Freedom Jazz Dance
Laurelwood, 2024
8/10
The veteran jazz vocalist Julie Kelly returns with a 9th album, where jazz, pop and Brazilian ideas aren’t off the table across 11 energetic and thoughtful songs that are quite stylish.
The playful and warm “Sunday In New York” opens with Kelly’s frisky voice alongside Josh Nelson’s cozy keys and Dan Schnelle’s agile drumming, and “Take Me To The Alley” follows with Danny Janklow’s soulful sax helping cultivate an intimate climate.
The title track occupies the middle spot, and indeed will get your body moving to the lively delivery that uses firm keys and glowing brass, while “Early Morning Rain” tugs on the heartstrings with its soft guitar and emotive, poetic singing from Kelly’s graceful pipes.
Further along, “Nothing Like You” offers a scrappy and melodic delivery that benefits from Luca Alemanno’s skilled bass and, of course, Kelly’s diverse range, and “Ponteio” exits with cultured singing and Janklow on flute for the dreamy finish.
Kelly’s velvety voice draws us in immediately, and the swinging moments don’t disappoint, nor does the balladry across this worldly jazz affair.
Travels well with: Betty Bryant- Lotta Livin’; Judy Whitmore- Come Fly With Me