Depending on which track you hear first, Julia Klee and the Clockworks might strike you as a folksy, singer-songwriter and band. Or a piano-driven pop project, or an old school gospel experiment. A pleasant departure from the expected, the Clockworks abandon the idea of contrived melody and forged verse for the thrill of raw honest music.Formed in early 2007, the band is Julia Klee (keys,vocals) Andrew Culhune (guitar) and Mike Neibaur (upright bass). Klee and Neibaur also are part of the southern neo gospel collective, "John Wesley's Band". Andrew Culhane also plays guitar in the alt/country bluegrass band, "The Hobo Wives".
With influences ranging from Van Morrison's Astral Weeks to Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine, Klee's songs resist categorical limitations but allow for comparisons. Fans of Regina Spektor will appreciate the intimate, piano-narratives, sweet melodies and quirky imagery. Klee was also classically trained and haphazardly began writing her own music. The songs have striking hooks and the same sort of sultry tenderness one would expect from Karin Bergquist of Over the Rhine, Cat Power, or Fiest. Klee's big-city life compliments her small-town heart where she feels at home. In "Anchor," she sings: "logic never gave me peace/ and wide skies never tell/ the things I seek,/ the moments lost,/ life's obvious divine."
She is a vocal chameleon in all the best ways—her experience as a hired session vocalist allows her continual collaboration with other artists and producers through out Chicago and Nashville. Klee effortlessly slides from sweet, lush jazz influenced grooves, to swinging, folksy ballads with subtle instincts that matter.
For the past year the band has been able to create a distinct dynamic sound, enjoy a loyal, fan base and headline many a stage about town. Julia and Clockworks are definitely the next emerging Chicago band for folk lovers and singer/songwriter fans to see.This band has the rare ability to gracefully transition between styles, fine-tuning their identity while leaving a pretty little melody stuck in your head.
"Your Voice Holds the Air" was created in early 2006 at Chicago's North Branch Studios. The band is currently re-working the album, while playing shows throughout the city and Midwest.
For booking information, please email [email protected]:Christine Foust
www.savedarfur.org
