Customer Reviews

Never Felt the Sun

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Singer/songwriter Julie Lavender trained extensively as a classical guitarist before advancing into jazz and pop singing. In Never Felt The Sun, Lavender offers a collection of some of her best work to date as she blends smooth-jazz stylings with hints of traditional jazz, a personable vocal styling with a whisper of classical music influence, and even something of Broadway showtune phrasing. A superbly produced CD album that would grace any personal or library jazz CD music collection, Never Felt The Sun features: Stop (5:44); Veil (5:08); Tree (4:06); Tin Man (5:19); Morning Song (4:30); Velvet Arms of Midnight (6:16); Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 Aria (4:57); When I Fall (4:36); Here Come The Dreamers (2:52); and the title piece, Never Felt the Sun (5:21).

NEVER FELT THE SUN is the second album by jazz singer and songwriter JULIE LAVENDER. Lavender is joined on the recording by special guests that include legendary Broadway and film composer Hugh Martin (Meet Me In St. Louis, Ziegfeld Follies), jazz virtuoso flutist Hubert Laws, acclaimed acoustic guitarist Peter Sprague and several more top smooth-jazz session musicians who are recording artists in their own right. Julie co-produced the recording with longtime musical associate (and keyboardist-saxophonist) Kamau Kenyatta (Patti Austin, Earl Klugh).

Julie blends smooth-jazz stylings with hints of traditional jazz, a bit of the introspection of vocal new age, touches of classical music, and the occasional feel and phrasing of Broadway showtune singing. The first seven tunes are originals.

Lavender has a very pleasant, gentle and wistful voice that is perfect for pouring out her heartfelt messages. The three covers work well too.