Julia Huff

Julia was joined on this evening by drummer Frank Parker, Jr. and her longtime keyboardist, Joel Burt. Special guest reed man Scott Lease joined the fray for a few numbers. "Hubby" Rick Heath accompanied the band on the finale.

Although this listener was only in attendance during the final set, Julia wowed everyone with a variety of songs. Her repertoire is sooo diverse, and often includes R&B, Jazz and occasionally, Blues. Whatever she chooses to sing, it's usually done with effect and conviction. Her rendition of the ballad "Here's to Life", was beautifully done. Julia challenged guest Scott Lease to a "call and response" on "Come Rain Or Shine". Julia has that way of bringing the best out of musicians, even when they may not be aware of it.

Julia loves R&B vocalist Anita Baker, and eloquently sang her "Angel Eyes" with emotion. Also on this set she belted out the jazz standard "Cherokee" before inviting vocalist Deloris Scott to the stage for a cameo appearance. Deloris , an outstanding vocalist in her own right, playfully entertained the crowd with the Blues number "One Eyed Woman". Deloris is such a professional and everyone just loved this number.

Julia concluded the evening with Sarah Vaughn's "Someone To Watch Over Me",and as on clue ,Heath joined in to climax a fine evening of music.

Julia and Heath will be appearing together this Saturday afternoon at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival in the Hyde Park area.Refer to www.hydeparkjazzfestival.org for details.