Reinventing Jude
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Reinventing Jude

Dallas, Texas, United States | SELF

Dallas, Texas, United States | SELF
Band Rock Singer/Songwriter

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Concert review: Neptune Locals at The Grotto"

On Friday night, I was sitting at the KTCU studios with Tom Urquhart, playing some tunes for dozens of listeners and discussing live-music prospects for the evening. Urquhart, who also co-hosts The Good Show on Saturday mornings, let it slip that he was going to be sitting in with Neptune Locals, a Funkytown rock band scheduled to headline a show Saturday night at The Grotto. Urquhart plays trombone, not something you normally "sit in" with, and there was no way I was going to miss this.

I got to the club just as Joshua Irwin was wrapping up his set. Irwin is a gifted singer/songwriter, and I could kick myself for not showing up sooner.

My disappointment was short-lived, however, because Reinventing Jude was up next. As a vocalist and a songwriter, frontwoman Jude Gonzalez can connect through sheer force of personality onstage. One woman in the audience was moved to tears, and while Occam's razor suggests that that was at least partly because of the alcohol, the music was a moving experience even for those of us who were stone sober.

Reinventing Jude has a new album due out, with a release party to be held Sept. 30, and while most local musicians I talk to play the "I'm just in it for the fun" card (when we know they dream of rock stardom), Gonzalez wants a world tour and radio play. She is positively outraged that people in Dallas worship Kelly Clarkson while songwriters of more substance go unnoticed. I can't say she doesn't have a point. When she launches her world tour (and it's hard not to believe her), she plans to take the Neptune Locals with her. They were up next.

The band consist of Danny Ferry (vocals, guitar), Victor Garcia (drums), Scott Bruce (bass) and, just for Saturday, Tom Urquhart (trombone). The group did a couple of covers -- a funky version of Cheap Sunglasses by ZZ Top and Black Sabbath's Sweet Leaf. Sabbath with trombone is not something you hear every day (or ever). I think I prefer it with trombone.

But the originals were what I was there to hear, and those did not disappoint. These guys have kind of a jazz-reggae thing going on, with a hard-rock edge. There were instrumentals and originals with vocals, and all were well-executed, suitably complex and yet surreally enhanced by the trombone. I can't explain for the life of me how it worked, but it did.

The Grotto is a small club that consistently shows its dedication to local music. At times it can be a bit cramped and smoky, but you really can't experience this level of intimacy with musicians of this caliber anywhere else in Funkytown. Go see Jude and/or Neptune Locals before Jude takes them all on a worldwide tour. And go see Joshua Irwin just because you don't get a chance to hear that kind of talent often enough. - Steve Watkins, dfw.com, (July 18, 2012)


"Concert review: Neptune Locals at The Grotto"

On Friday night, I was sitting at the KTCU studios with Tom Urquhart, playing some tunes for dozens of listeners and discussing live-music prospects for the evening. Urquhart, who also co-hosts The Good Show on Saturday mornings, let it slip that he was going to be sitting in with Neptune Locals, a Funkytown rock band scheduled to headline a show Saturday night at The Grotto. Urquhart plays trombone, not something you normally "sit in" with, and there was no way I was going to miss this.

I got to the club just as Joshua Irwin was wrapping up his set. Irwin is a gifted singer/songwriter, and I could kick myself for not showing up sooner.

My disappointment was short-lived, however, because Reinventing Jude was up next. As a vocalist and a songwriter, frontwoman Jude Gonzalez can connect through sheer force of personality onstage. One woman in the audience was moved to tears, and while Occam's razor suggests that that was at least partly because of the alcohol, the music was a moving experience even for those of us who were stone sober.

Reinventing Jude has a new album due out, with a release party to be held Sept. 30, and while most local musicians I talk to play the "I'm just in it for the fun" card (when we know they dream of rock stardom), Gonzalez wants a world tour and radio play. She is positively outraged that people in Dallas worship Kelly Clarkson while songwriters of more substance go unnoticed. I can't say she doesn't have a point. When she launches her world tour (and it's hard not to believe her), she plans to take the Neptune Locals with her. They were up next.

The band consist of Danny Ferry (vocals, guitar), Victor Garcia (drums), Scott Bruce (bass) and, just for Saturday, Tom Urquhart (trombone). The group did a couple of covers -- a funky version of Cheap Sunglasses by ZZ Top and Black Sabbath's Sweet Leaf. Sabbath with trombone is not something you hear every day (or ever). I think I prefer it with trombone.

But the originals were what I was there to hear, and those did not disappoint. These guys have kind of a jazz-reggae thing going on, with a hard-rock edge. There were instrumentals and originals with vocals, and all were well-executed, suitably complex and yet surreally enhanced by the trombone. I can't explain for the life of me how it worked, but it did.

The Grotto is a small club that consistently shows its dedication to local music. At times it can be a bit cramped and smoky, but you really can't experience this level of intimacy with musicians of this caliber anywhere else in Funkytown. Go see Jude and/or Neptune Locals before Jude takes them all on a worldwide tour. And go see Joshua Irwin just because you don't get a chance to hear that kind of talent often enough. - Steve Watkins, dfw.com, (July 18, 2012)


"CARNIVAL OF LIGHT MUSICAL FEST REVIEW"

This past Sunday, July 28th, was the first annual Carnival of Light Musical Fest. Named after the legendary “lost” Beatles song, the festival was a benefit for put on by the cancer relief organization 1 Million 4 Anna to raise money for the treatment and research of Ewing’s Sarcoma, a bone and soft tissue cancer that primarily affects teenagers. More information on the organization can be found in my preview of the event, which includes an interview with one of the founders of the organization, Carol Basso. Also, check out the organization website here.

The show was at The Foundry Bar in Oak Cliff, which shares a large courtyard venue space with the restaurant Chicken Scratch. The location is great, offering an open environment with a hip, laid back atmosphere (ex. dogs are allowed in the open courtyard). Of course, being an open courtyard in Dallas, things can get hot and dirty quickly, but in addition to the several picnic table in the middle of the venue, there are plenty of tables and couches under covered areas to the sides, and misting fans make things a little more comfortable.

The first thing that Chantel and I did when we arrived was, of course, get some drinks at The Foundry. I picked a Breckenridge Christmas Ale (which was hearty, layered and delicious) from the impressive and interesting selection of draft beer, many of which I had never tried before. Chantel had a hurricaine, which she loved. The prices were mid-price for this type of bar, about $7-$10. Next we got some food from Chicken Scratch, which serves fried chicken biscuit sandwiches, stacked high with a variety of different toppings (depending on the sandwich) including cheese, mashed potatoes, gravy, chili, bacon, veggies, egg, etc. I really enjoyed mine, whereas Chantel had mixed feelings. She covers this, along with the rest of the venue, in her review here.

The music of the festival mostly consisted of acoustic folk/country sets. Of the beginning acts, which included Ryan Chollett, Prophets and Outlaws, and Richard Paul Davis of the band Iron Belly OD, the standout group was the folk-pop group, Reinventing Jude. I had previously interviewed Richard Paul Davis as well as Prophets and Outlaws front man, Matt Boggs, so I largely knew what to expect from the show, but Reinventing Jude surprised me by performing as an entire band. Chantel reviewed their performance here.

Finally, closing out the show was Manchester Orchestra, or rather, Andy Hull and Chris Freeman of Manchester Orchestra. Andy was on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, and Chris was solely on backup vocals. I admit that when they first got up on stage and that Chris had no instrument (he does keyboards and backup vocals for the band), I was slightly concerned. Past Manchester Orchestra shows that I had been to have been loud and powerful, and although they have plenty of low key music on their albums, I was not sure how their music would translate in an acoustic environment. Their performance turned out beautiful and intimate, and I was amazed at how great all of their songs turned out, including the heavier ones. For instance, here is a video of their performance of “Shake it Out”. - Daylife Dallas August 8, 2013 by Tyler Dietz


"CARNIVAL OF LIGHT MUSICAL FEST REVIEW"

This past Sunday, July 28th, was the first annual Carnival of Light Musical Fest. Named after the legendary “lost” Beatles song, the festival was a benefit for put on by the cancer relief organization 1 Million 4 Anna to raise money for the treatment and research of Ewing’s Sarcoma, a bone and soft tissue cancer that primarily affects teenagers. More information on the organization can be found in my preview of the event, which includes an interview with one of the founders of the organization, Carol Basso. Also, check out the organization website here.

The show was at The Foundry Bar in Oak Cliff, which shares a large courtyard venue space with the restaurant Chicken Scratch. The location is great, offering an open environment with a hip, laid back atmosphere (ex. dogs are allowed in the open courtyard). Of course, being an open courtyard in Dallas, things can get hot and dirty quickly, but in addition to the several picnic table in the middle of the venue, there are plenty of tables and couches under covered areas to the sides, and misting fans make things a little more comfortable.

The first thing that Chantel and I did when we arrived was, of course, get some drinks at The Foundry. I picked a Breckenridge Christmas Ale (which was hearty, layered and delicious) from the impressive and interesting selection of draft beer, many of which I had never tried before. Chantel had a hurricaine, which she loved. The prices were mid-price for this type of bar, about $7-$10. Next we got some food from Chicken Scratch, which serves fried chicken biscuit sandwiches, stacked high with a variety of different toppings (depending on the sandwich) including cheese, mashed potatoes, gravy, chili, bacon, veggies, egg, etc. I really enjoyed mine, whereas Chantel had mixed feelings. She covers this, along with the rest of the venue, in her review here.

The music of the festival mostly consisted of acoustic folk/country sets. Of the beginning acts, which included Ryan Chollett, Prophets and Outlaws, and Richard Paul Davis of the band Iron Belly OD, the standout group was the folk-pop group, Reinventing Jude. I had previously interviewed Richard Paul Davis as well as Prophets and Outlaws front man, Matt Boggs, so I largely knew what to expect from the show, but Reinventing Jude surprised me by performing as an entire band. Chantel reviewed their performance here.

Finally, closing out the show was Manchester Orchestra, or rather, Andy Hull and Chris Freeman of Manchester Orchestra. Andy was on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, and Chris was solely on backup vocals. I admit that when they first got up on stage and that Chris had no instrument (he does keyboards and backup vocals for the band), I was slightly concerned. Past Manchester Orchestra shows that I had been to have been loud and powerful, and although they have plenty of low key music on their albums, I was not sure how their music would translate in an acoustic environment. Their performance turned out beautiful and intimate, and I was amazed at how great all of their songs turned out, including the heavier ones. For instance, here is a video of their performance of “Shake it Out”. - Daylife Dallas August 8, 2013 by Tyler Dietz


"Reinventing Jude Review"

At The Carnival of Light Musical Fest I instantly became fascinated with a band called Reinventing Jude. The band is formed around singer/songwriter Jude Gonzalez and to me, her soft vocals and talented band members backing her up sound like the perfect blend of indie-whimsical music. Her music is intimate, romantic and subtle with lots and lots of detail in the composure. It was the perfect way to end a date with a nice car ride home through downtown Dallas. And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE any band that has A BAND! Violins, trumpets, clarinets, saxophones, trombones, drums, cello, clarinet, flute and of course bas sand guitar!

Her music is very reminiscent of “Florence+ The Machine,” “Frou Foru” and “Charlotte Sometimes.” Jude is a very intimate musician who I enjoyed listening to and will listen to for the many years to come.She’s also a massage therapist by day!

I got an opportunity to have a quick chat with her as she and her band stayed at the event to listen to Manchester Orchestra. She automatically greets you with a smile and is very confident in what she is doing. She explained the meaning behind her band name and gave me a complimentary copy of her latest album Shoulder Season. - Daylife Dallas by L KIB


"Reinventing Jude Review"

At The Carnival of Light Musical Fest I instantly became fascinated with a band called Reinventing Jude. The band is formed around singer/songwriter Jude Gonzalez and to me, her soft vocals and talented band members backing her up sound like the perfect blend of indie-whimsical music. Her music is intimate, romantic and subtle with lots and lots of detail in the composure. It was the perfect way to end a date with a nice car ride home through downtown Dallas. And I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE any band that has A BAND! Violins, trumpets, clarinets, saxophones, trombones, drums, cello, clarinet, flute and of course bas sand guitar!

Her music is very reminiscent of “Florence+ The Machine,” “Frou Foru” and “Charlotte Sometimes.” Jude is a very intimate musician who I enjoyed listening to and will listen to for the many years to come.She’s also a massage therapist by day!

I got an opportunity to have a quick chat with her as she and her band stayed at the event to listen to Manchester Orchestra. She automatically greets you with a smile and is very confident in what she is doing. She explained the meaning behind her band name and gave me a complimentary copy of her latest album Shoulder Season. - Daylife Dallas by L KIB


"REINVENTING JUDE — SUNDIAL SOLILOQUY"

August 8, 2013 by L KIB Didn’t think it could get much better, but Reinventing Jude has reinvented herself into true art. Compared to Shoulder Season, Sundial Soliloquy is a more mature album while still holding true to her jazz/indie and full band roots. On the last review of Shoulder Season I compared Reinventing Jude to Florence + The Machine and Frou Frou, but listening to this album I can only compare her to herself. This album definitely has a unique vibe and is truly calming. If you’re looking for new music to listen to that’s soft, easy, whimsical and a perfect pair to a chill afternoon or a cup of coffee this is the perfect album for that. When I listen to Sundial Soliloquy I feel inspired, with a shot of espresso.”
- - Chantel Martin, Daylife Dallas (Aug 08, 2013)


"REINVENTING JUDE — SUNDIAL SOLILOQUY"

August 8, 2013 by L KIB Didn’t think it could get much better, but Reinventing Jude has reinvented herself into true art. Compared to Shoulder Season, Sundial Soliloquy is a more mature album while still holding true to her jazz/indie and full band roots. On the last review of Shoulder Season I compared Reinventing Jude to Florence + The Machine and Frou Frou, but listening to this album I can only compare her to herself. This album definitely has a unique vibe and is truly calming. If you’re looking for new music to listen to that’s soft, easy, whimsical and a perfect pair to a chill afternoon or a cup of coffee this is the perfect album for that. When I listen to Sundial Soliloquy I feel inspired, with a shot of espresso.”
- - Chantel Martin, Daylife Dallas (Aug 08, 2013)


"Sundial Soliloquy Review"

“Sundial Soliloquy is a colorful and vibrantly powerful collection of indie tunes infiltrated with wayward forms of rhythm & exquisite instrumentation. It's a cross between melancholy vibes and a low-end background experimental-jazz fused with some amazing indie elements. The multi-instrumentals concept as well as the Jude stunning vocals is simply a plus on this album as it brings an added value / layer on top of everything that is already beautiful. A VERY BIG WELL DONE GUYS!!! This is even bigger and better than "Shoulder Season".”
- The Sirens Sound


"Sundial Soliloquy Review"

“Sundial Soliloquy is a colorful and vibrantly powerful collection of indie tunes infiltrated with wayward forms of rhythm & exquisite instrumentation. It's a cross between melancholy vibes and a low-end background experimental-jazz fused with some amazing indie elements. The multi-instrumentals concept as well as the Jude stunning vocals is simply a plus on this album as it brings an added value / layer on top of everything that is already beautiful. A VERY BIG WELL DONE GUYS!!! This is even bigger and better than "Shoulder Season".”
- The Sirens Sound


"Concert Review: The Good Show Live Music"

dfw.com - Steve Watkins


"Concert Review: The Good Show Live Music"

dfw.com - Steve Watkins


Discography

Reinventing Jude "Raw"

Reinventing Jude "Live @ Liquid Lounge"

Reinventing Jude "Shoulder Season"

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/reinventingjude3

https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/reinventingjude4

Photos

Bio

Fronted by extraordinary and prolific songwriter, Jude Gonzalez, Reinventing Jude is a Soul - Funk - Indie - Pop Band that is making waves in North Texas. Comprised of an extremely talented ensemble, Reinventing Jude is a powerhouse of great songs and unforgettable live music shows.

Band Members