tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31535972295245587632024-03-13T19:00:59.175+00:00Juliet Kelly Singer / Songwriter / PresenterJuliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-89606856467637701272022-11-28T17:08:00.001+00:002022-11-28T17:54:26.486+00:00Top Ten Tips & Cures for a Lost Singing Voice (Updated November 2022)<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcd7OEWqr19myXOcuzDUDVjAA7sqMWmmRwiyZz7VlMyHjK3BnmC3QKUHtRw8FVGGKq669FnkI7jIIjrucqpA0R9kDuVyHeWst7iwVMyl-Dzb7EfnDm8j5UqaA1oLjXJIKv3pSRayRyb3C9rNGt5QYVsrLsgofn-SQrJiikwv6cXKo6MIFrO6EzZpm3/s4759/pexels-pixabay-416528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="glass of water" border="0" data-original-height="3399" data-original-width="4759" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcd7OEWqr19myXOcuzDUDVjAA7sqMWmmRwiyZz7VlMyHjK3BnmC3QKUHtRw8FVGGKq669FnkI7jIIjrucqpA0R9kDuVyHeWst7iwVMyl-Dzb7EfnDm8j5UqaA1oLjXJIKv3pSRayRyb3C9rNGt5QYVsrLsgofn-SQrJiikwv6cXKo6MIFrO6EzZpm3/w400-h286/pexels-pixabay-416528.jpg" title="If all else fails, drink lots of water!" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">So you've scored a really great gig and you''re getting more and more excited about it as D-day draws near. Then it happens... You wake up one morning and realise that your singing voice has gone AWOL! It could be down to a cold or cough... or you spent too much time in a smoky atmosphere... or you've been out the night before shouting over loud music... or you were shouting at your favourite sports team during the match... or you've been overworking and not getting enough sleep... or ... well, to be honest it doesn't matter what the cause was. All you want to know is how to fix it. Below are the top tips from various sources for the best ways to get rid of that "frog" fast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In no particular order:<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> 1 </b><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Steam</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A steam treatment can break up nasal congestion. You inhale the steam while holding your face over a bowl of hot water whilst covering your head with a towel. Probably needs to be done every couple of hours if the problem is severe. Most people seem to think plain steam is best but variations include adding herbs and essences such as eucalyptus, peppermint, sage, thyme, chamomile, rosemary, pine, oregano and juniper.<b><br />
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2 Nasal Saline Irrigation</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Cleaning out the sinuses with salt water is an old remedy to alleviate congestion. A saline solution (using distilled water) is poured or sprayed into the nostril and then flows through the sinuses, cleaning out bacteria and allergens.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here are a couple that I've bought over the years:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 12pt;">Amazon.com <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Economy-Light-Weight-Neti-Pot-Friendly/dp/B072MLPNKS/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=neti+pot&qid=1669654879&sr=8-15" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Economy-Light-Weight-Neti-Pot-Friendly/dp/B072MLPNKS/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=neti+pot&qid=1669654879&sr=8-15</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amazon.uk <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Economy-Light-Weight-Neti-Pot-Friendly/dp/B072MLPNKS/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=neti+pot&qid=1669654879&sr=8-15" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Economy-Light-Weight-Neti-Pot-Friendly/dp/B072MLPNKS/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=neti+pot&qid=1669654879&sr=8-15</a><br />
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</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>3 Pastilles and Potions</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">There are many types of throat pastilles and mixtures available over the counter at the pharmacy. <i><br />
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Pastilles:</i> Fisherman's Friend, Vocalzone and various other throat sweets/pastilles can be bought easily from most stores. <i><br />
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Liquids:</i> Glycerin linctus, pure glycerin and manuka honey all have their fans.<b><br />
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4 Medicines</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Personally, I wouldn't recommend using any medicines unless prescribed by your doctor as the voice is such a delicate instrument. However, some swear by using cough mixture in order to thin the mucous, as a temporary cure. But make sure to use the gentler children's version! Gargling with soluble aspirin has also been mentioned.<b><br />
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5 Drinks</b></span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">My personal favourite for a voice that's playing hard to get is a hot drink made with boiled water, honey, lemon juice, fresh grated ginger and a tot of rum (optional). For me, it's the ginger that does it - the hotter the better - and it seems to chase away any colds that may be hovering about too.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Other suggestions are: Gargling with hot water with honey and cider vinegar; gargling warm salt water; drinking fresh pineapple juice; drinking hot and cold drinks alternately every half hour (apparently this works like a hot/cold compress does on the body); drinking lots and lots of water!<b><br />
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6 Herbs and Spices</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Recommended herbs for the voice are freshly-grated ginger, sage, turmeric. These can all be used in solutions for gargling. <b><br />
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7 Vocal Exercises</b></span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Consider how you are warming up. Make sure that the warm ups you do are not only exercising the larynx, but also warming up your voice when you bring chest resonance into play. Your voice resonating and vibrating in your chest will work to dislodge some of the mucus before you start singing. Lip trills are good. Also short sharp notes sung using the diaphragm - sounds like laughing and is a lot of fun!<b><br />
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8 Rest</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes though what the voice really needs is some good old R&R. Try not to speak much and definitely don't shout or raise your voice. Fresh air and exercise could also help to kick any lurking bugs and make sure to get plenty of sleep.<b><br />
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9 Voice Specialists</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">If all else fails, it might be time to call in the specialists. I'm sure there are many qualified practitioners out there but it's always best with this sort of thing to get recommendations.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">10 Miscellaneous</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">Not so sure abou</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">t some of these but if you'r</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">e desperate they might be worth a shot:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Avoiding diary products - thought to create excess mucus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Taking lots of Vitamin C</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Eating crisps (yes, someone seriously recommends this!)</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And finally...<b><br />
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Prevention is better than cure</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Drink lots of water, eat healthy to make sure you get all your vitamins and minerals, get plenty of sleep, wash your hands often to avoid bugs and viruses, avoid too much alcohol or caffeine. For dry air due to arid climates or indoor heating, use a hot steam vaporizer. Avoid stress and emotional upset before shows or recording. If you are taking an airplane, wrap a scarf around your mouth to protect your voice from dry air. Also, try a sleep collar or scarf to keep your throat warm. But of course, all this is much easier said than done. :-) Good luck!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Special thanks to Tamsin Collison for many of the ideas in this article.</span></div>
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Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-24079351221311782852022-07-30T11:53:00.002+01:002022-07-30T11:53:47.879+01:00It's been a while... but Divas of Jazz is back!<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94_4Hpf1LIJE-fSHE8ls08N8-dXb6DAKwuviijNhPIlgXxk-1VozxNGzkbcHIUmBDXYEFhxbVchLKNkz3Tex5mGQFz1ijQHutihRBsGcDTH016Z_fKUcm84Amf14EUS3xcI6wE67nMx37MeSU6AfqFXpgnECYvMekjOrE7OXgNDUmVPue4pMtzwPq/s2262/lso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1437" data-original-width="2262" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94_4Hpf1LIJE-fSHE8ls08N8-dXb6DAKwuviijNhPIlgXxk-1VozxNGzkbcHIUmBDXYEFhxbVchLKNkz3Tex5mGQFz1ijQHutihRBsGcDTH016Z_fKUcm84Amf14EUS3xcI6wE67nMx37MeSU6AfqFXpgnECYvMekjOrE7OXgNDUmVPue4pMtzwPq/w400-h254/lso.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Performing at London Symphony Orchestra showcase<br />(c) Kevin Leighton</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><br /></p><p>I've been AWOL for a while. It's been difficult to get back into the swing of things. Momentum was lost and not all the gigs that were cancelled due to the pandemic were rescheduled. </p><p>Also didn't really feel motivated to write or to try getting new bookings. It's been tough for everyone though so that's not a complaint. I know that things have been much worse for others.</p><p>Did have a few great gigs though - including a first time visit to Diss Jazz Club with the excellent Chris Ingham Trio. (I'll be working with them again in September at Hunter Club in Bury St Edmunds.) I also performed for the first time at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival with my family show which the audience seemed to really enjoy.</p><p>A very new and exciting experience for me was taking part in a classical project for the London Symphony Orchestra soundhub where I sang some very complicated and challenging music for the showcase of composer Marilyn Herman. It was such a novelty and an absolute pleasure to perform this beautiful music with classical musicians - and to work with a conductor for the first time ever! It went really well though and I would love to do something like that again. </p><p>September also brings the return of Divas of Jazz at one of my favourite London venues - Crazy Coqs. It's always fun to perform there and they do the most amazing cocktails. :)</p><p><a href="https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/juliet-kelly-divas-of-jazz/" target="_blank">5 Sep @ 7pm - Crazy Coqs, Brasserie Zedel, 20 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hunterclub.org.uk/events/the-sunday-lounge-juliet-kelly-sings-nina-simone/" target="_blank">25 Sep @ 1pm - Hunter Club - 6 St Andrews Street South, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3PJ</a></p><p>The good news is that I'm feeling inspired to start writing songs again so as I like to say... watch this space!</p><p><br /></p>Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-74058257360786425832020-11-03T14:17:00.005+00:002020-11-03T14:21:50.549+00:00Juliet Kelly's Jazz Kids and Songs From Life<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odcKpWGg-8I/X6FPUVj5WTI/AAAAAAAAEuA/GUTsPvHeHpQj1l7zBv9xE7DK7kO7-DXggCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/jazzkids.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Juliet Kelly at Jazz Kids filming" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odcKpWGg-8I/X6FPUVj5WTI/AAAAAAAAEuA/GUTsPvHeHpQj1l7zBv9xE7DK7kO7-DXggCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/jazzkids.jpg" title="Showtime for Juliet Kelly's Jazz Kids" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showtime for Juliet Kelly's Jazz Kids</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />It's been a while! In my last blog at the end of last year I spoke about a reboot. Be careful what you wish for! This year has been a reboot for the whole world. Along with everyone else, I've had to put all my plans on pause but I was fortunate enough to be asked to take part in two shows for this year's <b>EFG London Jazz Festival</b>. Both of them will be streamed live on <b>14 November.</b></p><p>First<b> </b>of all there's the follow up to Jazz for Toddlers called <b>Juliet Kelly's Jazz Kids</b> that will be live at <b>1pm</b>. It's an update of last year's show modified for an online audience. </p><p>I was also invited to take part in a project aimed primarily at African and Caribbean older people with health conditions that affect memory. My band and I performed <b>Songs From Life -</b> classic and familiar songs that could not only be enjoyed but that would also evoke precious memories. Songs From Life will be streamed at <b>2pm</b>.</p><p>As for what the rest of the year will bring - who knows? But I hope you are all keeping safe and well and that better times are on their way for us all. </p><p>Here's a link to the song Smile originally performed by Nat King Cole - part of Songs From Life. It's particularly apt during these difficult times. </p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H7X9sYv72zY" style="background-image: url(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/H7X9sYv72zY/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"></iframe></p><p><br /></p>Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-31515902641851715942019-12-08T09:21:00.000+00:002019-12-08T10:59:35.320+00:00Time for a reboot...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqyld5nMDVk/Xey-WuCqOyI/AAAAAAAAEiM/4tc3qLZ_u5o5UUWGLhoTPQhkXtYjS8jSgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Toddlers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="720" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqyld5nMDVk/Xey-WuCqOyI/AAAAAAAAEiM/4tc3qLZ_u5o5UUWGLhoTPQhkXtYjS8jSgCEwYBhgL/s400/Toddlers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazz for Toddlers - photo by Stephen Wright</td></tr>
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I've not been very focussed this year. I've been drifting along and going with the flow - maybe a bit too much. It's time for a reboot! I'll be starting some new projects and there may even be a new album in the works. So watch this space!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOn0YkBjk88/Xey0F__-wAI/AAAAAAAAEh8/BcpV0PJcWOIUoSZ-RkIr6XkBwVE-NJqjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Ronnies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOn0YkBjk88/Xey0F__-wAI/AAAAAAAAEh8/BcpV0PJcWOIUoSZ-RkIr6XkBwVE-NJqjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Ronnies.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showtime!</td></tr>
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It was amazing to perform at Ronnie Scott's again. Two sold out shows at the legendary venue. Hopefully it won't be too long before I perform there again.<br />
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And there were more sold out shows for the EFG London Jazz Festival. Ten of them to be exact! It was a lot of fun to write and perform my Jazz for Toddlers show with Tony Kofi. There was so much positive feedback and it was wonderful to see the faces of those little ones light up at the sound of jazz.<br />
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Love that photo of the kids enjoying the music. It's great to be a #jazzevangelist :)Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-1262215640164954302019-07-03T18:12:00.002+01:002019-07-03T18:12:27.764+01:00Summer is finally here<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHyHzmJeq7g/XRzc3u489iI/AAAAAAAAEfo/O2y3UYbEH0Y61tM7CC-A_fIohVmJZA9OACLcBGAs/s1600/ipswichtrio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="723" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FHyHzmJeq7g/XRzc3u489iI/AAAAAAAAEfo/O2y3UYbEH0Y61tM7CC-A_fIohVmJZA9OACLcBGAs/s400/ipswichtrio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naadia Sheriff (piano), Juliet Kelly (vocals) and Amy Baldwin (bass)<br />with the songs of Nina Simone at Ipswich Jazz Club</td></tr>
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Summer is finally here in the UK! It took a while to appear but I'm really enjoying these warm, sunny days.<br />
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Since my last post, we had a great gig at Ipswich Jazz Club with the songs of Nina Simone, and I also did a short rural tour for Live & Local with my Bond to Bowie show. <br />
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At the end of this month I'm really looking forward to performing again at Ronnie Scott's. I think it's been seven years since I did my first and only performance there with the late Frank Holder. This time I'll be performing the early set (6.15-7pm) before Courtney Pine and his House of Legends! It's been fifteen years since I first performed with Courtney at the Barbican for the <a href="https://youtu.be/ixJnAiWAVCc" target="_blank">BBC4 TV show Jazz Britannia</a>. Looking forward to sharing the stage with him once again. I'll be singing the songs of Nina Simone before his first set so you'll need to book the 17:30 show (first house). Hope to see some of you there!<br />
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Tues 30 & Weds 31 Jul, 5.30pm - <a href="https://www.ronniescotts.co.uk/performances/view/5265-courtney-pine-house-of-legends" target="_blank">Ronnie Scott's Club, London</a>Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-56556591091153718572019-04-03T10:21:00.000+01:002019-04-03T10:21:23.048+01:00Happy Spring!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1o-eLq5H4gs/XKR2__IhfnI/AAAAAAAAEdg/c-aiZGo63FA-SYPQyldlnL0Of76_8FsugCLcBGAs/s1600/austerity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1o-eLq5H4gs/XKR2__IhfnI/AAAAAAAAEdg/c-aiZGo63FA-SYPQyldlnL0Of76_8FsugCLcBGAs/s400/austerity.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Austerity Playbook at Hoxton Hall</td></tr>
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Spring is finally here! I tend to go into hibernation mode during the winter and am so glad that we've officially crossed the threshold and summer isn't too far away. :)<br />
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So, things have been pretty quiet. Being part of the satirical jazz musical, The Austerity Playbook, with was a blast! It was an absolute whirlwind of learning, rehearsals and finally the performance but I had so much fun working with the other singers and it all came together in the end. There were no diva dresses or fascinators for me this time. Felt strange to be on stage in drab clothes but it was part of my persona as a librarian. Note the glasses for added authenticity!<br />
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Last month I made a return to Ipswich Jazz Club with my Nina Simone show. It was almost exactly 3 years since my previous visit. How time flies! The audience loved the show and it was fun to perform those beautiful songs again.<br />
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This week I'm back on the rural road with Bond to Bowie in Leicestershire and Lincolnshire. <br />
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Fri 5 April - Toynton Village Hall, Spilsby<br />
Sat 6 April - North Thoresby Village Hall, Grimsby<br />
Sun 7 April - Winthorpe Community Centre, Newark<br />
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And I've started writing again! It's been a while but hoping to have some new songs ready very soon. <br />
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<br />Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-81362356291003164372019-01-05T22:11:00.000+00:002019-01-09T14:50:03.226+00:00Happy New You!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kl2Gpi8Xhrk/XDChZFswdvI/AAAAAAAAEaY/ibXz4ueQxWc1zolLb7cK1CjRpWDE8MvOwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20181218_064952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="662" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kl2Gpi8Xhrk/XDChZFswdvI/AAAAAAAAEaY/ibXz4ueQxWc1zolLb7cK1CjRpWDE8MvOwCEwYBhgL/s400/20181218_064952.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazz Carols at Methodist Central Hall Westminster</td></tr>
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I've never been a huge fan of New Year's resolutions and I'm not going to start now. I believe in New Day's resolutions. :D Every morning we can set the reset button and plan to make the changes we want in our lives. As well as planning the changes, we also need to actually carry them out (that's normally where I get stuck!) but I'm working on it...<br />
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I had my first ever experience of working with a choir for the Hull Jazz Festival in November. The Hull Junior Choir sang beautifully and it was wonderful to hear them sing backing vocals to my original song Little Things from Spellbound Stories. A really highlight of the year!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hull Jazz Festival 2018 poster </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albemarle Music Centre - venue for the concert with Hull Junior Choir</td></tr>
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And then I had another chance to share the stage with some great gospel singers for the Jazz Carols concert at Westminster Central Hall with the Dan Forshaw Quartet. I love singing in a group and our harmonies we sang for Silent Night (arranged by German saxophonist Birgitta Flick) really was magical - sent chills up my spine! And I also got to meet Songs of Praise and ex-Blue Peter Presenter Diane Louise Jordan who presented the concert. A lovely woman!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jazz Carols poster</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the concert with the lovely Diane Louise Jordan</td></tr>
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And it's not stopping there because I'll be singing with 3 other wonderful singers for the new jazz recital performance of The Austerity Playbook making its London debut on <a href="https://www.hoxtonhall.co.uk/event/the-austerity-playbook/" target="_blank">18 January at Hoxton Hall</a>. Some great music written by Andrea Vicari to lyrics about the austerity measures in the UK through the decades. Maybe I'll see some of you there.<br />
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Happy New Year, Happy New You!<br />
<br />Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-1294586806307270182018-09-28T08:57:00.002+01:002018-09-28T09:01:45.893+01:00It's great (not grim) up north!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Performing at Gala Theatre, Durham (photo by Malcolm Sinclair)</td></tr>
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Love performing up north! The audiences are always so warm and friendly. And they definitely lived up to my expectations in Durham and Gosforth. Even better, our gig at Gala Theatre in Durham was completely sold out and we had to turn people away at the door. Although our audience at Gosforth Civic Centre was smaller, they definitely made up for it with their energy and enthusiasm!<br />
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I travelled up by train from London, did two gigs (Durham and Gosforth) and then took the train back that same evening. Phew! It was definitely worth it though. :) Here's a link to a lovely review:<br />
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<a href="https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/culture/16892421.juliet-kelly-divas-of-jazz-gosforth-civic-theatre/" target="_blank">https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/culture/16892421.juliet-kelly-divas-of-jazz-gosforth-civic-theatre/</a><br />
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Then the following week I performed as part of an all-star line up for E15 Jazz Sessions at Stratford Circus. Another well attended gig that was a huge success. It's so great to see people turning out for live music. Long may it continue!<br />
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Next week I'm back on the rural road through Live & Local with my Bond to Bowie show. So looking forward to singing those lovely songs again and talking about the movies, television and shows I love. Later in the month I'll performing Divas of Jazz for my debut appearance at Chichester Jazz Club with special guest Tommaso Starace on sax. Can't wait!<br />
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Thu 4 Oct, 7.30pm -Rolleston Village Hall, Staythorpe Road, Rolleston NG23 5SG<br />
Fri 5 Oct, 7.30pm - Thorpe Astley Community Centre, Lakin Drive, Leicester LE3 3RU<br />
Sat 6 Oct, 7.30pm - Ashton under Hill Village Hall, Elmley Road, Ashton under Hill, Evesham, WR11 7SW<br />
Fri 19 Oct, 7.45pm - Chichester Jazz Club, Pallant Suite, 7 S Pallant, Chichester PO19 1SY<br />
<br />Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-90127735842437074752018-07-20T10:39:00.004+01:002018-07-20T10:43:18.950+01:00Divas of Jazz is back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although I suppose I'm known for writing and performing my own songs, I LOVE the classic standards. So am very pleased to announce that Divas of Jazz is back this Autumn!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We'll be celebrating the great jazz vocalists and performing the songs of Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fri 27 Jul, 7-8.30pm - <a href="https://www.brasseriezedel.com/live-at-zedel/juliet-kelly-divas-of-jazz-summer-2018" target="_blank">Crazy Coqs</a>, 20 Sherwood Street, London W1F 7ED</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fri 14 Sep, 1-2pm - <a href="https://www.galadurham.co.uk/galapost/juliet-kelly-divas-of-jazz/" target="_blank">Gala Theatre</a>, 1 Millennium Place, Town Centre, Durham DH1 1WA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fri 14 Sep, 5-6pm - <a href="https://www.gosforthcivictheatre.co.uk/juliet-kelly" target="_blank">Gosforth Civic Theatre</a>, Regent Farm Road, Gosforth NE3 3HD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tue 18 Sep, 2-3pm - <a href="http://www.forestartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/something-old-something-new/4309" target="_blank">Forest Arts Centre,</a> Hawbush Road, Walsall WS3 1AG </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fri 19 Oct, 7.45pm - <a href="http://www.chichesterjazzclub.co.uk/default.asp" target="_blank">Chichester Jazz Club</a>, Pallant Suite, 7 South Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1SY</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are also some possible dates on the horizon in Kiev and Odessa (Ukraine). Looking forward to singing those beautiful songs and telling those wonderful stories once more. :)</span><br />
<br />Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-65182939654563072702018-03-10T11:17:00.002+00:002018-03-30T10:56:00.447+01:00Planes, trains and automobiles<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uzhhorod Castle</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ukraine was a whirlwind. One train journey, two tube rides, two long car journeys and five flights!
The concerts went very well and also got a chance to do some sightseeing in the beautiful city of Uzhhorod. It was also nice to revisit Odessa. Not so nice, was the snow! :( Unfortunately I didn’t bring my snow boots so wasn’t able to get around much but at least I have the memories of looking around the city in <a href="https://julietkelly.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/" target="_blank">my first visit there</a> at the end of 2016.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map showing Uzhhorod's history</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The city of Uzhhorod has an extremely complicated and storied history. It's belonged to several different countries since its birth (including Austria, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union) and although currently part of Ukraine it is only 20km away from the border with Hungary. There is no longer a working airport so I flew into Hungary and drove across the border (an experience in itself!) and was surprised to learn that many people living there speak Hungarian rather than Ukranian. Perhaps because of this history, the people are very warm and welcoming and there is a definite cosmopolitan air about the place.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Poster advertising concert outside Ilko Gallery</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I visited Ilko Gallery during the day I saw some interesting art by Pavlo Kerestey </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-txoF-q4VpFI/WqOaVsGga2I/AAAAAAAADxY/g_KLzrJpYLYUgZhHbbagvxIEx3xIvC1UwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180223_164144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-txoF-q4VpFI/WqOaVsGga2I/AAAAAAAADxY/g_KLzrJpYLYUgZhHbbagvxIEx3xIvC1UwCEwYBhgL/s400/20180223_164144.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And then it was transformed that night into a concert venue!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a pleasure to perform with Ukranian musicians - Alexey Petuhov Trio</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although the concert was already sold out, more people turned up on the night and they put out extra chairs for an audience that numbered well over the usual 250 capacity. And I felt especially honoured to received a standing ovation at the end of the night. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trip to Odessa was pretty gruelling - including a 2 hour wait at the border and 2 flights - so we will gloss over that. Perron No7 jazz club was a wonderful, quirky space with a dedicated jazz audience. It was lovely to play for such a knowledgeable and discerning audience and I was bowled over by the fact that the owners had created a special cocktail menu for the evening based on the names of my songs!!! Of course it would have been rude not to, so I sampled a couple of them. I tried "<a href="https://julietkelly.bandcamp.com/track/one-more-dance" target="_blank">One More Dance</a>" (inspired by my song from <a href="https://julietkelly.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Spellbound Stories</a>) and Delicious (from <a href="https://julietkelly.bandcamp.com/album/delicious-chemistry" target="_blank">Delicious Chemistry</a>). As a lover of cocktails, it took all my willpower not to try all six of them!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cocktail menu at Perron No7 jazz club with drinks based on my songs including one called Delicious - and it was!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here I am in Uzhhorod.</span><br />
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Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-83934806038506108142018-02-14T11:13:00.001+00:002018-02-14T11:13:59.797+00:00Goodbye UK, Hello Ukraine!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsM8RxA6Wuc/WoQVSIkC0eI/AAAAAAAADWs/TmAvi6fEkdcdArn6XLIWSSDmZm2MsD22wCLcBGAs/s1600/uzhh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="800" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SsM8RxA6Wuc/WoQVSIkC0eI/AAAAAAAADWs/TmAvi6fEkdcdArn6XLIWSSDmZm2MsD22wCLcBGAs/s400/uzhh.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uzhhorod Cathedral</td></tr>
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Just for a few days I'll be visiting the picturesque city of Uzhhorod in Western Ukraine and then I'll be making my way through the beautiful, mountainous scenery to revisit historic Odessa. So looking forward to being back there. Spent a wonderful New Year's Eve there at an amazing hotel back in 2016. I'm a little worried about the cold and so will have to make sure to pack my thermals.<br />
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The two performances are taking place at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ILKO.Gallery/" target="_blank">ILKO Gallery</a> and then at jazz club <a href="https://www.facebook.com/7perron/" target="_blank">Perron No7</a>. Both gigs are totally sold out and am told they have a jazz hungry audience there so very much looking forward to performing for them with a great local trio led by Alexey Petuhov.<br />
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Back in the UK I have <a href="http://julietkelly.com/index.html#events" target="_blank">gigs</a> coming up in the spring at Royal Albert Hall (as part of their Women and the Hall series), Birmingham Jazz and The Stables in Milton Keynes. <br />
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I'm also working hard on setting up a UK tour for the Autumn with my new project. I have a feeling it's going to be a very good year. :)Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-68947486414474901252017-12-24T07:38:00.000+00:002017-12-24T07:56:49.577+00:00Merry Everything and a Happy Always<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3KHLcWJNgQ/Wj9Y8gCFFSI/AAAAAAAADUc/q45u0b1PKbAcgps8bnWIgn_s-s0JWFb3wCLcBGAs/s1600/merry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="795" height="283" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3KHLcWJNgQ/Wj9Y8gCFFSI/AAAAAAAADUc/q45u0b1PKbAcgps8bnWIgn_s-s0JWFb3wCLcBGAs/s400/merry.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We rounded the year off with a second outing for "Sweet Nancy" (songs from the classic Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley album) at Royal Albert Hall (Verdi Room) and then a fun afternoon performing with Family Jazz All Stars for a very lively and energetic audience at a school in Camden. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also took part on a panel “Working as a Live Jazz Musician” for the Musicians’ Union at the London Jazz Festival. It’s been a challenging year for many, both economically and politically, but it was good to share tips and suggestions for surviving as a jazz musician in these difficult times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve really enjoyed working on different projects with a mix of different musicians this year - and there was lots of new material too. There’s more to come! I’m working on a new project and tour for 2018. I hope to be revisiting some venues as well as exploring new ones. So watch this space!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until then, wishing you Happy Holidays and all the best for 2018!</span><br />
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Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-31940200256080276972017-10-18T15:08:00.000+01:002017-10-18T15:17:54.440+01:00Spellbound Stories Revisited and Sweet Nancy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clKb7wyg3Qg/Wedcs8zJJ8I/AAAAAAAADHY/Bl7oEEF0uUAtURC61IZzppEmm1MUVkqhgCLcBGAs/s1600/bonington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clKb7wyg3Qg/Wedcs8zJJ8I/AAAAAAAADHY/Bl7oEEF0uUAtURC61IZzppEmm1MUVkqhgCLcBGAs/s400/bonington.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonington Theatre - with Kate Williams (piano), Oli Hayhurst (bass), Cosimo Keita (drums)</td></tr>
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It was wonderful to revisit "Spellbound Stories" after focusing on other projects for a while. It was my first time performing in Nottingham too. We had such a warm and enthusiastic audience - it was a real pleasure to share my stories with them.<br />
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Earlier in the month there was another debut - the first outing for my new project "Sweet Nancy". It's a show centred on the songs from the classic Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley album released in 1961. Tommaso Starace (sax), David Preston (guitar) and I performed it for the very first time at the excellent new monthly "<a href="https://stratford-circus.com/event/e15-sessions/#data-sc-tabs-alt-index%3D%220%22=overview" target="_blank">E15 jazz sessions</a>" at Stratford Circus. A wonderful space that's definitely worth checking out if you're close by.<br />
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We'll be performing the show once more at <a href="https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2017/free-friday-music-juliet-kelly/" target="_blank">Verdi</a> (Royal Albert Hall) on 17 November. We're on at 12 noon and it's free. See you there!<br />
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<br />Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-40207426860568145612017-05-29T19:40:00.000+01:002017-05-29T19:40:05.302+01:00Moons, Masons and M&S<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love taking photos of bridges over water. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This was my first view of beautiful Norwich on the way to the hotel.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_gneJeWp4o/WSq4MifRPgI/AAAAAAAADAk/22NUEcjPIu8cnbq0lue0iCAWeypV9aiWgCLcB/s1600/IMG_20170512_170452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_gneJeWp4o/WSq4MifRPgI/AAAAAAAADAk/22NUEcjPIu8cnbq0lue0iCAWeypV9aiWgCLcB/s400/IMG_20170512_170452.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">There was a chaise longue in my hotel room! A chaise longue is </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">definitely one of my favourite things.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1KM0Wdt5LE/WSq3jc8Kt6I/AAAAAAAADAI/Woy5gl6AJ4gVQT8Ixr0tj-S9R9pyJ2B3wCLcB/s1600/20170512_183208-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1593" height="321" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1KM0Wdt5LE/WSq3jc8Kt6I/AAAAAAAADAI/Woy5gl6AJ4gVQT8Ixr0tj-S9R9pyJ2B3wCLcB/s400/20170512_183208-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kate Williams and I were booked to perform under this art installation of the moon during the full moon. Unfortunately the windy conditions meant the artwork was moved inside and we perofrmed outsidebut it was absolutely stunning.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XWkMe7904o/WSq3txw5KTI/AAAAAAAADAU/jwlkafpvEyQJrGG0MiwrBbmOQF_TwWtHQCLcB/s1600/20170513_095132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0XWkMe7904o/WSq3txw5KTI/AAAAAAAADAU/jwlkafpvEyQJrGG0MiwrBbmOQF_TwWtHQCLcB/s400/20170513_095132.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soundcheck - done! Just a few minutues until the seats were filled <br />with jazz fans fo all ages. We had fun!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSP__-cPurk/WSq4AFYNd-I/AAAAAAAADAY/FVQc10no1A06WQWkXWw-cQrNsnq6OenngCLcB/s1600/20170513_112526-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iSP__-cPurk/WSq4AFYNd-I/AAAAAAAADAY/FVQc10no1A06WQWkXWw-cQrNsnq6OenngCLcB/s400/20170513_112526-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Really enjoyed working with these guys. Kate Williams, Cosimo Keita, Tony Kofi & Oli Hayhurst.<br />We also got a great review<a href="http://www.edp24.co.uk/going-out/review-family-jazz-all-stars-at-norwich-playhouse-1-5017610?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social_Icon&utm_campaign=in_article_social_icons" target="_blank"> here</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">David Preston and I on our way to Bath for the Bath Festival to perform the new <br />collaboration project with performance poet Zena Edwards! <br />(I'm definitely #teamnero #properitaliancoffee)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another beautiful bridge - this time spotted on the way to the hotel in Bath.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We spent the day before the show rehearsing in a small theatre above a church. <br />David and Zena working on one of her songs.</span><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And this was our venue - Masonic Hall which is part of the Old Theatre Royal.<br />A really stunning room.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had a great time working with Zena on our project and we got lots of wonderful<br />feedback from the audience.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFbd3OZCtdg/WSq6HMht1zI/AAAAAAAADA8/SuOdEcj8wmwG-cnDzjFr9HEam23IFhsawCLcB/s1600/20170522_135038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFbd3OZCtdg/WSq6HMht1zI/AAAAAAAADA8/SuOdEcj8wmwG-cnDzjFr9HEam23IFhsawCLcB/s400/20170522_135038.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The next day David and I did an impromptu performance for the shoppers in M&S. Some bewildered looks as we set up next to the lingerie! Lots of nice comments from the surprised shoppers. And another bonus is that I found these gorgeous sparkly shoes.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Next on the agenda are some London performances and a return to Oxford. Hope to see you there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">08 June: <a href="https://www.brasseriezedel.com/live-at-zedel/juliet-kelly-bond-to-bowie/88184825" target="_blank">Bond to Bowie @ Bar Zedel, London</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">25 June: <a href="http://oxfordwinecafe.co.uk/jazz/" target="_blank">Special Guest with house band at Summertown Wine Cafe, Oxford</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">28 June: <a href="https://www.brasseriezedel.com/live-at-zedel/juliet-kelly-divas-of-jazz/94300992" target="_blank">Divas of Jazz @ Bar Zedel, London</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">29 July: <a href="https://www1.boisdale.co.uk/MusicDetails/tabid/111/rvdsfpid/nina-simone-the-divas-of-jazz-ft-juliet-kelly-her-band-3154/rvdsfcatid/music-28/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Nina & Other Divas @ Boisdale of Canary Wharf, London </a></span>Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-63039355399961969272017-04-02T10:22:00.000+01:002017-04-02T10:22:04.670+01:00Top Ten Tips for Finding Creative Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like many artists, I often go through periods where I feel totally uncreative - as if I'll never ever be able to write anything again! It can become a crippling self-fulfilling prophecy and each time it happens (although I tell myself that it's happened before and I've managed to work through it) I truly believe that "this time" there'll be no way out of it. <br />
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I've just come through another one of those phases and thought that it might be a good idea to write down a checklist of the things that really help me. Hopefully it means that I won't panic the next time I'm hit by a "creative block". :-) Perhaps there's something here that can help you too...<br />
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<b>1. Dream about it</b><br />
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My debut album, <a href="https://julietkelly.bandcamp.com/album/aphrodites-child" target="_blank">Aphrodite's Child</a>, included several tracks that were almost entirely written after waking from a dream and immediately writing down the music and/or lyrics floating around in my head. I dream every single night. I don't often dream music but for when I do, I have my phone nearby and can quickly use the voice recorder to capture my ideas. Perhaps you're more of a pen and paper person and could keep a notebook by your bed. And if you don't dream, I still think that "sleeping on it" can sometimes help you solve a problem, so it's worth a shot!<br />
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<b>2. Take a walk</b><br />
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Many songs have come to me while I've been out walking. I might be strolling through a lovely park enjoying the sights and sounds of nature or I could be walking along a busy London road being hypnotised by the rattle and hum of traffic. Again I will have my trusty voice recorder to record anything that comes to mind. Sometimes, just getting out of your usual environment can cause a shift in your thoughts and allow ideas to break through.<br />
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<b>3. Watch a film</b><br />
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I love watching films and there's so much great television available online these days from services like Netflix and Amazon. One of my current favourites is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Mirror" target="_blank">Black Mirror</a>. Highly recommended! Watching films and TV, whether fiction or documentaries, can expose you to ideas that wouldn't come up in your normal life. For me, it's a great way to relax and give my creative thoughts time to marinate and develop, in the same way that sleeping/dreaming can.<br />
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<b>4. Visit a gallery</b><br />
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This is not something I do much but I think visiting an art gallery or museum is a great way to stimulate the senses. One of my favourite exhibitions is the annual "<a href="http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/sensational-butterflies.html" target="_blank">Sensational Butterflies</a>" at the Natural History Museum. Just magical!<br />
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<b>5. See the sea</b><br />
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Whenever I really need to unblock my creativity, a visit to the sea is top of my list. There's something about listening to the sound of waves whilst looking out on an endless horizon that really calms me. After a recording gap of around 4 years, I started writing my most recent album whilst walking by the sea at a tiny resort on the coast near Athens, Greece. I remember that the song "<a href="https://julietkelly.bandcamp.com/track/forbidden-fruit-2" target="_blank">Forbidden Fruit</a>" came to me in its entirety in about 20 mins. It was such a beautiful experience.<br />
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<b>6. Write it out</b><br />
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Brainstorming or stream of consciousness writing is another way I sometimes work to get the ideas out. The trick is to make sure you do absolutely no censoring of yourself. Just let the words flow. There could well be a gem or two in there... <br />
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<b>7. Meditate on it</b><br />
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I'm not going to lie - I find it extremely difficult to meditate. My mind is always going at 1,000mph. What I've found really helpful is using the guided meditation tracks that you can find on YouTube. Even 10 minutes is hard for me but it's something I'm working on. A great way to clear the mind to allow those creative ideas through. <br />
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<b>8. Take a break</b><br />
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Just stop. Forbid yourself to write music, or whatever it is that you're struggling with, for a short period of time. Sometimes just knowing that you can't do something makes you want to do it all the more! It also takes the pressure off and allows you to forget about your block for a while without the guilt of feeling unproductive. When the time period is up, just go with the flow and see if anything comes to you. <br />
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<b>9. Sweat it out</b><br />
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Exercise is another thing that I know I should do much more. It always takes me so much effort to start but then it feels so good once I've finished that I wonder why I resisted! Physical exercise releases endorphins that makes you feel good. Apparently this triggers a similar feeling to taking morphine - who knew?! <br />
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<b>10. Read a book </b><br />
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My latest album "<a href="https://julietkelly.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Spellbound Stories</a>" is a set of songs inspired by my favourite novels. I don't read as much as I used to but there's something about the written word that allows your free reign to your imagination like nothing else. The video above is a song I wrote after reading Paulo Coelho's "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veronika_Decides_to_Die" target="_blank">Veronika Decides to Die</a>". <br />
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I'd love to hear your thoughts. If you have any suggestions about ways to break through those pesky blocks or any other feedback, comments are very welcome!<br />
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<br />Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-13366489969480383772017-02-28T13:37:00.000+00:002017-03-04T13:45:08.944+00:00Bowie, Bath and Beyond<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ovhK_tWsGVA/WLrAVmNfnnI/AAAAAAAACT8/4dEw4dvquSEMmwaOLOxrq96OpIz78hTmACLcB/s1600/masonic%2Bhall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ovhK_tWsGVA/WLrAVmNfnnI/AAAAAAAACT8/4dEw4dvquSEMmwaOLOxrq96OpIz78hTmACLcB/s320/masonic%2Bhall.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masonic Hall</td></tr>
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It's been a quiet couple of months as far as performances go but things are going to be picking up in the spring.<br />
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Lots of exciting gigs planned. I'm back with more Bond to Bowie in a return visit to Saffron Hall where we had lots of fun last year with Family Jazz All Stars. And speaking of Family Jazz, I'll be featured once again with this project for two shows at Norwich Playhouse for the Norwich & Norfolk Festival in May. Looking forward to playing with my fabulous all star band again. Here's an <a href="https://saffronhall.com/2016/03/23/3470/" target="_blank">interview</a> that I did about the show before last year's performance.<br />
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28 April - <a href="https://saffronhall.com/calendar/jazz-in-the-foyer-juliet-kelly-jennifer-carr-bond-to-bowie/" target="_blank">Bond to Bowie (with Jennifer Carr), Saffron Hall</a><br />
13 May - <a href="http://www.nnfestival.org.uk/festival/all-events/family-jazz-all-stars" target="_blank">Family Jazz All-Stars, Norwich Playhouse, Norfolk & Norwich Festival</a><br />
<br />
And at the end of May I'll be working on a new project with the excellent performance poet/spoken word artist Zena Edwards for the Bath Festival. We'll be performing songs around the themes of our past, present, future and what it means to be a thinking and feeling person in an increasingly self-centred, "post-truth" world. The show will take place in the beautiful Masonic Hall at the Old Theatre Royal, a setting that will make this debut performance even more special.<br />
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22 May - <a href="http://bathfestivals.org.uk/the-bath-festival/event/new-meetings-juliet-kelly-zena-edwards/" target="_blank">New Meetings: Juliet Kelly & Zena Edwards, Masonic Hall, Bath Festival </a><br />
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In the summer, gigs will be happening in Oxford, London and possibly Italy! I will keep you posted. <br />
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<br />Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-53468477822096393562016-12-23T10:34:00.001+00:002017-01-10T11:27:39.282+00:002016 has been an interesting year...With Brexit in the UK followed by Donald Trump in the US, it's certainly been an "interesting" year...<br />
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There have been ups and downs - a couple of the ups being my trip to Crete in July
to perform at their jazz festival with the amazing Dimitri Vassilakis and getting back on the rural road with my new Bond to Bowie show in the
autumn. The tour included return visits to a couple of village halls
that I had performed at as part of my first ever rural tour with my
Divas of Jazz show. Once again, we had a great time visiting these
gorgeous parts of the country. And we also got a great review for the show in Cotherstone. Read it <a href="https://lance-bebopspokenhere.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/juliet-kelly-bond-to-bowie-cotherstone.html?m=1" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Performing in Crete with Dimitri Vassilakis Quartet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="venue-name">Middleton & Todridge Village Hall</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whittingham Memorial Institute</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lund Village Hall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kirton in Lindsey Town Hall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beverley Minster - We stayed in beautiful Beverley for the last leg of the tour</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swanland Village Hall - looking Christmassy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely note received after the show in Swanland from a 12-year-old audience member!</td></tr>
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I also got the chance to try my hand at being a presenter/host for some
of the London Jazz Festival shows. Really enjoyed it and hope to be
doing more of this, alongside any radio presenting opportunities that my
come up.<br />
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Next year I'm looking forward to appearing at more festivals and possibly some performances in Germany too. Watch this space!<br />
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Until then, here's a video of my song "Little Things". Happy Holidays!<br />
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<br />Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-88656372008914601042016-10-13T20:35:00.000+01:002016-10-13T20:39:20.396+01:00Back on the Rural Road<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middleton Village Hall</td></tr>
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The debut performance for Bond to Bowie took place in the same village hall in Dufton as the debut performance of Celebrating the Divas of Jazz. Once again it was a great success! We had so much fun playing some of my favourite songs - songs which turned out to be favourites of many in the audience too, And it was wonderful to work with Jennifer Carr again who until recently I hadn't performed with for over 10 years! We also had some great audiences in Frosterly, Middleton and Whittingham.<br />
<br />
There are still 6 more shows to come and I can't wait to sing those songs again and visit more tucked away, beautiful rural parts of the UK.<br />
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Sat 15-Oct-16 Amble Parish Hall, Northumberland NE65 0DX<br />
Sun 16-Oct-16 Cotherstone Village Hall, County Durham DL12 9PG<br />
Fri 28-Oct 7.30 Lund Village Hall, Yorkshire YO25 9TF<br />
Sat 29 Oct - Broughton Hall, Brigg, North Lincolnshire DN20 0JG<br />
Thu 01-Dec-16 Kirton in Lindsey Town Hall, North Lincolnshire DN21 4LZ<br />
Fri 02-Dec-16 8.00 Winteringham Village Hall, North Lincolnshire DN15 9NN<br />
Sat 03-Dec-16 7.30 Swanland Village Hall, Yorkshire HU14 3QR<br />
Sun 04-Dec-16 8.00 Bishop Burton Village Hall, Yorkshire HU17 8QJJuliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-57269316530247321272016-07-30T18:42:00.000+01:002016-07-30T18:54:47.951+01:00New Show - Bond to Bowie: Songs of Stage & Screen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So excited about my new show! After focusing on novels for my last album, I got to thinking about my favourite songs from cinema, stage and television. I'll be touring this new show around the village halls of Northumberland, Yorkshire and Cumbria in September and October. There'll also be a London show at the Elgar Room at Royal Albert Hall on 6 October. <br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>Bond to Bowie: Songs of Stage & Screen</b><br />
<br />
Juliet Kelly is one of UK jazz’s hidden treasures. Gifted with a beautiful, expressive voice, she is also a talented, highly original songwriter, who draws on a diverse set of influences and has performed with the likes of Courtney Pine, Seb Rochford and Talvin Singh. She has appeared at clubs and festivals throughout the UK and Europe and opened for legendary artists such as Georgie Fame and Take 6. <br />
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After several successful tours of her show "Celebrating the Divas of Jazz", the acclaimed singer and songwriter now shines a spotlight on her favourite songs from stage and screen. Bringing her warm personality and a jazzy flavour to the songs from classic movies, musicals and tv shows, Juliet will take you on a whistle-stop tour through the ages of musical entertainment.<br />
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<i>"One of those rare singers that tells a genuine story with her music, through her passionate performance and naturally warm voice, it's a beguiling combination that's hard to resist. One of the UK's finest singers in any genre"</i> TIME OUT<br />
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<i>"The nuanced warmth of Kelly's rich, full voice is streets ahead of most of her contemporaries." </i> BBC MUSIC<br />
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www.julietkelly.com<br />
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<br />Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-71818984316878277502016-05-18T18:48:00.000+01:002016-05-18T19:10:15.943+01:00Birmingham, Birthdays and Baileys<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Brian Homer taken at Birmingham Jazz in Sep 2015</td></tr>
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<b>Birmingham</b><br />
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I am so looking forward to performing in Birmingham again! I was there last Autumn with my Spellbound Stories project and I'm back again this Sunday with Celebrating the Divas of Jazz. We'll be appearing as part of Birmingham Jazz's <a href="http://birminghamjazz.co.uk/gigs/2016-05-22/juliet-kelly" target="_blank">Legends of Jazz Festival</a>. In anticipation of this I did an interview with Peter Bacon's excellent Jazz Breakfast blog. He asked some really tough questions and really made me think. My favourite part of was when he asked me what I thought about standards given that I mostly write and record my own material. I replied:<br />
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<i>"I think classic songs are loved by many and will always be relevant.
The wonderful thing about jazz is that the standards are like a
beautiful piece of fabric that each musician gets to make into a unique
garment. Some keep it simple, some come up with high fashion concepts
that everyone admires but no-one will ever wear. Fashions change but
beautiful music and clothes can always be appreciated."</i><br />
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Read the full interview <a href="https://thejazzbreakfast.com/2016/05/09/juliet-kelly/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I'm also very excited to be taking part in the first ever Festival of Voice in Cardiff in June. I'll be supporting Hugh Masekela at the New Theatre on 7 June. Tickets <a href="https://festivalofvoice.wales/whats-on/hugh-masekela-and-larry-willis/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<b>Birthdays</b><br />
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It was my birthday earlier this month. I usually celebrate my birthweek (one day is much too short!) I got some lovely gifts and one of the highlights was going to see Rambert at Sadler's Wells. They performed three separate dance pieces with the themes, "murder, mystery and a party"! Anyone who's been to see Spellbound Stories will know how much the themes of murder and mystery influenced my project and of course I love a party! My favourite section was the "party" piece <b>Itzik Galili’s A Linha Curva</b> - "a spectacular, sexy, percussion-fuelled explosion of samba-flavoured dance". I don't often go to see dance performances so it was a rare and enjoyable treat.<br />
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<b>Baileys</b><br />
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My birthday gifts included a bottle of the<span class="st"> Limited Edition <i>Baileys</i> Chocolat Luxe. Mmmmmmmm! I LOVE Baileys and am quite a fan of chocolate too so can you imagine my delight at discovering the nectar that is the two of these delicious ingredients combined? Their marketing department describes it as the "</span>ultimate decadent drinking experience". I concur. And I'll just say again... mmmmmmm! Cheers!<br />
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Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-78635170539221392042016-03-18T10:59:00.000+00:002016-03-18T21:49:32.280+00:00Women's Day Debut (& Family Jazz All Stars is Back!)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LirwAAvrqOE/VuvY4E_MiKI/AAAAAAAAA5I/MkB53ozIVG81L6IsiESMMsO4jt1lYFFFQ/s1600/Vortex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LirwAAvrqOE/VuvY4E_MiKI/AAAAAAAAA5I/MkB53ozIVG81L6IsiESMMsO4jt1lYFFFQ/s400/Vortex.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Steven Cropper</td></tr>
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International Women's Day was the ideal opportunity for me to showcase a new group made up of three female musicians! It was such fun to work with the creative talents of Tori Freestone (sax) and Alcyona Mick (piano) and our debut performance at The Vortex on 8 March was very much a success. We chose songs written about women, for women or by women and the overarching theme was love. The set included originals by the individual members of the band plus a varied mix of other material that included tunes from Thelonius Monk and Joni Mitchell. Hopefully there'll be more from us in the future. Watch this space...<br />
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And Family Jazz All Stars is back! We're performing at the beautiful Saffron Hall in Saffron Walden. Can't wait!<br />
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<span class="event-date">Sunday 03 April - </span><span class="event-location">Saffron Hall, Saffron Walden, Essex (<a href="https://saffronhall.com/calendar/family-jazz-all-stars/" target="_blank">Tickets</a>)<b> </b></span><br />
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<br />Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-49659463208854211662016-01-11T12:05:00.000+00:002016-02-10T12:36:36.015+00:00One Step At A Time... Happy New Year! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O9U2AXdlArs/VpOLR80IwKI/AAAAAAAAA2I/go8oWcgoyjA/s1600/20151231_122948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O9U2AXdlArs/VpOLR80IwKI/AAAAAAAAA2I/go8oWcgoyjA/s320/20151231_122948.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potemkin Steps - Odessa's most famous landmark. The graffiti in Russian lists the names of the months.<br />
January (<span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="ru"><span class="hps">января) is bottom left.</span></span></td></tr>
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Happy New Year! Hope that 2016 is treating you very well so far...<br />
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At midnight on 31 December 2015 I celebrated the new year in the wonderful city of Odessa. I was invited to perform at one of the most amazing hotels I've ever seen. I was also lucky enough to stay there! From the unique, quirky decor to the magnificent views, to the exceptional food, staying at the M1 Club Hotel was a truly wonderful experience. I wanted to move in permanently!<br />
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I met some wonderful people including my host Alex and worked with some great musicians. The weather was sunny although extremely cold and it snowed as if on cue just before midnight which was very apt as this was the beginning of their Christmas season with their actual Christmas Day being on 6 January as per the orthodox calendar.<br />
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I also visited the famous Potemkin Steps and saw the graffiti which led me to thinking about new year's resolutions. So many times I've made grand resolutions only to fall at the first hurdle (normally broken by January!). More recently I gave up resolutions altogether and just decided to make the most of any opportunities that came my way. This year I've decided to find a compromise. I won't make grand resolutions. Instead I'll take small steps, every day, towards my life goals. There'll be no real deadlines or quotas, just constant striving for improvement. Why not join me? Hopefully this time they will stick and if not, I will still have done something and every little bit counts!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h94UW5GAmzA/VpOLMQdprII/AAAAAAAAA18/zrLjUfnAyss/s1600/20151231_122948.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ws0K7i7yXA/Vrsuw7EjTyI/AAAAAAAAA4w/O463kQ3DkEc/s1600/Potemkin%2BSteps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ws0K7i7yXA/Vrsuw7EjTyI/AAAAAAAAA4w/O463kQ3DkEc/s320/Potemkin%2BSteps.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing at the top of the Potemkin Steps with the view of Port of Odessa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my wonderful host Alex just after arriving in Odessa. At this point I had been awake for almost 40 hours!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu-hX2lyFQw/VpONrBDmb8I/AAAAAAAAA2g/6A_NQAOstbA/s1600/20151231_084734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu-hX2lyFQw/VpONrBDmb8I/AAAAAAAAA2g/6A_NQAOstbA/s320/20151231_084734.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hotel room balcony. It was such a joy to wake up to the beautiful sea view.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-MwMoySTaU/VpOOJ8X6PcI/AAAAAAAAA2s/aO7Nzev5jms/s1600/Odessa3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-MwMoySTaU/VpOOJ8X6PcI/AAAAAAAAA2s/aO7Nzev5jms/s320/Odessa3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At midnight there were spectacular fireworks...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXGHVT5_d7s/VpOOj7I9CkI/AAAAAAAAA24/kkyOYok3btY/s1600/Odessa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXGHVT5_d7s/VpOOj7I9CkI/AAAAAAAAA24/kkyOYok3btY/s320/Odessa2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and then I performed with the band at 2am (midnight in the UK!)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-7R6MMEiPo/VpORnQs2VkI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/-mPmS_IYtG0/s1600/odessa5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-7R6MMEiPo/VpORnQs2VkI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/-mPmS_IYtG0/s320/odessa5.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Performing at the P1 Prosecco Bar</td></tr>
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Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-36626482294935664882015-12-05T18:31:00.000+00:002015-12-05T18:31:07.925+00:00Arrivederci Roma, Hola Odessa!November was a busy month filled with new people, places and experiences. :-)<br />
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I had a really amazing time with 6 gigs in Italy, then numerous gigs over the EFG London Jazz Festival including a live performance from the Barbican for BBC Radio 3's Jazz Record Requests and a great family-friendly performance at Cadogan Hall. I also returned to one of my favourite places (Oxford), at the Summertown Wine Cafe.<br />
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And it won't be long until I'm off to foreign climes again as I've been invited as a guest artist for New Year's Eve celebrations at an amazing new venue in Odessa! I've checked the weather and it doesn't seem too cold at the moment but I'm keeping everything crossed that there'll be no snow.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTJteKcWi8c/VmLyHHe1pwI/AAAAAAAAAzw/Y2bvWXuG-rY/s1600/20151103_191111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTJteKcWi8c/VmLyHHe1pwI/AAAAAAAAAzw/Y2bvWXuG-rY/s320/20151103_191111.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We played 2 nights at Gregory's Jazz Club - the oldest jazz clubs in Rome<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ig1v9Q9DkWw/VmLyMqpFmvI/AAAAAAAAAz8/QiO_ytZdwcE/s1600/20151103_210005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ig1v9Q9DkWw/VmLyMqpFmvI/AAAAAAAAAz8/QiO_ytZdwcE/s320/20151103_210005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downstairs at Gregory's there is a tiny bar where regulars have special name plaques. I asked about Vittorio and if I remember correctly, he is a sailor from Sicily who visits Rome and Gregory's often and keeps his place at the bar reserved. Love this idea!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6nXLv7tP3E/VmLydPsbbOI/AAAAAAAAA0I/i49XaGpFDnE/s1600/20151105_205214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6nXLv7tP3E/VmLydPsbbOI/AAAAAAAAA0I/i49XaGpFDnE/s320/20151105_205214.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Italian Quartet! Max (bass), Rudy (drums) and Daniele (piano)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNBlSS1kqvQ/VmLynzHH-UI/AAAAAAAAA0U/n_AbITT1FzU/s1600/20151106_131747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNBlSS1kqvQ/VmLynzHH-UI/AAAAAAAAA0U/n_AbITT1FzU/s320/20151106_131747.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I spent some time in Genoa and was amazed at how wonderful the climate is - there are PALM TREES!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbMDqaH69KQ/VmLyvKbH16I/AAAAAAAAA0g/wVnHAlE4wUA/s1600/20151108_192808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VbMDqaH69KQ/VmLyvKbH16I/AAAAAAAAA0g/wVnHAlE4wUA/s320/20151108_192808.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Pisa! Here I am in front of a gorgeous Keith Haring mural.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVQVAefqRuo/VmLzHJDvQ0I/AAAAAAAAA0s/HSU2fTH2QJU/s1600/FJA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uVQVAefqRuo/VmLzHJDvQ0I/AAAAAAAAA0s/HSU2fTH2QJU/s320/FJA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the Family Jazz All Stars (Tony Kofi -sax, Kate Williams - piano, Oli Hayhurst - bass, Cosimo Keita - drums) just before we stepped on stage at Cadogan Hall<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzX9sb082Lg/VmLzPCd-s1I/AAAAAAAAA04/bE0gPIeawK4/s1600/FJA%2BCadogan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WzX9sb082Lg/VmLzPCd-s1I/AAAAAAAAA04/bE0gPIeawK4/s320/FJA%2BCadogan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On stage at Cadogan Hall. A stunning venue!</td></tr>
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Finally, Trevor Hoggett did a really nice interview with me about Spellbound Stories and it's out now in December's Jazz Journal magazine.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YR0a7N3aYDw/VmL5O3nmGXI/AAAAAAAAA1I/PybDOhIcnNY/s1600/JJ%2BCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YR0a7N3aYDw/VmL5O3nmGXI/AAAAAAAAA1I/PybDOhIcnNY/s320/JJ%2BCover.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And my name is on the front cover - second name up from the bottom in red - woo hoo!</td></tr>
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Finally, (really this time), here's a seasonal joke for you:<br />
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Q: What do you call a bunch of chess players bragging about their games in a hotel lobby? <br />
A: Chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.<br />
Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-47038159362175524202015-10-26T11:44:00.000+00:002015-12-05T15:00:21.008+00:00Black History Month, LJF & the final chapter of Spellbound Stories<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvk5IWdA1jg/VjDTp7ihW5I/AAAAAAAAAzc/jRUhWK4QkKE/s1600/Vespers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yvk5IWdA1jg/VjDTp7ihW5I/AAAAAAAAAzc/jRUhWK4QkKE/s320/Vespers1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Performing at Methodist Central Hall Westminster for Jazz Vespers with Dan Forshaw Qrt</td></tr>
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October has been a crazy month. I've gone from performing for over a dozen toddlers running around and bouncing on cushions whilst listening to the Divas of Jazz for The Streets community high street project in Twickenham (cute!) to performing gospel songs to a huge audience at Westminster Central Hall during Jazz Vespers as part of Black History Month (awesome!). And in between I also visited Birmingham Jazz for the first time and had an amazing, appreciative audience for the final Spellbound Stories tour date (wonderful but also sad).<br />
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<b>The Streets </b><br />
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The Streets is an amazing project bringing music to unusual places on the local high streets. Kate Williams and I performed in a lovely local Italian Restaurant, a library (with aforementioned cushions in the children's section) and a beautiful stately home called York House. There are few more performances next month. Would be great to see you if you're local.<br />
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14 Nov - Ilford Library 11am & 12.45pm<br />
22 Nov - Leyton Library 11.15am & 12.30pm<br />
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<b>Spellbound Stories - The Final Chapter</b><br />
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Our gig at Birmingham Jazz for Black History Month was such a lovely end to the Spellbound Stories tour dates. We had a great audience and lots of lovely feedback. Huge thanks to my amazing band, all the promoters and venues who booked us and my lovely agent Sabina at Mo' Connections. Although the chapter is over, there is a chance of an epilogue or two next year as there has been some interest from literary festivals. I will keep you posted. Until then, here are some great photos taken by Brian Homer at the Birmingham Jazz gig.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Nick Ramm on piano</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eddie Hick on drums</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oli Hayhurst on bass</td></tr>
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<b>Jazz Vespers</b><br />
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My final gig for Black History Month was Jazz Vespers at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster. It was an amazing, very well organised event and the audience loved it! It included powerful readings from Martin Luther King by Darren Raymond and contributions from many members of the church all backed by Dan Forshaw's excellent quartet. From all the positive feedback I think there's a good chance it will happen again. Again, I will keep you posted. <br />
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Just one week now until I'm off to Italy! Can't wait to go back to one of my favourite countries in the world. Once again I'll be performing with the wonderful Daniele Gorgone Trio. We'll be kicking off with two nights at Gregory's Jazz Club in Rome. It's currently raining and only 16 degrees in Rome but I refuse to let that dampen my spirits. Italia, here I come!<br />
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<span class="event-date">03 Nov - </span><span class="event-location">Gregory's Jazz Club, Rome</span><br />
<span class="event-date">04 Nov - </span><span class="event-location">Gregory's Jazz Club, Rome</span><br />
05 Nov -
<span class="event-location">
la claque, Genoa</span><br />
<span class="event-location"><span class="event-date">06 Nov - Jazz Club Torino, Turin</span> </span><br />
<span class="event-date"> 07 Nov - </span><span class="event-location">Raindogs House, Savona</span><br />
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<span class="event-date">08 Nov - Ex Wide, Pisa</span><br />
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<b>EFG London Jazz Festival</b><br />
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It's that time of year again! Once again, I'll be doing some family friendly concerts with Family Jazz All Stars. We've got two at artsdepot and one at Cadogan Hall. I'll also be performing and chatting to Alyn Shipton for Jazz Record Requests on 14 Nov live at the Barbican for BBC Radio 3. November is going to be another busy month! :-)<br />
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14 Nov - Jazz Record Requests @ Barbican Freestage, London 5pm<br />
15 Nov - <a href="https://www.artsdepot.co.uk/family-music/family-jazz-all-stars" target="_blank">artsdepot</a>, Finchley 11am & 2pm<br />
21 Nov - <a href="http://www.cadoganhall.com/event/family-jazz-all-stars-151121/" target="_blank">Cadogan Hall</a>, London 2pm<br />
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<br />Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3153597229524558763.post-57161817639743547072015-09-17T13:34:00.003+01:002015-09-17T14:02:57.636+01:00Stories, Divas and Vespers in the Rain<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQc_4KfQ8ec/Vfq2kDoeuBI/AAAAAAAAAyk/MO67TcyR0Sk/s1600/wch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JQc_4KfQ8ec/Vfq2kDoeuBI/AAAAAAAAAyk/MO67TcyR0Sk/s320/wch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Westminster Central Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I had a lovely relaxing August but am now gearing up for a busy end to the year!<br />
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We brought <b><i>Spellbound Stories</i></b> to The Stables in Milton Keynes this week and there's more on the way...<br />
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<span class="event-date">Sunday 04 Oct
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<b><a href="http://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2015/live-music-brunch-juliet-kelly/" target="_blank">Verdi Room, Royal Albert Hall</a>, </b>London </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="for-venue-ident"><span class="selected-venue"><span class="address-block label"><span class="address">SW7 2AP (Sunday Brunch)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="event-location"><span class="event-date">Friday 16 Oct </span></span><span class="for-venue-ident"><span class="selected-venue"><b><span class="address-block label"><span class="address"><a href="http://www.birminghamjazz.co.uk/bhm" target="_blank">Urban Arts Bar @ Red Lion</a>, </span></span></b><span class="address-block label"><span class="address"><span style="font-size: small;">95 Warstone Ln, Birmingham B18 6NG (for BLACK HISTORY MONTH</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="for-venue-ident"><span class="selected-venue"><span class="address-block label"><span class="address"><span style="font-size: small;">And I'll also be <b><i>Celebrating the Divas</i> <i>of Jazz</i></b>...</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="event-date">Sunday 27 Sep <b><a href="https://www.theapex.co.uk/whats-on/event/1734/songbook-sundays" target="_blank">The Apex</a>, </b></span><b><span class="for-venue-ident"><span class="selected-venue"><b><span class="address-block label"><span class="address"><small>1 </small></span></span></b></span></span></b><span class="for-venue-ident"><span class="selected-venue"><b><span class="address-block label"><span class="address"></span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="address-block label"><span class="address">Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3FD (Sunday Brunch)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="event-date">Saturday 10 Oct <a href="https://www.brasseriezedel.com/crazy-coqs/juliet-kelly/36510908" target="_blank"><b>The Crazy Coqs</b></a>, </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="for-venue-ident"><span class="selected-venue"><span class="address-block label"><span class="address">Brasserie Zedel, 20 Sherwood Street, London W1F 7ED (Late Night Show)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="for-venue-ident"><span class="selected-venue"><span class="address-block label"><span class="address">Also for Black history Month, I'll be singing Ellington and Spirituals for <b><i>Jazz Vespers</i></b> with the Dan Forshaw Quintet...</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="event-date">Sunday 25 Oct </span><span class="for-venue-ident"><span class="selected-venue"><b><span class="address-block label"><span class="address"><a href="http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/jazz-vespers-feat-juliet-kelly-with-dan-forshaw-quintet-tickets-18002925234?aff=es2" target="_blank">Central Hall Westminster,</a> </span></span></b><span class="address-block label"><span class="address"><span style="font-size: small;">Storey's Gate, London SW1H 9NH</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="for-venue-ident"><span class="selected-venue"><span class="address-block label"><span class="address"><span style="font-size: small;">So some exciting gigs ahead. I've also been invited back to Italy in November - yay! More details to come.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="for-venue-ident"><span class="selected-venue"><span class="address-block label"><span class="address"><span style="font-size: small;">It's been raining A LOT in London this month. I found this and it made it all better. :-)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/19aAOUhK4LA" width="459"></iframe>Juliet Kellyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13351318158691152418noreply@blogger.com0