Reviews for Licorice Kiss


JAZZWISE

Kelly likes to call her music "glam jazz" and with covers of 1980's anthems "Tainted Love" and the Eurythmics' "Here Comes The Rain Again" you might expect an album of glitter and glitz but little substance. But of course Kelly is far too astute for such superficialities, indeed she twists these very covers into something very wryly different. "Tainted Love" is done with a seductive hip sway swing replete with glistening Rhodes, while "Here Comes The Rain Again" is reborn as a ballad of loss.

But it's Kelly's own writing that impresses, now rich with an experience of life that is a step on from her (impressive) debut, Aphrodite's Child. "Ordinary Lives" is a song of solidarity with the unappreciated and unloved of the world that kicks off against a simple bass and drum figure, while "Serendipity" is a celebration of surrendering to the mysterious chance of life. So don't be fooled by the big hair and bigger sunglasses; behind them is a wise heart, a complex soul and an original talent rare amongst those who would call themselves jazz singers, glam or otherwise.

ANDY ROBSON

YORKSHIRE EVENING POST

It's a careful line that uptempo female jazz singers have to walk. Go too far one way and they're in danger of turning out cheesy-listening muzak, too far the other and they're into off-puttingly serious, chin-stroking territory.

But it's a line that sassy singer Juliet Kelly negotiates with unwavering confidence, and no doubt in killer heels.

Raised in a strict household where only music of the religious variety was allowed before going on to study for a degree in economics, being a jazz singer was never on the cards for Londoner Kelly. It was only when she sang in public for the first time at a local music workshop that her talent was uncovered. Within a year she was accepted onto a postgraduate jazz course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

With a sound that has been described as "a cross between India Arie and Peggy Lee with a hint of Amy Winehouse", Kelly delivers jazz full of sophisticated funkiness and sumptuous multi-layered vocals.

Her latest album Licorice Kiss follows her acclaimed releases Aphrodite's Child and Delicious Chemistry, and sees her joined by virtuoso players including gifted guitarist Carl Orr and bassist Oli Hayhurst.

The album's an astute mix of new songs and enlightening covers, including a haunting version of The Eurythmics' Here Comes The Rain Again and a gorgeous Latin-influenced take on Soul II Soul's classic Back To Life. Her own songs playfully mix in contemporary influences, most effectively on the jazz-reggae of I'm Still Here and the drum 'n' bass-flavoured Ordinary Lives.

Juliet is 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. With her honey-tone vocals, insightful, personal lyrics and savvy original songs and intelligent choice of covers she effortlessly mixes jazz, soul, pop and funk. She's now emerging as a fully fledged solo artist and one of the UK's finest singers in any genre.

MIKE FLYNN, TIME OUT

THE PRESS (YORK)

Juliet Kelly is a young jazz singer with a soulful voice and a refreshing way with lyrics beyond the Moon-June, Lovey-Dovey pre-occupations of most current songwriters.

Her new album, Licorice Kiss (Proper Music), consolidates her as a talented arranger and producer too, with an eclectic musical knowledge to enhance seven originals and three covers.

The Latin-tinged title track employs multi-tracked vocals in support of her sensuous lead, while I`m Still Here moves to a Reggae groove, with classy organ by George Moore, guitar by Carl Orr.
Ordinary Lives features compellingly syncopated vocals driven by drums and bass, with occasional chords from guitar and piano.

Alongside her own songs, the covers are moulded into an unmistakably Kelly style. Tainted Love is taken at a free-swinging lope in contrast to the song`s usual dark mode; Soul II Soul`s classic Back To Life moves to a brisk Latin tempo, with a sparkling Fender Rhodes piano solo from George Moore.

Kelly tones down the Eurythmics hit, Here Comes The Rain Again, to a slow ballad, another refreshing turnaround in a creative, intelligent and varied album.