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Julia Biel

Tipped as ‘the best British vocalist to emerge in an age’ by The Independent, the MOBO-nominated jazz vocalist and singer-songwriter’s self-titled album ‘Julia Biel’ was released earlier this year to reveal twelve more exquisite songs to add to the artist’s growing catalogue.

Delivered with unique warmth and drawing on the spirituality of gospel music, the joie-de-vivre of soul, the sorrow of blues and the freedom of jazz, her voice evokes all this and more whilst poetic lyrics reveal a sharp perspective on life and love against a magical backdrop of music to lose yourself in. The sound of an intense inner musicality paired with a defiant passion and a burning and individualistic creative spirit, this is music with the kind of impact that is unattainable without intense emotional experiences – and the many comparisons with some of the most celebrated greats of jazz testify to this.

“I was always fascinated by musicians such as Nina Simone, Miles Davis and Billie Holiday and how they each succeeded in expressing their strong personalities in the music,” says Julia. “There’s so much strength that shines through their vulnerabilities.” Taking these influences as her cue to liberate herself in the music, the result is a stunning universe full of deep emotions conveyed through a raft of timeless songs delivered with frightening prowess and an unnerving authenticity.

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Album Review

Julia Biel: Not Alone

Read "Not Alone" reviewed by Bev Stapleton


This isn't a jazz record, but I imagine it will arouse much more interest from jazz enthusiasts than many of the recent crop of vocal albums that have earned “jazz is back" credits in the mainstream press.

Julia Biel has been working with the musicians of the F-IRE Collective on a number of their recent projects. Those of us outside London have only caught brief glimpses of her on recordings by Polar Bear and Oriole. Not Alone places her at ...

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