Music
Press
“ Julie Lavender is a triple treat, a guitarist/pianist/vocalist who shows
that she’s more than just a pretty name.
Taking a mellifluous approach that
breathes new life into cover songs,
as well as setting off sparks
with original tunes, Lavender’s voice
is simultaneously vibrant, precise
and sexy..." Tucson Lifestyle Magazine
- Tucson Lifestyle Magazine
“Julie's Music is full of surprises, wonderful vocals, exceptional arrangements and musicianship. The music business is such a fickle business where cream is only discovered by cherry picking from a massive selection of brilliant musicians like Julie Lavender.” - Euro Club de Jazz
"This lady is not to be lumped into any category. Strong jazz leanings, but her writing and singing style makes it a unique experience that will be enjoyed by any listener who isn't afraid to hear something fresh and new. The seasoned professionals who accompany her add much to the listening, but it's Julie whose talent is not to be missed! - Improvijazzation Nation
Julie Lavender is one of those daring musical artists who doesn't worry about formats and categories. She merely creates original, heartfelt music that blends mainstream and contemporary jazz with pop and adult contemporary sounds into a modern hybrid perfect for today's sophisticated audience. Julie has a lovely soprano voice which she combines with keyboard, guitar and a group of world-class musicians. You will enjoy her original compositions." - The Gathering Place
Discography
Good Woman - Covenant Records
Never Felt the Sun - Covenant Records
Available at Amazon.com CDBaby.com and on I Tunes
***New Release "Interior Design" coming soon!
Photos
Bio
JULIE LAVENDER
c/o dreamfarmcafe@yahoo.com
Imagine sleepwalking through your existence, numbed out, when slowly you begin awakening to life and the simple pleasures around you -- feeling the sun on your skin, hearing the rain, embracing the moonlight, learning to love and be loved. This is the theme of jazz singer and songwriter Julie Lavender's latest album, NEVER FELT THE SUN on Covenant Records.
Although Lavender feels this recording is an autobiographical "life painting" that traces her personal journey of "awakening to life and love," she uses her experiences to explore universal themes. On this collection of mostly original songs, she renders portraits of deepening intimacy, the call to stillness, the passion of children, the wonder of nature and the search for a vibrant relationship with our Creator.
"In writing the lyrics to the songs, there were moments of great risk for me as I let people see where I have truly been," states Lavender. "At times I felt achingly vulnerable. But the journey I am on involves not only the personal experience, but the sharing of it with others."
NEVER FELT THE SUN and Julie's previous CD, GOOD WOMAN, are available at her website (www.julielavender.com) and at online stores such as www.amazon.com and www.cdbaby.com.
Coming Soon! Julie’s New CD Release: Interior Design
Lavender -- who has performed throughout North America, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East -- trained extensively as a classical guitarist before entering the world of jazz and pop singing. Now she blends smooth-jazz stylings with hints of traditional jazz, a bit of the introspection of vocal new age, touches of classical music, and the occasional feel and phrasing of Broadway showtune singing. Surrounded on her album by top smooth-jazz session musicians (many of whom are recording artists in their own right), Lavender also is joined by special guests that include legendary Broadway-film composer Hugh Martin, jazz virtuoso flutist Hubert Laws, and acoustic guitarist Peter Sprague. Julie co-produced the recording with longtime musical associate (and keyboardist-saxophonist) Kamau Kenyatta.
Also playing on the NEVER FELT THE SUN CD are flutist Hubert Laws (solo artist who has played with the Jazz Crusaders, Mongo Santamaria, Jim Hall, James Moody and Clark Terry), keyboardist and sax-player (and co-producer) Kamau Kenyatta (Hubert and Eloise Laws, Patti Austin, Earl Klugh), guitarist Peter Sprague (Kevyn Lettau, Bob Magnusson, Billy Childs, David Benoit), bassist Darryl Williams (David Paul), bassist Dave Curtis (A.J. Croce, Peggy Watson), bassist Rob Thorsen (Hubert Laws, Mike Wofford), drummer Duncan Morse (Checkfield, Chip Davis, Tom Barabas), drummer Richard Sellers (Hubert and Eloise Laws, Bill Harris) and others. In addition, Lavender plays acoustic guitar on several tunes and piano on another.
Born in Chicago, Julie was raised in California, her mother a professional opera singer and her father a trumpet-player in his own big band. Julie began studying piano at age five and won the Central California Bach Festival piano performance competition when she was 14. She had started playing classical guitar at age 11 and within a few years made it her main musical focus. In high school she began performing in folk groups, went to Holland where she performed on national television, and traveled throughout the Middle East.
At 18 she moved to Toronto and enrolled at the Canadian Royal Conservatory of Music. Eventually she transferred to the University of Toronto where she earned her Bachelors of Music Degree in music performance. In college she earned numerous scholarships and performed in master classes taught by such renowned guitarists as John Mills, Alice Artzt, George Sakallerio, Vladimir Mikulka and Sergio Arbreo. As part of the Toronto Guitar Ensemble, Julie played concerts in Cuba and Martinique.
After college Julie decided to pursue jazz and pop music rather than classical guitar. She began writing vocal tunes, won a radio station's songwriting contest and performed in distinguished Los Angeles clubs. Her influences included Joni Mitchell and Sting because both artists combine pop and jazz stylings in their music. Lavender traveled extensively in Europe during this period of time which gave her music a more cosmopolitan feel. She also began listening to more contemporary jazz -- first Lee Ritenour, Dave Grusin and The Yellowjackets, and then singers such as Diane Schuur, Basia, Kevyn Lettau and Jude Swift.
Lavender put together a band and performed regularly in Southern California clubs for two years to refine her sound. Then she recorded and released her first nationally-distributed album, GOOD WOMAN, which received critical acclaim and substantial airplay on smooth jazz radio stations nationwide. That recording also was co-produced with her musical director Kamau Kenyatta. The CD featured renowned pianist Greg
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