Julie Hardy at Sweet Rhythm

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On Tuesday, March 27th Brooklyn-based vocalist and composer, Julie Hardy returns to Sweet Rhythm as a part of the Vocal Series. She will perform new pieces off her upcoming release The Wish which will be released this year by New York based label World Culture Music featuring some of New York's finest young jazz talent. This past year Hardy was acknowledged for her talent as a composer by receiving the 2006 ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award for her composition "No Turning Back" which is featured on her debut release A Moment's Glance.

The vocalist will be accompanied by a band of up and coming New York jazz artists; Jaleel Shaw, alto saxophone; Randy Ingram on piano, Matt Clohesy on bass and Rodney Green on drums.

With one step into the world of Julie Hardy, it is clear that she is not a typical jazz singer. The Wish, her new release on World Culture Music, shows us a highly trained composer, improviser and re-inventor of jazz standards, backed by a stunning collection of some of New York's best young jazz talent.

Through a diverse program of wordless originals and re-workings of timeless standards, Hardy weaves her musical gifts together to develop a sound that is truly unique and honest. Her intention is to tell a story with or without lyrics and she carefully chooses repertoire based on a strong, personal connection. "I want to break down the barriers that commonly exist between vocalists and instrumentalists, and use the voice as another melodic texture, no differently than what a saxophone or trumpet would do. At the same time, I don't want to forget how powerful lyrics can be. My goal is to present the music that moves me, be it one of my own compositions or a standard that I love."

The Wish shows the world a diverse musical figure with a vision of truth, hope, and determination. With this recording, Hardy establishes herself as one of the most important young voices of today's vocal jazz scene, and foreshadows what promises to be a prolific and vibrant career.

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