"One of the finest collections of jazz-imbued pop you'll hear in all of 2008." Wildy's World , New York
Vocalist Julie McKee started writing songs for her latest album when a former neighbour failed to forward his post. “I was so annoyed – every time I went to the door, there was far more post for him than anyone else in the building. And I was the only one forwarding it on or recycling it.†So one day, instead of getting mad, she put pen to paper and out came Eric Marlow, a joyful 60s pop anthem on junk mail and missing persons.
A similar thread runs through all the tracks on her debut studio album, due for release in June this year, which draw on her experiences of life in a big city and a fascination with observing the foibles of others. The result is a series of musical vignettes, tender snapshots of friendships at breaking point, humongous egos and self-appointed television “expertsâ€, all told with a hefty dose of wit and compassion. Think Randy Newman played with a Tori Amos feel, with a slap of Ben Folds irreverence.
A classically trained pianist, US-born Julie studied English and Spanish at Cardiff University before being accepted onto the Guildhall School of Music & Drama's masters course in jazz. Yet her musical influences range far and wide, taking in pop, soul, rock, blues and classical, and she brings all these to the table in her forthcoming release. “I listen to all kinds of music and would hate my songs to be described simply as one genre. To me, good music is good music, wherever it comes from,†she says.
She now hopes to build on her extensive live experience across the UK, which includes performances at the National Theatre, LSO St Luke's, the Vortex, Troubadour club, Greenbelt Festival, Brighton Festival, Edinburgh Fringe, City of London Festival, National Portrait Gallery, Darbucka, the Drill Hall and the Bedford, to name a few, plus her involvement with London's Recycle Collective and appearances on BBC1 and SmoothFM.
As the recognition of her versatile vocal and songwriting talents grow, expect to hear a lot more from Julie McKee.
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“Star quality.†Ian Carr, biographer to Miles Davis
“With a natural flair for the piano and the English language, this artist's fresh sound sets her apart.†Live Listings magazine
“A rich, expressive and soulful voice.†Des de Moor, founder of Pirate Jenny's
“Julie McKee's voice was deep and powerful, yet gentle too ... the effect was, at times, like having a choir of angels in the corner of the old church.â€
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