Jazz Articles

Julie Kelly: Happy to Be

by Jack Bowers
August 30, 2014

Julie Kelly is a talented singer whose talents are a fairly well-kept secret except on the West Coast, where she makes her home. Happy to Be is Kelly's eighth album, the first on Graham Carter's Colorado-based Jazzed Media label, and as has been her custom in the past, she chooses for the most part interesting songs that aren't heard nearly often enough. Compositions by Dave Frishberg, Bob Dorough, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Richard Rodney Bennett and even Phoebe Snow are here, ...

Julie Kelly: Happy To Be

by Dan Bilawsky
August 23, 2014

Over the past thirty years, vocalist Julie Kelly has established and cemented her sterling reputation via seven highly praised albums. Her eighth, a beauty in every way, is likely to garner her some more rave reviews. After tackling a diverse program with able support from pianist Mike Wofford on Everything I Love (Chase Music Group, 2006), and grafting her own personality onto cool school vocalist June Christy's work with some help from pianist-arranger Tom Garvin on Kelly ...

Julie Kelly: Kelly Sings Christy

by Roger Crane
September 12, 2002

The likable and talented Julie Kelly has been a fixture on the West Coast scene for many years. Thou Swell - Kelly Sings Christy is her sixth recording and is arguably her best. And, since she is a most consistent vocalist, that is high praise. Recording this tribute is a blue ribbon concept since her voice quality and approach are perfect for songs recorded by June Christy. Like the noted “Misty Miss Christy,” Kelly is from the so-called “cool school” ...

Julie Kelly: Kelly Sings Christy

by Richard Bourcier
September 4, 2002

With her third release for Chase Music Group, the California based Julie Kelly has spawned a gem. This performance is a carefully crafted and joyful celebration of the music of June Christy. June Christy (1925-1990) began her career with Stan Kenton’s band during the mid 1940s. Her relationship with Kenton sax star, Bob Cooper resulted in a marriage that lasted until her death in 1990. The Misty Miss Christy enjoyed superstar status among jazz lovers. June was “the coolest.”

While ...

Julie Kelly: Into The Light

by Jerry D'Souza
November 1, 2001

Julie Kelly records all too infrequently. When a new album comes out, it is well worth looking forward to. She has not disappointed over the course of five records that have taken in jazz standards and new tunes with a sure-fire disposition that profiles a singer with heart.

Over the course of her long career Kelly has sung in a band with John Handy and has recorded with Ray Brown, Nat Adderley and Benny Green. Pretty good credentials, but it ...

Julie Kelly: Into The Light

by AAJ Staff
May 1, 2001

Julie Kelly.."Into The Light"...CMG Release.. It was a Sunday evening a few months ago, when I walked into the 66 California jazz club and heard Julie Kelly sing for the first time. I was immediately taken with the hipness of her style, the choice of tunes and most of all the slick scatting. I came for a beer and stayed for the whole gig. This CD reflects all of the artistry I heard that night. The musicians who accompany Miss ...

Julie Kelly: Into The Light

by Jim Santella
March 1, 2001

Her vocal qualities and spirit recall Carmen McRae. The piano trio with whom she works takes the listener into a nightclub and away from the bright lights. It’s intimate music.

Singer Julie Kelly has captured the charm that turned her on to jazz in the first place. Monk, Brubeck, Basie, Miles and Gil, Mingus, Bobby Hutcherson and many more started her on this road. A year performing in South America with Brazilian bands has aided in Kelly’s development and expanded ...