© All songs written & performed by Julia Joseph, except Blue, written by Jimmy Mulhollan. Musicians on these clips include: Julia Joseph, George Mel, Jeff Eyrich, Zev Katz, Jimmy Mulhollan, Michael Ross, Steve Cardenas, Mike Crehore, Jon Rosen, Jane Barnet, Emma Rivera, Katie Travis & Delilah.
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Julia has been called an old soul about as many times as she's been called an eternal child and these archetypes find a peaceful coexistence in her sound. The earthy genres of roots music come together with a freshness that keeps her music from being traditional. "Dreams" has all the makings of a classic folk song, but it is laced with the breezy, unpredictability of jazz. "Home," with its grounding in blues, also stirs with the transient quality of a meditation, while the gospel showstopper "Trouble," is tinged with the flavors of country and 1960s R&B.
While Julia playfully draws from a wide range of influences, she reveals a very confident and natural relationship between them. The resulting simplicity, directness and focus are announced lucidly in her title track, "Hush."
Ten of the album’s eleven tracks are Julia's compositions. Her words shed light on the desire to break free even as one longs for the safe haven of home. Her stories are intimate and deeply personal, but they are not tethered to any particular time or place, making them both enigmatic and universal.
With acoustic bass jazz veterans Jeff Eyrich and Zev Katz securing the bedrock, the instrumental personnel of Jon Rosen (piano, organ), George Mel (drums) and electric guitarists Michael Ross, Steve Cardenas, Mike Crehore and Jimmy Mulhollan (who assists on arrangements and contributes his own composition, "Blue," to the collection), have a performance platform that is both stately and primal. "Hush" actually glows with the soulful ensemble playing that rises from this team.
There is a purpose to this approach. Julia is happiest when singing for others. Performance offers Julia the chance to draw the music, musicians and audience into a common place. "The kick I get out of performing is the challenge of converting space," she says. "My goal is to bring everyone into the same experience."
With the creation of "Hush," Julia Joseph has achieved her goal of capturing the essence of her performances. The musicians play with skill and taste, framing Julia's knack for vocal intimacy without grandstanding. Foremost is Julia herself, who styles her singing with a dedication to strike each song's sweet spot and make it radiate.
"Hush" is a worthy freshman effort that sounds fully-realized on its premiere. Current fans can thank Julia Joseph for releasing a debut and getting it right, while new fans have a chance to discover an artist who is committed to artistic excellence and integrity. Twenty years from now, these people will listen to "Hush" and think, "this sounds great."
–Mark Keating
