Julie Kinscheck

Artist Information

Biography

We are in the midst of production for our new CD; projected release March 2013- and it ROCKS!

My debut solo artist CD: "Grace with Jazz on Top"
Released April 2008 has been spinning on 6000 country radio stations internationally and earned me the cover of a bunch of newspapers and music rags. Here's what some have said:

"Julie Kinscheck's songwriting and outstanding vocal work will satisfy you to your soul..." - Metronome Magazine Jan 2010

"Every time she sings it moves my heart! I am so encouraged!" - Gail, TV Announcer.

"I am So grateful my kids are listening to her (Julie's) CD in the car now instead of W--- radio!" - Peg, children's ministry coordinator.

Julie Kinscheck's original music is all about communication heart to heart. Her lyrics are alive with images of struggles and hope, especially for the youth and women. Her love for God shines through whether she's rocking out, scat singing or singing a gentle ballad. Her energy is electric; her warmth is contagious!

Metronome magazine called Julie "Christian pop"- but she is that and more! Beyond the spiritual battles raging through her music is that life experience that appeals to anyone raising a family. Fraught with the challenges of marriage, motherhood and the pursuit of a career, her songs touch common places inside her audiences.

Stylistically, Julie is a unique blend of her folk roots, vocal jazz improvisation and her love for a good groove! She will sing a beautiful ballad with soaring high notes and subtle syncopations, then throw a scat solo on a country rocker! Add all that to the progressive rock roots of husband and producer Ralph Kinscheck and you have a unique sound that defies branding!

The new CD has quite a bit more edge than the Grace CD, though she hasn't forgotten what are her roots. The lyrics are deep and recognize the angst of the spiritual quest and the joy of the fulfillment. - And there are still some SCAT solos in there in between the insatiable funky bass and rockin' drums played by her older brothers Chris and Gary. Working together with progressive rock influenced husband Ralph Kinscheck on Keys and bluesy lead guitarist Johnny Vicaire- there is a unity and unique blend that is exciting.

Julie Kinscheck was born Julie Alice Gibbons to a very musical family, daughter of a minister, in the college town of Ithaca, New York. She began writing her own music and singing with her guitar publicly at churches and talent shows at age nine. At that time she was heavily influenced by the talents of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and the Beatles. At the same time she was soaking in the funky stylings of Earth, Wind and Fire, The Doobie Brothers and Chaka Kahn all played by her brothers' band.

After a street musician tour of Europe including a near record deal in London, Julie went to hone her skills in composition and arranging at Oberlin Conservatory. While there she discovered vocal jazz! Heavily influenced by The Manhattan Transfer and John Hendricks and others, she learned to scat sing and began integrating improvisation into her folk style. She eventually transferred to Berklee College of Music in Boston where she achieved her Bachelor of Music, cum laude on a full scholarship, and received various vocal and songwriting awards.

At Berklee she also met her future husband, and collaborator, keyboardist Ralph Kinscheck.

Ralph was and is an amazing keyboard player and electronic musician, engineer and songwriter himself. He added to his pulsing rock influences from Kansas, Rush and others with a degree in Music Synthesis from Berklee and later audio engineering from U Mass Lowell. He brings everything from string arrangements to flourishing keyboard solos to their music together- and mostly the rock edge.

As Julie went after making a living in music, she played in numerous cover and original pop/ rock/ jazz and gospel groups. Influences at this time included early Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Janet Jackson, Bette Midler and the incredible Bonnie Raitt! See resume for details. Some have compared Julie to Sheryl Crow, or Edie Brickell, but better.

After an awakening of her faith in the early 90's she began playing a long string of church events, conferences and benefit shows. Some of these performances have taken her to Canada and across the US to audiences of thousands. Julie began leading music for adults and children, developing opportunities for children and youth to use their musical talents to glorify God.

Kinscheck was always involved in performing for charities and causes that mattered to her ( and still writes custom original songs for selected events)- but in the early 90's she also became involved with her signature charity: Hope Worldwide. She considers herself an Artist Partner with Hope Worldwide- contributing time as a volunteer and artist fundraiser for the work HOPE does for children around the world. Even a portion of the profits from her CD's is dedicated to the charity.

She was also the musical director of the all woman a cappella gospel/ jazz group: Faith in Action, collaborating with Bobby McFerrin.

Today she looks forward to the release of and subsequent tour following her new CD with husband Ralph and new band "City on The Hill", Stay tuned.

Instrumentation

Ralph Kinscheck - Music Production, Key Boards, synth programming
John Vicaire - Lead Guitar
Chris Gibbons - Bass/ Back up Vocals
Julie Kinscheck - Lead vocals & acoustic guitar, Assistant Producer.
Melanie Singh - Back-up Vocalist
Diana Wick - Back-up Vocals
Gary Gibbons - Drums[et]

Discography

2013- Projected release date: March 15. Christian Rock CD with band City on the Hill.

2008- April 25 release: Grace with Jazz on Top- Debut solo artist CD www.juliekinscheck.com - all 10 cuts playing on over 6000 international country and gospel radio stations.

2006- November 23 release: Faith in Action Live, Faith In Action A cappella Gospel-jazz group. www.fia-boston.com

2006- AUGUST 19th CD RELEASE: The Force! Christian Rock aimed for teen/preteen audience- www.ptbtheforce.com

2001 - Post 911 Compilation CD for Red Cross, "Courage My Soul" with Faith In Action a 'cappella group
2000- Community Music Center of Boston CD Compilation
1994 - Radical Love CD by the Radicals (vocal tracks)
1991- Hands and Feet CD by David Caote Group (vocal tracks)
1991- Window of Life CD by John Mc Henry (vocal tracks)
1991- Indian Summer- 3 song cassette
1989- Love Is Wild- 3 song cassette

Official Website

http://www.julieksings.com

Links

• Twitter
• Julie Kinscheck Official Site
• Facebook
• MySpace
• Ourstage
• Reverb Nation pages
• Twitter Page

Audio

• Standing on The Rock
  Listen  
• Coffee Song
  Listen  
• Let My Light Shine mp3
  Listen  
• Precious
  Listen  
• Grace
  Listen  
• Secure In Heart
  Listen  
• American Memory
  Listen  
• Get in the Water
  Listen  
• A Little Time
  Listen  
• Always Kiss Good Night
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Coffee Song
• Precious
• Grace
• American Memory
• Get In The Water
• A Little Time
• Secure In Heart
• Martha, Martha
• Always Kiss Good Night
• He Called

Video

Julie Kinscheck Live Video Clips

Photo Gallery

Press

• LET THE SWEET SOUNDS OF JULIE KINSCHECK HEAL YOUR WINTER BLUES [+ Show ]
  

  LET THE SWEET SOUNDS OF JULIE KINSCHECK HEAL YOUR WINTER BLUES February 1, 2011 | by Skope Staff ...LET THE SWEET SOUNDS OF JULIE KINSCHECK HEAL YOUR WINTER BLUES
  
  February 1, 2011 | by Skope Staff
  
  I am finally back from my vacation which was very refreshing in body & spirit. So to get me back into the swing I wanted to have a musician that could keep the good vibes going. My next guest is enduring this snowy winter like most of us in New England and she goes by the name Julie Kinscheck. Julie’s voice is soft, sweet, and inviting to the ear. I knew I wanted to have her on after hearing her song “Grace” off her album ‘Grace with Jazz on Top.’ Join us as Julie Kinscheck talks about how the church led her to music, how music helps her marriage, Hope Worldwide, and so much more.
  
  Stoli: Where are we talking from today and how was your holidays?
  
  Julie Kinscheck: Today I am in Billerica, MA -Home. We are expecting a big storm tomorrow and we have been working on the recording studio we are building in the house before the storm hits. We had some construction guys in here this morning painting the control room floor and fixing some spots on the n trim for the new door into what will be the live recording room. It is amazing how many details go into not only making something acoustically excellent- but just cosmetically right!
  
  As for the holidays- we spent Christmas here with visiting family. We had finished all the big Christmas concerts etc the week before. We had planned to go down to the Atlanta area to visit Ralph’s side of the family- but we got snowed in! Time to sled!
  
  Stoli: How much does music play into your family gatherings for the holidays?
  
  Julie Kinscheck: Crazy as it seems- not much. My brothers are professional base and drums, my parents (divorced and both re-married) write (Mom) and Sing opera (Dad)- but when we get together we mostly eat and talk. Some years I have led the family in carol singing. That is just the actual Christmas Eve and Day.
  
  My immediate family is always very involved in various Christmas shows, student recitals and special Christmas services running up to the holiday- on which I am usually singing, playing, conducting and leading often adults and children. This year my favorite Christmas event was the Christmas service I helped to direct the week before Christmas- which included me directing two children’s choirs- And singing this gorgeous BarlowGirl Christmas song called “Hallelujah (Light Has Come)”.
  
  Stoli: What are you proud of for 2010 and would like to accomplish in 2011?
  
  Julie Kinscheck: One of the things I am most proud of in 2010 was directing a benefit called “The Night Of HOPE” here in Billerica. I put together a set with my original band to play- and we were the house band. One of the songs off our The Force CD “Hope For the Children” was the theme song for the night. I invited numerous other wonderful musicians to perform and a speaker, Walter Kotkowski, from Hope Worldwide to present. We raised a bunch of money for HOPE’s incredible medical missions in Africa and Guatamala. I hope (no pun intended) to direct an even larger event in town in 2011.
  
  In 2010 I managed to get the attention of a good deal of local and regional press; I was on the cover of The Metronome, The Billerica Green, The Lowell Sun and The Minute Man to name a few. This should make publicizing our next night of Hope much better. This in turn will raise more money for needy children- which is an important part of my personal mission as an artist.
  
  Also in 2011 we hope to lay down the basics for my next CD. I have been writing lots of new songs that I am very excited about- and with our new home studio (prayerfully functional in the next few months) we will start to put it together! I will fly my drummer brother, Gary in from LA again and import my bass playing brother, Chris up from NY for the basics!
  
  Another really cool thing from 2010 was having my “Coffee Song” hit the charts in Austria! I am praying to do a tour in Europe in the summer of 2011.
  
  Stoli: The church and your father helped get you started in music. How would you say that that shaped you as a songwriter today?
  
  Julie Kinscheck: Well my Dad is certainly a big part of why I can sing well- he has a gorgeous voice! But it was my mother’s poetry writing style and her marvelous use of imagery that influences my songwriting even today. The influence of the church and later contemporary Christian music has been a more recent (last 20 years) influence than childhood- but everything I write, even the completely secular songs are all influenced by the faith that guides my life… my belief in the good always triumphing over evil, that anything is possible with God and that there is hope in any situation no matter how grave it seems.
  
  Stoli: You graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston. How did your years there help take your performance to the next level and to learn with the best?
  
  Julie Kinscheck: Berklee was invaluable to me! I always enjoyed singing and writing and playing… but it was at Berklee that i got many more tools to make a living doing it. Learning to arrange the parts for the band, read and write vocal parts, write jingles, and so much more has helped me again and again- as well as just the opportunity to play with so many great musicians in every different style, get experience in the studio etc. I’d recommend it to anyone serious about pursuing music.
  
  Stoli: You released your debut ‘Grace with Jazz on Top.’ How long did you write & record that album and any plans for a follow up?
  
  Julie Kinscheck: Since that was my debut solo artist CD- some of the songs, like “Always Kiss GoodNight” or “Coffee Song” were over a decade old… I nearly put on a song “Where is the BOy” which I had written as a student at Berklee in the 80's! We did the basics but it wasn’t finished for this disk- But the actual production of the CD took us almost exactly a year. We laid basics in March and had the disc in hand the following April. (And we pushed at the end because I had to have copies for a conference I was singing at in Canada!) We had SO MANY different wonderful singers and players on Grace that it took a long time- and we had small children and other jobs on top! I expect the next disk will take a similar amount of time to complete- so let’s look for it in 2012:)
  
  Stoli: Your vocal ability is captivating. When did you realize you had that talent and how do you keep your voice sharp?
  
  Julie Kinscheck: Thank you so much. It is very important to me that my voice reaches people. I like that word “Captivating”. I remember watching Star Search when I was very young- maybe 7 and saying “I can do what she’s doing!”- so I have known I had a talent for a very long time- the challenge in knowing so young is that you can start to feel entitled to recognition- I thought I was supposed to have hits before I was 25 years old and it just didn’t happen that way! God has his own timing. I keep having to relearn that lesson!
  
  As for keeping my voice sharp- it helps very much that teach voice lesson during the week. Being a vocal coach means I warm up my voice and do exercises often- keeping my range and flexibility at its best. Then when I practice my own songs- I’m already in good shape.
  
  Stoli: Your husband Ralph is a musician as well. How does that mutual love for music keep your marriage strong?
  
  Julie Kinscheck: We love to play together. It was part of how we fell in love- I was in a country band and I asked him to play keys for it. He thought “She must like me since she knows I’m really a rock player.” and I thought “He must like me since he agreed to play in my country band and I know that’s not really his gig!” The crazy thing is he got to like country a lot more and I got a lot more rock in me from the relationship!
  
  Stoli: I am a coffee junkie. I love your song, “Coffee Song.” What inspired you to write & record that song?
  
  Ralph was the inspiration! We hadn’t even started dating and you could tell some sparks were flying! I wrote the song and gave it to him on a cassette. It freaked him out a bit at first- but I think it sped things up a tad!
  
  Stoli: The USA is in rough shape these days. How can faith & music help ease the pain of the people suffering?
  
  Julie Kinscheck: Well- I sure hope my music helps to do that! Everyone needs hope in their lives- so many people feel so isolated and depressed. God has the answers- he is really the place to look. “Secure in Heart”, “Martha, Martha”, “Grace” and certainly “American Memory” all lead you there. “get in the Water” is a really fun song about my conversion- I was in a pretty low place before I cam e to faith- and I’m sure there was more than a gospel choir singing of angels when I cam e out of the water!!!! One of the toughest times in my life was when I couldn’t get pregnant- but again, it was God, and my faith community that helped me through this time.
  
  Music, and my songs I pray, can inspire hope in people… It can make all the difference!
  
  Stoli: You donate proceeds from sales to HOPE. How did you get involved with that cause and how can readers help out as well?
  
  Julie Kinscheck: Hope WOrldwide is an AMAZING charity! Ranked top internationally for their efficient use of donated funds (they don’t spent it all on advertising and sending free address stickers for instance! it really goes to the needs) they help people all over the world- what ever the needs in that area… in India it was housing and medical care for lepers, in Africa it is Aids Clinics, in Boston it is Foster programs and parties for foster teens and a food pantry etc… Anyway- I got involved through my church over a decade ago.. originally just doing door to door health education and neighborhood cleanup efforts… NOw I also do concerts for them and have promised that 10% of CD profits will go to HOPE. Check them out at www.hopeWW.org
  
  Stoli: What is coming up for you in the new year and where can we follow you online?
  
  Julie Kinscheck: In addition to playing local shows and singing and playing with the Praise team/band at church I am praying to travel to tour in Europe, as I mentioned before… And other conferences and event stateside. My material is especially suited to womens conferences and events. If you out there know of womens events that might hire me- PLEASE let me know:)
  
  www.julieksings.com

• Skope Artist To Watch [+ Show ]
  

  JULIE KINSCHECK RELEASE 'GRACE WITH JAZZ ON TOP' "Grace With Jazz on Top," the latest CD by sing...JULIE KINSCHECK RELEASE 'GRACE WITH JAZZ ON TOP'
  
  "Grace With Jazz on Top," the latest CD by singer-songwriter Julie Kinscheck, also known as the Queen of SCAT, is getting rave reviews from print, radio and live audiences all over. Check it out- you may just smile (or cry)!"
  
  Julie Kinscheck's songwriting and outstanding vocal work will satisfy you to your soul..." - Metronome Magazine Jan 2010
  
  REVIEWS: Wildy World wrote: "Fans of Christian pop music will dig Julie Kinscheck." "It's quite amazing how you incorporate the Christian themes into the Jazz styled vox performances let alone the brilliant music arrangements as well. Vocal harmonies are so well arranged, and will bring a big smile to many a listeners face, as it did to mine," exclaimed one Taxi reviewer. For more reviews go to www.sonicbids.com/juliekinscheck
  
  RADIO: "Coffee Song" recently hit #34 on the ECMA Charts in Austria! While this and other cuts from Kinscheck are playing on over 4000 international radio stations and selling on line at www.julieksings.com, iTunes, Cdbaby, Amazon.com etc and selling at Julie's live shows across New England and the US and Canada; "Grace With Jazz On Top"- breaking through.
  
  The album sports a unique blend of spiritual pop and folk with a liberal sprinkle of dynamite SCAT singing. But frankly, it's just a great listen.
  
  "Coffee Song" Ringtone:
  
  SKOPE IT HERE!
  
  BIO: Kinscheck, born Julie Alice Gibbons, was a kid who grew up in Ithaca, NY, playing guitar and writing her own songs from her heart; when she missed the boat to child stardom, she busted her back to make a living singing... She traveled playing the streets of Europe, played countless clubs, coffeehouses, churches and weddings. She was even chosen as one of the best-unsigned songwriters by the national academy of songwriters in NYC in 1991.
  
  At last God opened some doors to play larger venues (even Madison Square Garden!) and start putting out recordings. "The Force" with the band PTB and "Faith in Action Live" with a capella group Faith in action, both came out in 2006.
  
  Now a mom of twins with tales of heartaches, struggles and a powerful faith, she has taken her vast experience, songwriting awards and sense of humor and created a work of art in this her debut solo artist CD.
  
  "Grace With Jazz On Top" is vulnerable. While being interviewed by the Billerica Green, the reporter wiped her eyes because she was so moved by the story of infertility and God's miracles behind Kinscheck's song "Precious." After 8 long years struggling with infertility, Kinscheck put her amazing love for her unborn twins into song.
  
  The reviewer from Metronome magazine who chose "Grace With Jazz On Top" as a top five pick in January 2010- worthy of the cover story in March 2010, just called the vocal work on "Precious": "Gorgeous."
  
  "Grace With Jazz On Top" speaks to women. One fan that recently purchased the CD commented on how she loved the song "Secure in Heart," - a playful look at the insecurities we all face as women and the only real answer. "Martha, Martha" is another song on the CD that really speaks to women- and how we try to do it ALL! In our craziness, we long to know the peace as we sit at His feet.
  
  "Grace With Jazz on Top" is FUN! Many deep themes run through Kinscheck's songs, but who said faith can't be FUN! Fans often request the "Coffee Song" at live shows. Wildy World writes: "[It is] a jazz tune that wants to stray into rockabilly. Coffee becomes the metaphor for romance in a wonderful act of innuendo that's family friendly." - and don't forget the signature 'Vocal Trumpet' solo!
  
  Other songs of note on the CD include:
  
  *1. The soulful "Grace"- the title cut; resonating the fundamental need we all have for grace from those around us, enhanced with flavorful keyboard work by husband and producer, Ralph Kinscheck and juicy Jaco-esk bass work and smooth drums by Kinscheck's brothers Chris and Gary Gibbons. This track also includes percussion grooves by the internationally respected African drummer: Joe Galeota.
  *2. "American Memory" written in dedication to those who lost loved ones on 911 and other national tragedies. Opening with patriotic drums and flute duet, filled with some folky-funky groove and attitude and finishing with full choir in rich poignant harmony.
  *3. "Always Kiss Good Night"- Which according to Metronome Magazine "features the outstanding vocal duet with David Coate." Is one of dozens of custom love songs written by Kinscheck over the years.
  *4. "A Little Time"- More of a country tune with the interesting twist of being written from the point of view of Time itself. "I'll be here when you need me, take me! I'm a Little Time!"
  *5. "He Called"- This jazzy little love song that could be a great hook for a cell phone company! The Andrews Sisters-esk vocal harmonies throughout, the Chicago style horn section, flourishing keyboard work by Ralph Kinscheck and SCAT solo all make this a light hearted winner.
  *6. "Get in the Water"- Dixieland meets SCAT singing and tells the true story of a soul saved! Yeah! And don't forget the gospel choir at the end and that climactic high D note! It is that wild a combo and always gets the live audiences on their feet!
  
  GIVING BACK: Kinscheck supports the charity HOPE Worldwide www.hopeww.org through volunteering and fund-raising. In addition she has performed at numerous benefits for this and other charities that meet the desperate needs of children. She also sponsors a child in the Philippines, Shaina, through Compassion international.
  
  VISION: Help Julie change the world one heart at a time with her songs.
  
  Listen and review "Grace with Jazz On Top" at www.julieksings.com or email Jharck Records for a promo disc.
  
  Contact Julie Kinscheck at
  Jharck Records
  Cell: 617-686-7075
  PO Box 224
  Bedford, MA 01730
  email: julieksings@comcast.net

• Hello Music Gives "Grace With Jazz On Top" High marks [+ Show ]
  

  Our Screening Team heard aspects of these well-known artists in your release: Carrie Underwood ...Our Screening Team heard aspects of these well-known artists in your release:
  Carrie Underwood
  Colbie Caillat
  Heart
  Maria Muldaur
  Watermark
  
  Based on our listen, the following aspects of this release are outstanding. Keep building on these strengths.
  
  Performance:
  Vocals - Lead
  
  Lead vocals are the first thing that most listeners pay attention to, so a great performance is essential. Your lead vocals really grabbed us. We don't tag a lot of releases as having great lead vocals, so this is an excellent strength for you to have.
  
  Songwriting:
  Song Structure
  We thought this song had a logical structure and all the parts were distinct. A good song structure generally has both repetition
  and surprise, and we thought you nailed it.
  
  Production:
  Arrangement / Instrumentation
  Having a good arrangement, with the right instrumentation, helps give listeners a better sense of what's happening melodically and
  harmonically. Your arrangements were just right. Nice job.
  Mix / Blend
  In the studio, a good mix separates the men from the boys. It's relatively easy to get good raw tracks, but mixing them right is an
  art unto itself. Clearly a lot of time and work went into the mix here. It's paying off.
  
  Production Quality
  All the elements in the mix here sound clear, and they coalesce into a cohesive sound that suits the composition. This is very
  much its own art form. Nice work.
  
  No Qualities That Need Work - On this release, nothing stood out as needing significant improvement. It's possible that we think
  you've nailed it - or perhaps we think you still have room to grow, but you just need to continue refining your craft. Either way, keep up
  the great work.
  

• Rising Star From Billerica [+ Show ]
  

  Born-again Billerica Christian wants her music to inspire By Chris Camire, ccamire@lowellsun.com U...Born-again Billerica Christian wants her music to inspire
  By Chris Camire, ccamire@lowellsun.com
  Updated: 07/15/2010 06:42:44 AM EDT
  
  BILLERICA -- Rising Star from Billerica!
  
  She's a folkie who became a jazzer and along the way got caught up in country, contemporary Christian, gospel and rock.
  
  Sure, it sounds like a lot. But all that and more is packed into Julie Kinscheck's debut solo album, Grace With Jazz On Top.
  
  Kinscheck, who lives in Billerica, is a married mother of young twins, Hannah and Caleb. She also teaches voice and guitar lessons out of her home. But it's through the 10 songs on her new album that her musical talent shines brightest.
  
  When Kinscheck talks about songwriting, she doesn't just focus on coming up with a compelling beat and a pleasant melody. Her mission is to write music that will inspire.
  
  "I've always wanted to do something worthwhile with my music, as opposed to being a singer that someone listens to and then forgets because the music didn't impact their life," Kinscheck said. "Music can be a great influence for people emotionally and spiritually."
  
  Kinscheck started writing songs when she was a 9-year-old girl growing up in Ithaca, N.Y. Music runs in the family. Her dad sang in local operas. Her two older brothers, Gary and Chris, play drums and bass.
  
  As a teenager, Kinscheck honed her performing as an exchange student for a year in Munich. During that time, she traveled around Europe performing on street corners, in subway stations and public squares.
  
  It was the early 1980s, when street musicians didn't have the luxury of battery-powered amplifiers to get their
  Advertisement
  sound out. Kinscheck had to compete with the grind of trains, loud tourists and beggars to be heard. It was a valuable lesson in performance and culture.
  
  "In Germany, whatever happened was part of the show. If a weird guy tried to give me a kiss, everybody just watched. Nobody tried to defend me," said Kinscheck, smiling. "In Italy, the crowd would surround me. They wouldn't even let police through."
  
  Kinscheck said she almost landed a record deal while in Europe, but it fell through at the last minute. She returned to the States and enrolled in Oberlin College in Ohio, where she studied music theory and took voice lessons for the first time.
  
  A free spirit who wanted to make a difference with her music, Kinscheck got the school to approve a special major for her -- "Vocal Music and Social Change in the 20th Century." But a summer studying at Berklee College of Music, where she spent nights jamming in practice rooms with other musicians, made her realize Boston was her calling.
  
  Kinscheck transferred to Berklee, graduating with a bachelor's degree. That's also where she met her future husband, Ralph Kinscheck. The two didn't hit it off at first, though.
  
  "He ran with druggy rockers. I was with the stuck-up jazzers," said Kinscheck. "He thought I was pretty conceited. I thought he was pretty burned out. We had nothing to do with one another."
  
  In fact, they wouldn't meet again for eight years. By that time, Kinscheck became a born-again Christian with the encouragement of her guitarist Jim Peterson. One day, somebody invited Ralph to a church open-mic night.
  
  Soon after, Kinscheck wrote a tune about her budding love for Ralph, "Coffee Song," which appears on her record. The tune is chock-full of double entendres comparing the experience of sipping java to falling in love.
  
  Ralph, who works at Berklee and owns a recording studio, is now Kinscheck's producer, engineer and piano player.
  
  Between being a mother and wife, Kinscheck is trying hard to promote her music. She recently had a CD release party at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley. She'll be performing at All Asia in Cambridge at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
  
  Kinscheck acknowledges that being a do-it-yourself musician isn't easy, but she is hoping the quality of her music will open doors for her. She made sure to spend the time and money to have her album mixed and mastered professionally so it would stand up to any professional recording on the radio.
  
  "If you spend a whole lot of years trying to get discovered and thinking you're the best thing since sliced bread, and it doesn't happen for you, eventually you have to stop and take some serious assessments and get real about life," said Kinscheck. "But I'm a dreamer. I can't help it"
  
  Grace With Jazz On Top is available on www.julieksings.com, iTunes, CDBaby and Amazon.com.

• Metronome Cover Story Mar 2010 [+ Show ]
  

  With the making of her new CD, Grace With Jazz On Top, many of Julie Kinscheck’s musical dreams wer... With the making of her new CD, Grace With Jazz On Top, many of Julie Kinscheck’s musical dreams were fulfilled. Along with her brothers, Gary and Chris Gibbons, her husband Ralph Kinscheck, and a host of fine local musicians, Julie made a lifetime’s worth of songwriting a reality. We talked one wintry day and she defined how her faith and music walks hand in hand with one another...
  
  METRONOME: Did you grow up in a musical family?
  
  My father used to sing operas. He went to college at Oberlin. Dad and mom sang in Gilbert & Sullivan productions together in college. My mother thought she didn’t have a good voice so she always played the comedic role, but she actually had a really nice voice. That’s how my parents got together.
  
  METRONOME: Where was that?
  
  In Oberlin, Ohio, which is near Cleveland. My dad has gone on to conduct choirs, in fact, he still conducts a choir for his church.
  My oldest brother, Chris Gibbons, is a bass player and he played on my new CD Grace With Jazz on Top. My other brother, Gary, is a drummer. He lives out in L.A. He’s a professional drummer out there. He also played on my CD.
  
  METRONOME: Does Chris live around here?
  
  No. He lives in Ithaca, New York. That’s where I grew up.
  
  METRONOME: They both come here to record with you?
  
  Yeah. It was actually a childhood dream. When I was a kid, my brothers always played in bands and they toured. They had a cover band that was really good called Crossroads. They weren’t in to doing the Jackson 5 thing though... little sister was little sister. As we grew up, we all moved different ways. We didn’t get to play together. It was a desire for all of us to record together.
  
  METRONOME: You finally made it happen...
  
  Yeah. We’re talking about getting together again for the next project.
  
  METRONOME: Who were some of your musical influences growing up as a kid?
  
  I grew up in the seventies, so I got a lot of the folk rock- Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkle and Bonnie Raitt’s early stuff. I listened to a lot of Joan Baez and Helen Reddy early on too, but I don’t really count them in my current influences. I had a music teacher, John Baily in elementary school who was a folk singing guitar player. He used to encourage all of us to make up our own words to songs we knew. I wrote my own verse to “Obladi Oblada” by The Beatles which I occasionally sing on gigs. It’s kind of a kick. He also encouraged us to make up harmonies. We had a vocal group that did a lot of 70s style three part harmonies. I think that acted as a big germ for my songwriting and improvisation because I started doing it when I was in elementary school. My mother also wrote poetry. She put out a couple of poetry books when I was a child. Dad was the music and mom was the words.
  
  METRONOME: So you grew up in a very creative family?
  
  I did.
  
  METRONOME: It must have been a lot of fun too?
  
  Of course, I was influenced by my brothers’ bands and they did a lot of that funky stuff... Earth, Wind & Fire, The Commodores, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers and stuff like that.
  
  METRONOME: What made you pick up the guitar?
  
  It’s funny because I played a couple of other instruments before that. They tried to give me piano lessons and violin lessons but I just wasn’t in to it. I really think it was my elementary school folk singing guitar teacher. He would do sing-a-longs with us all the time and I wanted to accompany my singing. I learned a few chords first from my brother Gary, then John Baily started teaching me all the chords to the songs we did in school. As soon as I started playing, I started performing my own material. When I was nine, I started playing guitar and then started singing in talent shows and churches at ten and eleven.
  I used to be in gymnastics and was very serious about it. I wanted to go to the Olympics. I used to walk from school to gymnastics practice everyday after school. I would walk and sing at the top of my lungs hoping that someone would discover me.
  
  METRONOME: If you weren’t going to make it in the Olympics you wanted to be a famous singer?
  
  Yeah, I figured I would do the Olympics first and then be a famous singer, but I didn’t make it to the Olympics so I focused on music after that.
  
  METRONOME: What were your Olympic aspirations?
  
  As a gymnast. Olga Korbut was my hero and Nadia Comaneci. Six hours a day, six days a week when I got to my height. I was in advanced competition but I realized they had already chosen the Olympic team for the next Olympics when I would be seventeen. If I made it for the next one I would have been twenty one and that’s way too old. So I had a realization at fourteen that I wasn’t going to make it. I had to move on.
  
  METRONOME: How did you end up landing in Boston?
  
  After high school, I went on the Rotary Exchange Program and went to Germany. I lived in Munich for a year. I traveled around Europe playing guitar in the streets and afforded my trip that way. It was pretty exciting. I was eighteen, doing crazy things I hope my daughter never does. Then I went back to the states and went to college at Oberlin. They didn’t have anything going on as far as contemporary music. It was a classical school. I felt like I had a good foundation in theory and history and classical voice, so I went to Berklee for a summer program and I loved it. I ate it up. I was singing in the studios and practice rooms all the time.
  
  METRONOME: Did you go for vocal performance?
  
  For the summer program, you don’t have to specify, but vocal was my main instrument. Then I did some songwriting and arranging. Then I went back to Oberlin for a semester and decided I was going to go back to Berklee eventually and I did. I transferred and they gave me a full scholarship. That was beautiful. I returned to Berklee to graduate there. I ended up with what they call a Bachelors of Music in Professional Music. I probably would have been a songwriting major if they offered it then.
  
  METRONOME: Was that a two year course?
  
  I got a four year degree because I got transfer credits from Oberlin, but I was only here for two and a half years at Berklee.
  
  METRONOME: When you graduated from Berklee, what did you do?
  
  When I got out of Berklee I realized the money was in general business [GB]. At the time I put together my own band called Centerpiece. It seems like it’s worked that way a lot. The way that I’ve managed to do things is when I put it together. Auditioning for other groups never got me anywhere. We did clubs and weddings. It was a cover band. We did a lot of eighties covers of Madonna, Janet Jackson and Gloria Estafan and Whitney Houston, that kind of stuff. We threw in a little Chaka Kahn from my brothers’ influences, but I wasn’t doing a lot of folk stuff at that juncture and I wasn’t performing my originals a whole lot. It was hard to do both at the same time. I had Centerpiece together for about six years and then I became a Christian and started joining Christian rock bands. There we did a lot more of my original material. I was in a band called Rescue Squad which was a funky Christian rock/blues band for a couple of years.
  
  METRONOME: Were you going through some traumatic life experiences that made you want to become a Christian?
  
  That’s a fun story. Yes. I mentioned my family was musical, but I also come from a long line of ministers and preachers. However, what I saw in their lives didn’t attract me to Christianity, so I went the other way. I didn’t want anything to do with it. At Berklee, I had a friend who was an amazing guitar player named Jim Peterson who is now a Professor at Berklee. Jim was a Christian and he would keep inviting me to church. He was such a good player, I kept hiring him. He kept inviting me and inviting me.
  My boyfriend at the time who played with me in Centerpiece broke up with me. I was pretty bummed out. At the same time, I got nodes on my vocal cords. It was interesting. My friends all just disappeared. If I didn’t have a gig for them, they didn’t have time for me. Then there was Jim. Jim was a real friend. Then my boyfriend decided he wanted to come back to me and I said, No. He started to study the bible with Jim and he really changed. It blew my head. So I went to Jim and said, What are you teaching him? I have to know what’s changing him? I started to fall back in love with my boyfriend because he was so much nicer to me. So Jim set me up with his girlfriend and I started to study the bible and faced my own demons and realized that Christianity was not just what I had seen growing up, it was something much deeper, and it applied to me. In 1991 I made a decision to be baptized and become a Christian and joined an Arts Ministry which was very exciting. Since then I’ve done a whole lot of music related to church things which has taken me to different countries, many different states and conferences with thousands of people. It’s been pretty exciting musically, but even more important is the foundation of it.
  
  METRONOME: I can definitely hear a spiritual edge to your CD. Although, when I saw the word “jazz” in the album title, I expected something completely different.
  
  Well, Grace With Jazz On Top... you kind of think of a Sundae with something sprinkled on top. It’s obviously not a straight ahead jazz CD but the “Grace”... everything I write comes from a place of faith, even if I’m not writing something that is overtly Christian. There is hope, there is something better. Everything is possible with God. There’s the “grace” right there, and I need a lot of grace in my life, believe me (laughs). But then, I love to scat, and that’s where the jazz comes in. Even though I mention all these folk rockers as my initial influences, later on I really started to get in to Bobby McFerrin. I love him. I got to do a TV show with him. He did a Master Class with my acapella group, Faith In Action, a few years ago on WGBH. What a guy. He’s amazing. But Bobby McFerrin, Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices, Ella Fitzgerald... that’s all in there too. Throw my folky harmonies and desire to tell a story through my folk background and toss in the influence of the pop and the funk from my brothers and then sprinkle it all with some jazz and some scat and you come up with me.
  
  I know I can be a bit of a marketing conundrum. What I am is art. Often after I perform, I have someone come up with tears in their eyes and tell me how they were moved by something or how they related to something. That’s what it’s all about. It’s all about communicating to the audience and I like to do it with a little bit of fun. If you notice in my songs “Secure In Heart” or “Get In The Water,” there’s a lot of humor in there. I kinda poke fun at myself.
  
  Actually, speaking of my conversion, that’s what “Get In The Water” is. It’s my conversion story with a little Dixieland edge. You know what they say about the preachers daughter? That’s who I was. I was the preacher’s daughter... wilder than a timberwolf in spring.
  
  METRONOME: I like the song “Grace.” What is that about?
  
  I was sitting outside of an elementary school. I was teaching music in Jamaica Plain and I was just feeling bad about some things that had happened recently. I had said some things to people that had hurt their feelings and it came back to me and it really hurt. I was realizing just how much I need grace from the people around me. I screw up! I need a lot of grace and even when I’m not felling the grace immediately from people around me, I always have the grace from Jesus. That’s where that song came from.
  
  METRONOME: “Coffeehouse Song,” wonderful song. Very upbeat. Tell me about that one.
  
  When my husband Ralph and I were first hanging out together, it was a time when the sparks start flying but nobody has really acknowledged it yet. I wrote that song then before we had actually verbalized our feelings for each other. I played it for him and I think he was a little freaked out. It’s about the blooming love of me and my husband. We had a lot of fun recording it too.
  
  METRONOME: One of the best songs on the album “Always Kiss Goodnight” features a nice vocal duet with singer David Coate. How did that come about?
  
  David is a very talented singer, guitar player, producer, a Christian artist. I met him years ago back when I was in Centerpiece. My drummer was a Christian but I wasn’t. He introduced me to David and then after I became a Christian he invited me to sing as a background singer on one of David’s albums. I got to know him a bit more.
  I wrote “Always Kiss Goodnight” as a wedding song for my brother Gary and his wife Lisa and sang it at their wedding. It’s my advice to anyone who wants to make their relationship last. There’s actually a biblical underpinning there too. Philippians 4:13 says to, “Never let the sun go down on your anger.” That’s my take on it, always kiss goodnight. It’s almost a theme song for Ralph and I too. We’ve played it together at many other people’s weddings. That was something I definitely wanted on the CD. I had always done it as a solo with backup singers but I had never done it as a duet. But David was the voice I wanted. I think he did a fabulous job.
  
  METRONOME: The song “Precious” highlights the best qualities of your voice. What’s that one about?
  
  It took me a really long time to get pregnant. I always wanted children and Ralph and I just assumed that would happen as soon as we started trying and it didn’t. It was eight years of prayers and tears and finally with the second round of In Vitro, I got my beautiful twins, Hannah and Caleb. While they were still in my tummy, I wrote “Precious.” It’s a lullaby to them. I sang it to them every night for the first two years of their life. When we recorded it, I was actually crying during the take. I felt that the emotion of it was so powerful. I was moved by how incredible my love for my children was and I hadn’t even met them. Once you see an ultrasound, that’s it!
  
  METRONOME: How long did it take you to record the album?
  
  Longer than we planned. About a year start to finish. We did the basic recordings in March of 2007 with my brothers and Ralph out at Studio 9B with Brian Silver. Then we did a lot of the overdubs in our home studio. That took a long time.
  
  METRONOME: You enlisted an army of different people to help you with these songs. Are these all Berklee friends? How did you know all these folks?
  
  It’s a couple of combinations. Most of the singers are friends from church with a couple of exceptions. Most of the musicians are friends from the music industry- Berklee or church. Then we hired some people from the Conservatory. We also hired some people from Berklee.
  
  METRONOME: Where was the album photography of the mountains shot?
  
  It was on Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. I love Mt. Washington. It’s a special place for me. One of the cool things about this album is that so many longings were fulfilled in creating this CD. Recording with my brothers and my husband, doing the photo shoot on Mt. Washington, a lot of the songs that I desired to put out for a long time are on there. I spent so many years trying to get discovered that when I could finally get a chance to do it, it was definitely a longing fulfilled and dream come true. My ultimate goal is that the most people possible will be moved by my music and enjoy what I’m doing.
  

• Julie Kinscheck: Grace With Jazz On Top [+ Show ]
  

  Julie Kinscheck "Grace With Jazz on Top," Wednesday, 13 January 2010 BEDFORD, MA - ANUARY 12...Julie Kinscheck "Grace With Jazz on Top,"
  Wednesday, 13 January 2010
  
  BEDFORD, MA - ANUARY 12, 2010 "Grace With Jazz on Top," the latest CD by singer-songwriter Julie Kinscheck, also known as the Queen of SCAT, is getting rave reviews from print, radio and live audiences all over. Check it out- you may just smile (or cry)!
  
  "Julie Kinscheck's songwriting and outstanding vocal work will satisfy you to your soul..." - Metronome Magazine Jan 2010
  
  REVIEWS: Wildy World wrote: "Fans of Christian pop music will dig Julie Kinscheck." "It's quite amazing how you incorporate the Christian themes into the Jazz styled vox performances let alone the brilliant music arrangements as well. Vocal harmonies are so well arranged, and will bring a big smile to many a listeners face, as it did to mine," exclaimed one Taxi reviewer. For more reviews go to www.sonicbids.com/juliekinscheck
  
  RADIO: Playing on over 3000 international radio stations and selling on line at www.julieksings.com, iTunes cdbaby, Amazon.com etc and selling at Julie's live shows across New England and the US and Canada; "Grace With Jazz On Top"- breaking through.
  
  The album sports a unique blend of spiritual pop and folk with a liberal sprinkle of dynamite SCAT singing. But frankly, it's just a great listen.
  
  BIO: Kinscheck, born Julie Alice Gibbons, was a kid who grew up in Ithaca, NY, playing guitar and writing her own songs from her heart; when she missed the boat to child stardom, she busted her back to make a living singing. She traveled playing the streets of Europe, played countless clubs, coffeehouses, churches and weddings. She was even chosen as one of the best unsigned songwriters by the national academy of songwriters in NYC in 1991.
  
  At last God opened some doors to play larger venues (even Madison Square Garden!) and start putting out recordings. "The Force" with the band PTB and "Faith in Action Live" with a capella group Faith in action, both came out in 2006.
  
  Now a mom of twins with tales of heartaches, struggles and a powerful faith, she has taken her vast experience, songwriting awards and sense of humor and created a work of art in this her debut solo artist CD.
  
  THE MUSIC
  
  "Grace With Jazz On Top" IS VULNERABLE.. While being interviewed by the Billerica Green, the reporter wiped her eyes she was so moved by the story of infertility and God's miracles behind her song "Precious." After 8 long years struggling with infertility, Kinscheck put her amazing love for her unborn twins into song.
  
  The reviewer from Metronome magazine who chose "Grace With Jazz On Top" as a top five pick in January- worthy of the upcoming cover story in March 2010, just called the vocal work on "Precious": "Gorgeous."
  
  "Grace With Jazz On Top" SPEAKS TO WOMEN. One fan who recently purchased the CD commented on how she loved the song "Secure in Heart," - a playful look at the insecurities we all face as women and the only real answer. "Martha, Martha" is another song on the CD that really speaks to women- and how we try to do it ALL! In our craziness, we long to sit at His feet.
  
  "Grace With Jazz on Top" IS FUN! Many deep themes run through Kinscheck's songs, but who said faith can't be FUN! Fans often request the "Coffee Song" at live shows. Wildy World writes: "[It is] a jazz tune that wants to stray into rockabilly. Coffee becomes the metaphor for romance in a wonderful act of innuendo that's family friendly." - and don't forget the signature 'Vocal Trumpet'solo!
  
  Other songs of note on the CD include:
  
  1. The soulful "Grace"- the title cut; resonating the fundamental need we all have for grace from those around us, enhanced with flavorful keyboard work by husband and producer, Ralph Kinscheck and juicy Jaco-esk bass work and smooth drums by Kinscheck's brothers Chris and Gary Gibbons.
  
  2. "American Memory" written in dedication to those who lost loved ones on 911 and other national tragedies. Opening with patriotic drum and flute duet, filled with some folky-funky groove and attitude and finishing with full choir in rich poignant harmony.
  
  3. "Always Kiss Good Night"- Which according to Metronome Magazine "features the outstanding vocal duet with David Coate." One of dozens of custom love songs written by Kinscheck over the years.
  
  4. "A Little Time"- More of a country tune with the interestin twist of being written from the point of view of Time. "I'll be here when you need me, take me! I'm a Little Time!"
  
  5. "Get in the Water"- Dixieland meets SCAT singing and tells the true story of soul saved! Yeah! It is that wild a combo!
  
  GIVING BACK: Kinscheck supports the charity HOPE Worldwide through volunteering and fund-raising. See her live at The Bennett Library, 3 Concord Rd, Billerica, MA Saturday, February 20th, 7pm for the "Night of Hope- Billerica"! - And be ready to be entertained and moved to the core.
  
  Listen and review "Grace with Jazz On Top" at www.julieksings.com - or email Jharck Records for a promo disc.
  
  Contact Julie Kinscheck at
  Jharck Records
  email: julieksings@comcast.net

• Moving Hearts Toward Hope [+ Show ]
  

  By Liana Measmer, Billerica Green, Jan/ Feb 2010 Issue Julie Kinscheck always loved to sing and p...By Liana Measmer, Billerica Green, Jan/ Feb 2010 Issue
  
  Julie Kinscheck always loved to sing and planned to make it big some day. She was going to have all those things known performers have- fame, fortune and prestige. However, her life took her down a different road than she expected and instead, she became a soul transformed who has gone to bring hope to thousands...
  
  Born Julie Gibbons in Ithaca, New York, Kinscheck came to creative arts naturally since she was part of a very musical family. Her father sang in local operas and conducted musicals at Cornell. Her mother wrote poetry. Her brothers played in a rock and roll band.
  
  "Music was all around me," said Kinscheck.
  
  At nine, she began singing her own songs for others. Kinscheck wanted to be discovered so walking along the street (to gymnastics practice), she would sing at the top of her lungs, hoping to be heard. One of her earliest influences was her childhood music teacher, John Bailey, who taught her about improvisation. This later became a cornerstone of her songwriting and arranging. Known as "SCAT" [Vocal improvisation] became a talent for Kinscheck and she later donned the title "Queen of SCAT."...
  
  Kinscheck became a Rotary exchange student after high school and went on to study in Munich, Germany for a year, traveling to France, Italy and England. She played her guitar on the streets [And thus supported her trip]...
  
  Upon returning to the US she attended Oberlin College, where she discovered Jazz musci and formed her own [vocal] band. A band member encouraged her to attend Berklee in Boston, where she obtained a full [jazz masters] scholarship and learned the ins and outs of the music business.
  
  "Berklee was just what I needed to learn how to make a living as a musician," said Kinscheck.
  
  Instead of returning to New York [after graduation] Kinscheck remained in Boston and worked hard. She sang at weddings and taught voice students privately. She went on to form a cover band, Centerpiece, and started living the rock star lifestyle. She performed with her group at restaurants and bars and ultimately ran herself into the ground. She explained that she became tenacious, never slept and grew to be very bossy. She thought to make she had to be someone she wasn't and would strut her stuff seductively on stage because she thought she had to. She had mistaken this for being a tough, independent woman. [This also earned her a stalker- but that is another story for another time!]
  
  "I was proud of that," shrugged Kinscheck.
  
  What happened next transformed her life and her career forever. She developed 'nodes', a condition where callouses form on the vocal chords. Ultimately, she lost her voice and her band fell apart. She found all the friends she surrounded herself with disappeared. It was at this, her lowest point, where grace stepped in to save her.
  
  Kinscheck had met Jim Peterson, a classmate in college who was a Christian. He talked about God and Kinscheck listened but was uninterested. However, upon seeing her fiancee’ transform under the power of the scriptures, Kinscheck wanted to know more. She began to study the Bible and wrestle with her own demons.
  
  “Reading scripture brings a mirror up to your face,” she said.
  
  Kinscheck made the decision to become a Christian and miraculously her voice healed. She went from playing little venues and bars to performing in concert halls in front of thousands at Christian conferences. She realized the possibilities were endless.
  
  Kinscheck had met her future husband, Ralph, through school but they never became friends. Eight years after leaving Berklee, through Peterson, they met again in church, new people.
  
  “God had changed us both so much we were ready to fall in love,” she said.
  
  The couple was married and began making music together. Ralph played keyboards, but was also a talented songwriter, engineer and producer. He has been an important factor in helping Kinscheck produce her thre CD’s. IN 2006, Kinscheck produced “Faith in Action Live” [a ‘cappella/ gospel /Jazz] with her a ‘cappella group [Faith in Action]. The same year, she and her husband, through working in children’s ministries, put out “The Force”- Christian rock for kids, aimed especially at [pre-] teens.
  
  In 2008, Kinscheck produced her solo debut album called “Grace With Jazz On Top.”
  
  In it, she had her longings fulfilled as she was able to perform a variety of songs spanning all types of topics. She wrote music which addressed what women today faced in society. Also on the CD is “Precious,” the song she wrote to her twins, Caleb and Hannah, who she endured eight years of miscarriage and medical intervention to finally have.
  
  “I couldn’t believe how in love I was with them when they were still just a speck on the screen,” she smiled.
  
  The performing gene apparently runs strong in this family, because her tow children love to sing and now at five years old, even wrote their own songs.
  
  It was at this time that Kinscheck found the organization Hope Worldwide and began to follow their charity. She had been raised in a family who had been active in social causes and through Hope’s events, Kinscheck found a calling. Here she was able to throw her support behind something she believed in and use her talents for the good of others. Hope Worldwide in an international Christian charity that has developed housing for lepers in India, built AIDS clinics in Africa and staffed hospitals in Cambodia. Kinscheck would perform at benefits for them all over the country to raise awareness and much needed funds.
  
  As a result, Kinscheck will be hosting A Night Of HOPE fund raiser at the Bennett Library. It will be on Saturday, Feb 20th at 7pm with a $10 suggested donation per person. Snacks will be provided and Julie will be the feature artist. Other local talents will also perform and the evening will include a presentation about the work HOPE is doing for children, orphans and the needy around the world. For more information about this and her other upcoming performances, visit Kinscheck’s website at www.julieksings.com. For more information on Hope Worldwide visit www.hopeww.org.
  
  

• Wildy World Review of [+ Show ]
  

  Julie Kinscheck – Grace With Jazz On Top 2008, Jharck Records Boston’s own Julie Kinscheck had d...Julie Kinscheck – Grace With Jazz On Top
  2008, Jharck Records
  
  Boston’s own Julie Kinscheck had dedicated her life to changing the world through music. Whether performing on her own, with a Cappella group Faith In Action or PTB, Kinscheck sings about her Faith and belief in God. In 2008 Kinscheck finally took a huge leap of faith and released her debut solo album, Grace With Jazz On Top. Mixing jazz with folk and pop styles, Kinscheck has created a refreshing and vibrant album.
  
  Grace With Jazz On Top opens with Secure Heart, a great little tune that walks the pathway between 1960’s Rock and Country. Secure Heart has the pop sensibility to catch on with listeners. Grace is written in a Rock/Jazz hybrid periodically reminiscent of The Dave Matthews Band. Coffee Song is the highlight of the album; a jazz tune that wants to stray into rockabilly. Coffee becomes the metaphor for romance in a wonderful act of innuendo that’s family friendly. Get In The Water takes us to Dixieland in a pop arrangement. Kinscheck even gets in some mean scat singing in one of the peppier offerings on the album. Other highlights include The Andrews Sisters inspired He Called, Precious, and the martial country tribute to the resilience of Faith: American Memory.
  
  Grace With Jazz On Top is a memorable collection of pop/jazz hybrids full of Spirit. Fans of Christian Pop music will dig Julie Kinscheck.
  
  Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)
  
  You can learn more about Julie Kinscheck at http://www.julieksings.com/. You can purchase a copy of Grace With Jazz On Top at www.cdbaby.com/cd/kinscheck.
  
  posted by Wildy at 5:20 AM on Mar 6, 2009

• Minute Man Cover Story [+ Show ]
  

  Article From The Billerica Minute Man Music is a Window into Singer’s Heart By Correspondent/Lia...Article From The Billerica Minute Man
  
  Music is a Window into Singer’s Heart
  By Correspondent/Liana Measmer
  Wed Feb 27, 2008, 06:41 PM EST
  Billerica, Mass. -
  
  
  Billerica, Mass. - Patriotism. Infertility. Forgiveness. Motherhood and marriage. God.
  
  Julie Kinscheck, Queen of Scat, sings about it all because it all has touched her life and her heart.
  
  “Grace with Jazz on Top,” her debut album, is a contemporary Christian CD that, according to Kinscheck, “is not in your face Christian”. The title cut, “Grace” speaks to the need by all people for mercy from friends, spouses and God for our humanness.
  
  “American Memory” starts out with rousing military style drums and flute, which Kinscheck wrote following Sept. 11.
  
  “As a people, we need to cherish every day and the relationships we have today because we are not promised tomorrow,” Kinscheck, a Billerica resident said
  
  Kinscheck’s debut CD will be released in April. On Friday, Feb. 29, she will sing at the Jitters Coffee House in Southington, Conn.
  
  “I hope it is the first of many solo artist CDs,” said Kinscheck. “I hope people will love it.”
  
  In addition to singing and songwriting, Kinscheck holds guitar classes at the Billerica Recreation Center, and has 15 private guitar and voice students. Two of her students, Will Cox and Kelly Duffy, have learned much from her.
  
  “I am much more aware of how I sing,” said Cox. “She’s a very good teacher.”
  
  “I probably would not have had the courage to do it if I hadn’t had her support and training,” said Duffy, who performed “My Funny Valentine” at American Idol Camp.
  
  Duffy wants to see how far she can take this and hopes to pursue a singing career.
  
  Kinscheck’s love of singing and performing began at age 9 when she started writing her own songs, hoping to be discovered. She attended the Oberlin College and Conservatory in Oberlin, Ohio, before transferring to Boston’s Berklee College of Music. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music and won many awards for her skilled songwriting and jazz singing. Her influences included Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, and the Beatles.
  
  Kinscheck came to her talent honestly. Her father, Paul Gibbons, was a baritone singer who sang in operettas back home in Ithaca, NY. Her mom, Polly Joan, sang comedy parts in musicals and published several poetry books. In addition to performing, her parents were passionate about helping others. Her father, a minister, was an activist during the Vietnam War, while her mother wrote a book about preventing teenage suicide.
  
  “My parents instilled in me a desire to make a difference and I chose to do it through my music,” said Kinscheck.
  
  Kinscheck was a part of folk groups in the 1970s and pop rock groups in the 1980s. She started her own band, Centerpiece, which sang at clubs and weddings. In 1990, she went solo, singing at clubs such as Johnny D’s in Somerville or The Middle East in Cambridge.
  
  She desperately wanted to be discovered but unfortunately only came close, almost getting picked up by Warner Brothers and Sony Entertainment.
  
  Then trouble hit. At the end of 1990, she lost her voice. Her band went their separate ways. Her boyfriend, David, broke up with her.
  “I didn’t know where my life was headed,” said Kinscheck.
  
  Then an angel was sent to her from a very unlikely place. Her favorite guitar player, Jim Peterson, a classmate at Berklee, began studying the Bible with her ex-boyfriend. Kinscheck saw a dramatic change and began studying the Bible too. What she discovered astounded her.
  
  “The mirror of the Bible came up to my life and I had to pay attention,” said Kinscheck. “Then it was about me and God.”
  
  For the first time, Kinscheck met people who cared who she was and not what she was. She made her decision to be born again and was baptized on Jan. 6, 1991. Miraculously, six weeks later, her voice healed and she sang at the Wang Center for a standing room only. It was then that she made the decision to become a contemporary Christian performer.
  
  “From then on, I decided that I didn’t need or want to do it alone anymore,” said Kinscheck. “That I would glorify God and not just me.”
  
  Shortly after, Julie and her husband Ralph, were married. They had met at Berklee eight years beforehand but became friends when he joined her church, Boston Church of Christ. Ralph is the producer, engineer and main piano player on this CD.
  
  Eight years and a second round of invitro fertilization later, the Kinschecks became proud parents to beautiful twins, Hannah and Caleb. In the song “Precious,” Kinscheck serenades the two tiny lives waiting to be born. She reassures them that “Nothing could become more precious than how you’ve become for me. My life will never be the same now that I hold you in my arms and I call out your names. My precious little babies.”
  
  For additional info on her other performances, visit her website at www.julieksings.com.Among other things All Julie, information about how to pre-order her CD can be found there too.
  
  Comments (1)
  
  Thanks so much for writing this article about me, Liana. I believe it captures the essence of who I am as an artist.
  For the record however- it was a fan who named me the "Queen of SCAT" - for those who don't know the term- SCAT is vocal improvisation- something I love to do and do quite a bit on this CD:) Ella Fitzgerald and Bobby McFerrin (who I had the honor of singing with on WGBH TV with the group Faith In Action www.fia-boston.com) were big jazz vocal influences for me, too!
  Love,
  Julie
  "Your revelation is the tune I dance to"- ps 119:77 the Message.
  
  

Setlist

For a festival or conference with the band I can do all originals, songs like "Grace" , "Coffee Song", "Hope For the Children", "Waiting on You" "Love Life Like I Should", "Secure in Heart", "I'm a Mess" etc- Appropriate for all ages, accessible to pop-rock/ folk/ country/ and Jazz fans.

For Christian Conferences and Festivals in addition to originals I can lead or perform favorites by Vicky Beeching, Casting Crowns, Michael W Smith, Mandisa, Nicole Nordeman, Chris Tomlin, Francesca Battistelli, Hillsong- more.

I also love to write theme songs or custom songs for conferences, women's events or Charities.

If I am hired as a solo acoustic act for a club, coffee house, restaurant, showcase or other event I can play all originals or also mix in some favorite versions of covers like: "Wade in the Water", "Somebody's Hero", "I Hope You Dance", "Something to Talk About", "Summertime", "Over the Rainbow", assorted love songs or sing a-longs by JT or the Beatles as is appropriate etc- I can lean more pop or jazz or folk depending on the venue.

Basic Requirements

Calendar