Juliet Kelly

Born on 6 May 1970 in London, England, Kelly grew up in an environment where music played almost no role. Religious pieces alone were allowed at home, and during her school years she avoided any spotlight, although piano instruction began when she turned thirteen. While pursuing an economics degree and simultaneously studying bass guitar, she discovered her vocal ability and, on a sudden impulse, joined a jazz singing workshop. There she met vocalist and instructor Anita Wardell, whose encouragement prompted a complete shift in direction. Wardell’s guidance led Kelly to enroll in a postgraduate jazz programme at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where she crossed paths with Gary Crosby, John Etheridge and Orphy Robinson. Performance opportunities multiplied rapidly; she soon appeared regularly in London bars and clubs, later expanding her schedule across the United Kingdom and undertaking tours that reached Europe, Israel and Australia. In addition to singing, Kelly demonstrated skill as a songwriter and arranger, composing every track except one on her debut album, Aphrodite’s Child, released in 2003. Among the musicians she has collaborated with are saxophonist Tony Kofi, pianists Mike Gorman and Gareth Williams, guitarist Jim Mullen, bassist Tom Barlow and drummer Sebastian Rochford. Festival appearances followed at the London Jazz Festival in both 2003 and 2004, and in 2005 she made her United States debut at Sweet Rhythm in New York. Kelly cites Shirley Horn, Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald among her influences; her singing is marked by a rich, creamy tone, assured phrasing and a confident stage manner. (NB: Not to be confused with the jazz vocalist by the name of Julie Kelly.)