JD Green

JD Green’s upcoming album “Diurnal: Movements” is something that I did not expect. It’s something that has a presence and essence that can easily be heard through each of of the songs on the album. Each song has it’s own feel, vibe and soul. That’s one of the things you don’t know what to expect. Which is what kind of aural treat you will receive next. It could go from a funky late night jam “Funky Soul” to a smooth, Neo Soully song dripping with spoked words in “Commute”. She even pays tribute to New Orleans with “Wake Up (Phat Tuesday)”. With it playing, I can imagine doing a second line through the house. Yeah you can tell I miss NOLA. Anyway, JD Green takes you on a vocal journey that will enrich your mind, soul and ear. Keep in mind this is her debut album, and I can only think of the goodness a second album will bring. You can preview her album here.
Another thing I didn’t expect is that you can pre-order her album for $5!!!! The album will be released on June 15th, and a CD can be purchased for $10. The album contains 18 tracks. That’s basically two albums for other artists. 18 tracks on a debut album is a huge effort, and should be commended.
To help you learn more about JD Green, her music and “Diurnal: Movements”, Grown Folks Music did a great interview with her yesterday. You should check it out. - Eric Johnson, Soulified

JD Green is a talented new soul artist with a refreshingly free and jazzy style. Her unique, honest voice impressively defies the critic’s usual need for classification. We’ve been playing her deeply soulful debut album for the past couple of days and will definitely be reviewing it in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we just had to share one of the many outstanding cuts on Diurnal Movements, the exquisite Sleepwalking. I’ve fallen deeply in love with this track. It’s fairly representative of the overall soul meets jazz tone of the album, although that’s not to say that the album is without its surprises. If you like this cut, you’re sure to love Diurnal Movements. Stay tuned for the review!

And if you feel the urge, head on over to JD Green’s Bandcamp page to purchase the intoxicating Diurnal Movements. You know you want to! - SoulCuts Music Blog

In this new series we get up close and personal with budding independent soul artist JD Green. JD, a native of Detroit who now makes her homeabase in Louisville, Kentucky is receiving some very well deserved buzz in the Louisville area for the lead single “Make It New” from the forthcoming album diurnal: movements

Today we present the finale of the series… a full review of the album.

In this reviewers opinion diurnal: movements is the sound of the chrysalis being opened. Artist JD Green gifts us with the fruits of not only her labor, but her study, her musical diet, and her musical training in this 18 song debut. After experiencing the set is should become blatantly obvious why I consider this album analogous to the metamorphosis of a butterfly.

Often, these days artists begin the process of recording before they begin the process of actually learning music. This is not one of those instances. Vocally, JD Green is equal parts vocalist and instrumentalist. Backing and lead vocal tracks move with the fluidity of a close position horn section supporting a soloist blowing over the changes. Isn’t that how it should be? The voice is another color and section of the orchestra and JD knows this and uses this to her artistic advantage.

Remember as a kid you were implored to have a healthy and balanced diet? diurnal: movements proves that it’s just as healthy and beneficial to have the same approach to music. While the overall arc of the project weaves between Soul/Jazz/R&B/Gospel there is much more in the final synthesis because again, this is an album and not a collection of singles.

Now, I am not a soothsayer of any sort, nor am I lobbying to be a Faux A&R but a couple of these tracks from diurnal: movements have “single” written all over them. “Make It New” is already receiving some well-deserved love at radio and I would also love to see “Time” and “Careful” make their way to the airwaves. Also, I cannot say enough about the wonderful interludes interspersed throughout the set as well as, (one of my personal faves) “Commute” which a short-film in audio form, a must listen.

What’s so interesting about this project is that it is representative of a newer trend that I’m seeing in independent music which is: the ability to be accessible and yet committed to making music on its own terms. Not so far out there that the artist can hide behind the veil of “You don’t get it” but not so commercial that the production sounds like the vocalist is reciting their abc’s and the music sounds like they threw every gimmick they could download onto the track. Now, don’t look at me with the “side-eye” these things happen.

My recommendation: support JD Green by purchasing diurnal: movements this is an independent artist doing it her way and on her own terms and on her own dime. As I often rail here on this blog and other places on the net: It’s time to change the language, it’s very easy to continue to repeat ad-infinitum that the radio sucks and they don’t make music like they used to. That does absolutely nothing.

The greatest pizza joint in the world could be next door to you, but if you never take the time to walk down the sidewalk and use your curiosity to go in the door and order a slice you will never know. Sal cannot advertise on par with a Domino’s or Papa John’s, Sal may not even have a website, but Sal has great, great pizza. I don’t know anyone who chooses a Domino’s or a Papa John’s because their pizza is better than Sal’s. Domino’s and Papa John’s are about convenience. It’s the same thing with music. Artists like JD Green take their time and resources to produce the musical equivalent of a slice from Sal. Order up! - Ivan Orr, Grown Folks Music

“I miss your voice!” said the unexpected Facebook post.

Yolanda “JD” Green was surprised by the message, not having given much thought to singing since leaving her hometown of Detroit for Louisville, for reasons of love and pursuit of her PhD. Sure, college included the requisite classical training, an early group, contests and showcases. But life led her down a different path, and she put down the microphone. “I didn’t see where I fit in,” she says. She wasn’t gospel, R&B or jazz. So she resisted the call, thinking it was a “narcissistic” exercise. But the requests continued.

Nearly a year later, a chance conversation with her hairdresser led JD to local violinist and JazzyBlu staple Maestro J and an opening slot at the Market Street nightclub. An artist was (re)born.

Her debut album, Diurnal Movements, was itself more than a little unintentional. When her local performances led to the inevitable question of “Where can I buy your CD?” she started asking friends and other performers about writing for her disc. “Why aren’t you writing?” they asked. Timidly, the first song came out in July 2009. Fifteen more songs flowed from her pen by the album’s release in June 2010.

Diurnal touches on an array of experiences: From the opening scat of “Day” to the spring newness of “Crush Pt. 1” to the Jilly-from-Philly vibes of “Commute,” almost everything on the disc works, a remarkable accomplishment for a first time out, particularly given the absence of label support. JD wrote every song, while musical director Trey Latham handled production duties. “I wanted a layered album,” she says.

Variety is the key. At the same time, without the professional team behind her, she has to depend on herself as well as some trusted friends to determine what works — and what does not. “I’m emotionally invested, and when it’s not ‘perfect,’ do I fix it? You have to listen beginning to end, over and over. Sometimes,” she exhales, “sometimes you have to take out pieces that matter.”

JD hyphenates her style: soul-funk-gospel-jazz-indie-pop-songwriter. The iTunes Music Store lists her album as “alternative.” Radio hasn’t been a focus, though she wouldn’t be mad at a spin or two from WFPK’s Laura Shine. An active Twitter user, JD breaks down the fourth wall to her creative highs and lows with almost reckless abandon, bordering on a “TMI” path of artistic passion, desire, uncertainty and drive. - Damien McPherson, LEO Weekly