Home » Member Page

Juliet Varnedoe

About Me

My Jazz Story

Louisiana native and visionary jazz vocalist Juliet Varnedoe, is set to release her debut album “Cajun Bleu” on April 12th, presenting her imaginative interpretation of Cajun musical traditions. Now based in New York, Juliet Varnedoe brings a highly original blend of music which combines New Orleans blues with the French cabaret drama of Juliette Gréco and the lyrical wit of Blossom Dearie. Growing up in Louisiana with a German father and Cajun mother, Juliet’s formative years were filled with sounds of Acadian folk songs, jazz standards, and classical piano lessons. With over a decade of moves across the United States, Juliet returned to her native Louisiana after receiving a Don Quixote Grant which enabled to study Cajun French and Acadian music in the Bayou Teche region. It was here that the seeds of Cajun Bleu were planted. The result not only presents a fresh, authentic twist on the rich and varied American music tradition, but narrates a tale of independence, exploration, nostalgia, and self- discovery, as seen through the lens of a resilient Cajun spirit that steadfastly moves to preserve the unique French American culture in the southeastern lands. She has assembled a hand-picked selection of musicians whose diverse instrumentation spans tuba and trombone to accordion and electric keys. This eclectic blend allows the music to evoke the memory of New Orleans great King Oliver’s Creole Band one moment, and the French cool of electronic pop icon Serge Gainsbourg the next. Even this choice reaches back into the past and touches the future - Clark Gayton (trombone/tuba) is the great-grand nephew of the legendary New Orleans musician Manuel "Fess" Manetta, while drummer Shawn Pelton is first-call for the Saturday Night Live TV show. The artistic vision was masterfully pulled together by Brooklyn-based producer Ben Rubin, also known for his role as a bassist and mixer at House of Cha Cha. Rubin seamlessly blends the electronic and acoustic sides into one sparkling sonic whole. This jazz-infused homage to the past and future of Cajun traditions brings together a rich heritage with a passion for American music which is both nuanced and irresistibly foot-tappingly feel-good.