vancouver, BC | |
2007 |
Julie Blue Gala CD Release Party at the Centennial Theatre | North Vancouver, BC | |
2007 |
Julie Blue Gala CD Release Party at the East Cultural Centre | Vanouver, BC | |
2007 |
Assoc of Unity Churches International Conference | Overland Park, KS | |
2007 |
Royal Ontario Museum, opening of new wing | Toronto, ON | |
2007 |
Edge of the World Festival | Queen Charlotte, BC | |
2008 |
Spiritual Centre for Dynamic Living | Vancouver, BC | |
2008 |
Intl. Artist Debut Radio Interview | Denver Radio Station, CO | |
2008 |
ACCESS Retreat | Victoria, BC | |
2008 |
Spiritual Centre for Dynamic Living | Vancouver, BC | |
2008 |
Unity of the Valley | White Rock, BC | |
2008 |
Atlin Arts and Music Festival | Atlin, BC | |
2008 |
Edge of the World Festival | Queen Charlotte, BC |