Home » Jazz News » Recording

1

'LYVELIFE' By The Julian Hartwell Project - Available Now!

Source:

Sign in to view read count
'LYVELIFE' is an invite to enter a world where music makes you feel sublime... don’t think; just hear, absorb and catch this sweet, easy view of life.
—Debbie Burke
The long-awaited follow-up to their 2015 debut, The Julian Hartwell Project returns with a bold, collaboration-heavy concept album with LYVELIFE, out March 12, 2021.

Initially conceived as an EP and subsequently crowdfunded by a small but loyal fanbase, LYVELIFE has since morphed into the most ambitious undertaking yet from pianist, composer, & bandleader Julian Hartwell

With his working quintet as the underlying instrumental nexus, Hartwell features a finely-curated roster of special guests on LYVELIFE.  Standout vocalists from the Philadelphia jazz and indie scenes like V. Shayne Frederick and Stephanie Cole all breathe unique life and character into each of the five songs presented here. A diverse palette of moods and musical influence runs deep through the record- funk, soul, go-go, RnB, even hints at pop- with the kind of groove, chops and swagger that serve rather than distract from the higher purpose of the material at hand. Having written in a signature, mostly instrumental style of modern jazz for years—once described as “a fresh take... that manages to sound like something old school AND brand new at the same time”—Hartwell takes both an expected and exciting leap forward with this sophomore effort into fertile terrains of songwriting, collaboration, and production, with the vision to match. 

To be sure, this is as much of a collaboration-driven project as it is a concept-driven one. LYVELIFE as a whole illustrates how perspective, perception, spirituality, and personal growth all inform our response to life, expressed through many shades of musical and lyrical nuance. To live ‘LYVE’ means to do so fully, boldly, lovingly, dynamically; with an open heart, mind, and willingness to grow—atleast according to this album’s instruction manual. Now it's for the listener to decide whether Hartwell and his cohorts have succeeded in relaying this grandiose vision. 

Visit Website | Purchase

Track Listing

Now Is (feat. Stephanie Cole); Abstract; Rough Sketch (feat. V. Shayne Frederick); Mornin Luv (feat. Gary Dawkins); Funk All Night

Personnel

Julian Hartwell
keyboards
Mervin Toussaint
saxophone, alto
Dylan Band
saxophone, tenor
Rodrigo Pichardo
bass, electric
Keaton Thandi
percussion
Steve Tirpak
trombone
Russell Gelman-Sheehan
guitar, electric

Album information

Title: LYVELIFE | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Self Produced

Comments

Spotify Playlist

Tags

View events near Philadelphia
Jazz Near Philadelphia
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

News

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.