For the tracks here:
Julie McKee - vocals and piano, wurlitzer, rhodes
Simon Little - bass
Mark Fletcher - drums
Nigel Price - guitar
Rob Gentry - hammond, Rhodes
Steve Rubie - alto flute
To buy Julie McKee's brand new studio album, What A Woman Shouldn't Do click here or on the picture of the album cover
Price £10 (plus £1P&P within UK or £2P&P outside UK).
Influences
Randy Newman, Carole King, Nancy Wilson, Chet Baker, Ben Folds, Lamb, Madredeus, Mel Torme, Pink Martini, Aretha, Nick Drake, Ella Fitzgerald, Paul Simon, Bola de Nieve, Sandy Denny, Muddy Waters, Suzanne Vega, Billy Joel, Fats Waller, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Cure, Me'Shell NdegeOcello, Stevie Wonder, Fran Landesman & Simon Wallace, Oscar Peterson, Galliano, Sufjan Stevens, Kurt Elling, Jane Birkin, Gill Scott-Heron, Medeski Martin & Wood, Sarah Vaughn, Aphex Twin, Rufus Wainwright, Debussy, Cocteau Twins, Nina Simone, Goldfrapp, Mark Murphy, Tracy Chapman, Lauryn Hill, John Lee Hooker, John Scofield, Tom Waits, Zero 7, Laura Veirs, Rikki Lee Jones, Mendelssohn, Karrin Allyson, Donny Hathaway, Brad Meldhau, Talking Heads, Ben Sidran, Massive Attack, Zizzi Possi, Bach, Kate Bush... to name a few
Sounds Like
Probably a blend of the influences mentioned above, and from performing the songs, here are some other names people have mentioned: Ben Folds, Fiona Apple, Carole King, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Beautiful South, Regina Spektor....
"What a Woman Shouldn’t Do is an absolutely gorgeous and highly original album." Gaydar
"A thought-provoking and powerful CD of originals ... the attention to detail and intelligence here shines through." Musician Magazine
"What A Woman Shouldn’t Do combines gorgeous music, intelligent and witty lyrics, and a voice you pray just won’t stop singing ... Expect big things from Julie McKee." Wildy's World, New York
"A breezy, quirky and entertaining album with a strong jazz foundation but definite pop leanings." Keyboard Player Magazine
"Drawn from the same tradition as Sgt Pepper." MusicOMH
"Serious vocal chops and a flair for writing original songs." Collected Sounds
Julie McKee started writing songs for her latest album when a former neighbour failed to forward his post. “I was so annoyed – every time I went to the door, there was far more post for him than anyone else in the building. And I was the only one forwarding it on or recycling it!” So one day, instead of getting mad, she put pen to paper and out came Eric Marlow, a joyful '60s pop anthem on junk mail and missing persons.
A similar thread runs through all the tracks on her debut studio album, What A Woman Shouldn't Do, which draw on her experiences of life in a big city and a fascination with observing the foibles of others. The result is a series of musical vignettes, tender snapshots of friendships at breaking point, humongous egos and self-appointed television “experts”, all told with a hefty dose of wit and compassion. Think Randy Newman played with a Tori Amos feel, with a slap of Ben Folds irreverence.
A classically trained pianist, US-born Julie studied English and Spanish at Cardiff University before being accepted onto the Guildhall School of Music & Drama's masters course in jazz. Yet her musical influences range far and wide, taking in pop, soul, rock, blues and classical, and she brings all these to the table in her forthcoming release. “I listen to all kinds of music and would hate my songs to be described simply as one genre. To me, good music is good music, wherever it comes from,” she says.
Previous work has included recordings with solo bassist Steve Lawson, where Julie sang on his Behind Every Word album in 2006 and she is also part of the Recycle Collective.
Her live work has taken her across the globe, performing at top venues including the 606 Club, The Vortex, National Theatre, Union Chapel, Drill Hall, The Troubadour, The Cutting Room (NYC), Davenport's (Chicago), HotHouse (Chicago), plus numerous festivals including the City of London Festival, Brighton Festival, Edinburgh Fringe and Greenbelt Festival. Songs from her recent album have also been playlisted across the UK, US, Canada and Australia.
Drink sounds good! Was in your neck of the woods on the weekend... could feel the arctic chill the further north I went: Finchley was freezing! Back in the tropics of south London now :-)
You are more than welcome! I am very jealous of your being able to play piano so well and sing at the same time, maybe you can give me some tips! I havent practised doing it enough yet but initially am finding it extremely difficult! I will def be there 27th and will hopefully bring a crowd too! Is it ticketed? T x
Hello Julie! Listened to the recording from our Saint FM live gig and oh my god was i impressed with your voice, piano playing, lyrics, I hadnt realised how much I'd missed on the night! You sound beautiful! Will try and come to see you at the Minories on 27th! Take Care and Keep at it! T xx
Hey Julie, thanks for the welcoming message from a myspace veteran to a myspace skeptic (or should that be novice?) Hope you're well! Indeed must catch up soon, obviously the whole norf london/souf london divide and prejudices make that dificult. If your around on the 11th come to Ryans, otherwise drinks some othertime.... You're looking busy: plenty of gigs in Feb?? xC
Hi Julie, just wanted to say it was a pleasure sharing a stage with you last night, your set was fantastic - i especially loved The Experts. Hope to see you on the musical circuit soon and thanks once more for letting me use your piano! Nina x
Happy new year Julie! and many thanks for your kind comments. Cracking track "Eric Marlow" - great lyrics and love the many musical twists and turns you manage to introduce throughout the song - great stuff! Andy
Hi Julie. Great to have you as a friend. If you get the chance to come along to The Windmill one month soon, (the second Monday of the month) it'd be great to see you! Love your voice!!! Jane
Hi Julie!!! Citizen Manchester LGBT - tonight!!!!! Please tune in this evening to BBC Radio Manchester - 25.1FM when I am "in session" with Andrew Edwards. Your support would be invaluable.
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