Julie Michels (voice) and Kevin Barrett (guitar). Occasionally we're joined by a bassist (George Koller, Drew Birston or Henry Heillig), a drummer (Tim Shia or Davide Direnzo), or even a vibraphonist (Mark Duggan).
Influences
Good music everywhere!
Sounds Like
Jazz standards, beautiful bossa novas and sambas, and an eclectic mix of pop, blues and country tunes, all expertly arranged and deftly performed by a remarkable voice/guitar duo.
“Experiencing the music of Kevin Barrett and Julie Michels live in concert is something you won’t forget. They might look like a duo but their music fills the room and commands attention.” [Jaymz Bee - Producer & Host - JAZZ.FM91]
The musical chemistry between Julie Michels and Kevin Barrett finds expression in their fresh interpretations of jazz standards and their penchant for bringing songs from other genres into the jazz oeuvre.
Julie Michels has been singing as long as she can remember and landed her first paying gig at the age of 15. Starting out in folk, rock, and blues, with a brief detour into Scottish highland dance, Julie had already begun to develop her distinctively soulful sound in clubs and on radio when she was introduced to jazz by legendary bassist Richard Davis, who became a mentor. For several years Julie divided her time between gigs in Europe and North America before settling in Toronto, where she has played with George Koller, Wayne Cass and Kevin Barrett at popular jazz venues The Montreal Bistro, The Rex, Hugh's Room, Statler's Lounge, and others.
“Insouciantly slinky” is what Katie Malloch [JazzBeat/CBC] calls Kevin Barrett’s guitar playing. Kevin has been recording and performing as a guitarist in Toronto (and previously in Ottawa) for more than 25 years. He has released two CD's: Kevin Barrett Trio: "JAM" (1999) and Kevin Barrett Group: "Share the Wealth" (2002) and has performed in a wide range of jazz festivals as well as most of Toronto’s night-clubs. In addition to working with Julie and leading his own group, Kevin has worked with a wide range of fine performers including Molly Johnson, Big Rude Jake, David Wall, Deekaye Ibomeka and Jaymz Bee’s Royal Jelly Orchestra. Kevin has appeared as co-producer on several recordings recently, including Lisa Lindo’s “I Hear Music" and Boo Watson’s “Opening Moves”. Ron Davis & Lori Cullen, Jay Boehmer, and Kye Marshall have also recently released CDs featuring Kevin’s playing.
In 2003 Julie and Kevin released their first CD together, Live at Statler’s. Recorded live at the night-club where they hold a Thursday-night residency, the CD captures the intimacy and excitement of the duo's performance style. The recording can be heard regularly on Toronto's JazzFM.91. Don't miss it!
Julie Michels & Kevin Barrett's Friend Space (Top 8)
Wow I am so excited you guys are playing Statler's on April 17th - my 37th Birthday! What a treat that'll be for me that night! Cheers - nice to see you have some gigs in BC too!
Looking forward to seeing you and hearing you again soon, it's been awhile since I've heard you! I havent been back to Statler's since George was last there! CHEERS!!
