|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Julie Black to deck the halls in shades of blue
By LEE CLARK ZUMPE
Article published on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007 |
 |
![[Image]](/content_images/120407_leconcert-07.jpg) |
| Julie Black |
|
PINELLAS COUNTY – It has been an eventful year for local blues vocalist Julie Black, also known as “Angel for Blues.”
The Tampa Bay area resident will close out a successful year by hosting her inaugural Black and Blues Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec. 22, 8:30 p.m., at PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, Clearwater.
The blues and jazz vocalist released her debut album, “Call Me Angel for Blues,” in early 2007 under the new indie label Boja records. A stunning accomplishment, Black’s vocals are as evocative and flawless as any seasoned veteran – and this is just her first professional outing in the industry.
Of course, she’s been singing since childhood and writing songs since she was 12. She credits soul and country pioneer Solomon Burke with awakening her passion for music.
“I found a 45 of Solomon Burke’s ‘Cry to Me’ at a thrift store when I was around 10 years old,” Black said in a recent e-mail interview. “The first time I played it I felt like it seeped into my bones and took me over.” Black said that Burke’s music was an extraordinary contrast to the traditional religious hymns she was exposed to at home and in church, and that when she listened to him she felt free. “To this day when I hear that song I am overwhelmed with emotion.”
Black went on to name other early influences.
“After Solomon Burke came Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson and Aretha Franklin,” she said. On a trip to Rhode Island, Black made friends with Juxo, a musician taxi driver. “We became pen pals and he turned me on to Fats Waller, Tom Waits, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins and Stevie Ray Vaughn, among others.” She also listened to George Winston, Bob Dylan and even Chopin. Later on, Black discovered her second strongest influence: Etta James. “She led me to greats like Howlin’ Wolf, Billie Holiday, Koko Taylor, B.B. King, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Ruth Brown and Big Mama Thornton.”
On the road to blues fame, Black said she has enjoyed the ongoing support of an incredible family of friends.
“My fiancé, Robert, has been my right hand,” she said. “I’d be lost without his ongoing support and involvement. He books a lot of our shows, maintains the Web site and is our sound man.” Black’s mother purchased her first keyboard which she used for many years to write songs with.
Black said that “Call Me Angel For Blues” album producer Bob Langford and his wife, Janice, have been music mentors for her.
“They have consistently supported, encouraged and educated me, and have always been open-minded about my explorations as an artist,” Black said. She credits her band, too, with helping to keep the positive energy going. The band includes Dave Eichenberger on guitar, Michael Johnn on keys, “Jungle” Denny McCarthy on drums, and “Father” Bill Spicuglia on bass. “We are a tight knit group,” Black said. “I’m grateful I have such a loyal, caring and creative group of musicians to work with. I love them dearly.”
Black is particularly thankful for the support her fans have provided.
“We have incredible fans,” Black said. She recognized one fan specifically. “George Willett from Suncoast Blues Society is officially our No. 1 fan,” she said. “He has supported me since the first time he laid ears on me.” Black also mentioned Wayland and Angie, two friends that show up at nearly every gig with home-cooked food. “They’ve driven across the state to listen to us play and feed us.”
Black offered some advice for young, aspiring artists.
“First and foremost, do your thing,” she said. “I’m a firm believer if you do what’s true to you, you’ll find your place. Surround yourself with supportive people. You’ll have ups and downs – everybody does,” she said. Black said that it also is important to learn about the business side of music: copyrights, promotions and booking. “Then you can make educated choices, instead of fumbling about and hoping for the best.”
Black has been maintaining a busy touring schedule throughout Florida and already has dates set in 2008. Performing before an audience was something she had to ease into.
“I’ve spent most of my life as a shy, introverted person,” Black said. “It was one of the more difficult hurdles for me early on. I’d been writing music since I was 12. I’d always had a clear sense that my purpose was to make music.” With hundreds of songs stacking up, Black realized that if she didn’t do something with them her life would be a waste. “Fortunately for me, I am a very determined person, and I got through it.”
The good fortune extends to Black’s fans who can look forward to more original material as well as emotionally rich performances in the future.
According to her Web site, the Black and Blues Christmas party will include prize drawings, drink specials and other festive shinanigans. PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans is at 411 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater. For more information, visit www.angelforblues.com.
Black sings blues on debut album
Black’s “Call Me Angel for Blues” showcases a local talent that is bound for blues stardom.
This would be a great album coming from a seasoned veteran … but the 2007 release marks Black’s debut on the scene and features a dozen tracks that are impossible to disparage but easy to appreciate.
Black wrote all 12 songs on the album and delivers them with powerful vocals exhibiting poised confidence and emotive versatility. Her voice is evocative of a number of legendary singers, including Janis Joplin, Joan Osborne and Ella Fitzgerald.
“Bigger Fool for Me” kicks off the album, and Black’s coolness and buoyancy are as evident as her band’s musical dexterity.
“My Doggie Don’t” is a jazzed-up number that will have listeners involuntarily tapping toes and snapping fingers.
With Michael Johnn’s keyboards and Dave Eichenberger’s guitar work, “Call the Cards” is reminiscent of ’90s dream pop band Mazzy Star.
Lyrically, “Hurt My Baby” is one of the darkest tracks on “Call Me Angel for Blues,” a kind of reworking of Billy Robert’s “Hey Joe” (made famous by Jimi Hendrix) that tells the story of a jealous woman.
The album’s two signature song seems to be “Blues Like Me” and “Spreadin’ the Blues.” The former, short and succinct, demonstrates Black’s sultry, velvety lounge singer voice – imagine her on stage at a backroom bar, a pall of cigarette smoke hanging over the audience and a gravely-voiced barkeep taking drink orders. The latter, a rollicking number, lets her preach the gospel of the blues and lay bare her surprising vocal range.
The best thing about “Call Me Angel for Blues” is that it represents Black’s first foray into professional recording. The artist has apparently penned hundreds of songs and continues to write daily. There’s a lifetime of music in this performer, and her growing legion of fans look forward to all of her future projects.
|
Article published on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
Tampa Bay Newspapers
9911 Seminole Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33772
(727) 397-5563
Open Monday-Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
|
