Amazing Vocalist Julia Dollison
Last night, Ian and I got a rare—and I mean RARE—treat. My parents babysat our kids so we could go and see my high school friend, Julia Dollison, perform at Savannah’s at the Red Lion Inn’s. Julie, as I know her from way back, is a superbly original, lyrical jazz vocalist who is making a name for herself among musicians and non-musicians alike. I know that vocal jazz isn’t everybody’s thing; it’s really not my thing anymore, although I used to be more into it in high school when I sang with choirs and saw a lot of live jazz performances. But I tell you, if you have even an inkling of a taste for jazz (or vocalists such as Diana Krall or Norah Jones), you should check her out! Her voice is airy at times and makes me think that an angel is singing just to me inside my head and at other times it’s round, deep, and buttery. She is a true virtuoso; she arranges jazz standards so that they are fresh, young, and totally new. She sings the lyrics with meaning and heart, as though she created them herself. She darts and flits through the music, showcasing her impressive range. She sounds like brass instruments when she scats. She also writes her own songs, which are honest and playful and sometimes sad.
I’m not a music writer. I feel the description I have created doesn’t do her justice. Julie’s debut CD is called Observatory. She’s working on a new project now through a site called Artist Share. Last night, she and pianist Geoffrey Keezer played her Observatory tunes along with the new music they plan to record for the new CD, which will be called Lifted. On the Artist Share site, you can see video clips and interviews and stuff.
http://www.sacbee.com/music/story/546523.html
So, please check her out. She’s worth a listen.
It was a wonderful date night with Ian. We smootched in the darkened club, drank seltzer water, and ate steak and salad. So, so nice and relaxing to be away from the constantly chattering monkeys who dominate our every waking hour.
