28/05/2007 David Pickersgill

Live Review: Wakefield Jazz, Friday May 11th 2007

She's a charmer is that Julie Edwards. Phoning me at work and inviting me to meet her on Friday night: how could I turn down such an offer? And a lovely evening she gave me, too, although I reckon my mum enjoyed it even more!

Let me explain. Julie is a singer with a wonderfully expressive voice, a warm personality, an easy rapport with an audience and a so-bad-they're brilliant supply of between-songs jokes. Having eulogised her first appearance at Wakefield Jazz in early 2003, it was typical of her to take the trouble to invite me back - and remembering how she'd brought her family along that night, I decided to make good on a promise to take my mum to hear a singer at College Grove one Friday.

Coincidentally, Julie is probably the perfect introduction to the jazz singer's art, sticking mainly to standards but doing enough to stamp her personality on each song without disguising its essential qualities.

A delicious interpretation of 'Peel Me A Grape' nicely summed up her approach, though her impressive range and varied intonation did good things with the contrasting moods of 'Day In, Day Out' and 'In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning', while by 'Mercy, Mercy' she had really let loose and was scatting with the best of them.

The chemistry between Julie and her other half, Kevin Dearden, on either sax or guitar is the foundation of all that's good about their band, though it helps that pianist Ed Barnwell, bass player Steve Berry and drummer Rob Turner are perfectly tuned in to their way of working.

Thanks for a delightful night then, Julie, and thanks from my mum for the dedication. Any time you're in town, you've got my number...

11/11/2005 Colin Crane, Hull Mail

Live Review: Hulljazz Club
JULIE IS THE REAL DEAL
'The multi-talented Dearden was in good form kicking off the proceedings on baritone sax, but proving himself equally adept on the higher range instruments. Edwards, meanwhile demonstrated she's the real deal in the singing stakes. She lit the evening with her star quality. 'Lazy Afternoon' was a personal favourite of mine, but if your taste inclined to the blues she demonstrated an unexpected powerhouse quality to her voice with a climactic 'Since I Fell For You'. Small venue jazz at its best.'

20/02/2005 Gayton Jazz Society Gig Report, Northants

Live Review: Roade Jazz, Northants
'Top notch jazz singer and performer. Lovely voice, wide range, full control. Kevin Dearden was absolutely first rate on baritone, alto and soprano saxes. He and Julie really “spark” one another. Excellent and accomplished musicians, who played in complete harmony in a varied and exciting performance. The usual admiring adjectives apply - inventive, lyrical, melodic, strong and gentle according to the needs of the numbers they played. Exceptional.'