Julia Danielle is a fast-rising star in the vibrant Chicago jazz scene. As the 2022 International Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Vocal Competition Winner, Julia got to perform alongside The Tierney Sutton Band at the renowned Blues Alley Jazz Club in Washington D.C. and since then, has led her own band and music at the incomparable venue. She also won DownBeat’s 46th annual Student Music Award for “Undergraduate College Outstanding Vocal Soloist” and was mentioned in their 2023 June edition. As a 2024 Luminarts Winner, Julia has had the opportunity to perform alongside jazz luminaries like Sharel Cassity and Isaiah Collier. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at DePaul University in 2023 will graduate from The Juilliard School in 2026 with a Master of Music in Jazz Studies. She frequently performs at Chicago's Jazz Showcase, Andy's Jazz Club, Winter's Jazz Club and more.
On Julia Danielle, the singer pays homage to the great artists who have inspired her musical journey, celebrating their legacy while also carving out her own unique voice. Drawing from the rich tapestry of the Great American Songbook, Julia carefully selected a collection of standards, each one a testament to her breadth of interpretation, style, and phrasing. "I'm thrilled to share this album with the world," says Danielle. "It's been a journey of growth and discovery, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my musical vision with others.” With her sultry voice, Julia breathes new life into these classics, infusing them with a contemporary yet timeless feeling that resonates with listeners of all ages.
Each track on the album serves as a petal, unfurling to reveal Julia Danielle's unique musical voice. From the timeless elegance of Cole Porter's "Night and Day" to the tender grasp of George & Ira Gershwin's "Embraceable You," listeners are invited to wander through a garden of melodies, each one carefully nurtured and cultivated by Danielle.
Amidst the bouquet, standout tracks emerge like blossoms in full bloom. Billy Eckstine's "I Want to Talk About You" is transformed into a captivating vocal arrangement, a delicate interplay of melody and emotion that showcases Danielle's skill as both a vocalist and arranger. In contrast, "Beautiful Moons Ago" is reimagined as a stirring string quartet arrangement, with Julia's evocative melodies weaving seamlessly through the lush harmonies. She brings a fresh perspective to Nat King Cole & Oscar Moore's composition, each note resonating with the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
On "Lawns," based on Kurt Elling’s arrangement of the beautiful Carla Bley composition, Julia explores new sonic landscapes, blending elements of jazz and contemporary classical music to create a soundscape that is both familiar and otherworldly. As the album draws to a close, Danielle leaves listeners with a poignant reminder that, like the ever-changing seasons, there will never be another moment quite like the present. Her rendition of the classic jazz standard "There Will Never Be Another You" serves as a testament to the enduring beauty of the genre and the promise of new growth on the horizon.
Julia Danielle's debut album is not just a collection of songs, but a journey through the rich landscape of jazz, capturing the essence of tradition while blooming with contemporary flair. As her voice intertwines with the artistry of her band, listeners are invited to experience the vibrant growth of a promising talent. With each note, Julia Danielle invites us to explore her musical garden, promising that her unique blend of classic and modern jazz will leave an indelible mark on the hearts of all who listen. The album is set to be released on November 1, 2024, and is sure to become a cherished addition to any jazz lover's collection.
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