Juliet Varnedoe Jazz Band

Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with IMAAI.
Tell us about your music.
As a producer and songwriter, Varnedoe brings a highly original blend of music which combines New Orleans blues with the French cabaret drama of Juliette Gréco and the lyrical wit of Blossom Dearie.
Growing up in Louisiana with a German father and Cajun mother, Juliet’s formative years were filled with sounds of Acadian folk songs, jazz standards, and classical piano lessons.
With over a decade of moves across the United States, Juliet returned to her native Louisiana after receiving a Don Quixote Grant and Macdowell Fellowship which enabled her to study Cajun French and Acadian music
in the Bayou Teche region. It was here that the seeds of Cajun Bleu were planted.
The result not only presents a fresh, authentic twist on the rich and varied American music tradition, but narrates a tale of independence, exploration, nostalgia, and self-discovery, as seen through the lens of a resilient Cajun spirit that steadfastly moves to preserve the unique French American culture in the southeastern lands.
The assembled musicians offer a unique mix of instruments that range from the tuba and trombone to the accordion and electric keys, conjuring memories of both the old and new. On one end of the spectrum, Clark Gayton (trombone/tuba) serves as a living link to the past as the great-grand nephew of New Orleans legend Manuel ‘Fess’ Manetta. On the other hand, drummer Shawn Pelton brings a contemporary flair as the go-to percussionist for the Saturday Night Live TV show. Together, they create a sonic tapestry that can evoke the pioneering spirit of King Oliver’s Creole Band one moment and the sultry French sophistication of pop icon Serge Gainsbourg.
The artistic vision was masterfully pulled together by Brooklyn-based producer Ben Rubin, also known for his role as a bassist and mixer at House of Cha Cha. Rubin seamlessly blends the electronic and acoustic sides into one sparkling sonic whole. Coincidentally, Rubin and Varnedoe came close to crossing paths in the 90’s at the legendary Bruno’s club, founded by Juliet’s husband, where Ben performed with the Dred Scott trio. They didn’t realize the connection until the project was well underway.
This jazz-infused homage to the past and future of Cajun traditions brings together a rich heritage with a passion for American music which is both nuanced and irresistibly foot-tappingly feel-good.
Juliet Varnedoe vocals & keys | Clark Gayton trombone & tuba | Rob Reich piano accordion | Eric Pan piano | Jon Dryden accordion | Shawn Pelton drums | Dennis LIchtman clarinet | Arnt Arntzen guitar |Ben Rubin bass

When did you start performing?
Growing up, I was very devoted to classical piano. I studied and played Bach and Mozart and sang in Madrigal groups. When I started to live in cities, San Francisco and New York, I listened to jazz and started to perform in cabaret clubs to learn more about my own ability to perform live. New York City became a university for me. I eventually studied jazz more seriously through workshops and ensembles, and finally was able to lead my own band, which, at first, focused on swing dancing.

Now that I have learned to produce my own songs, I plan to use all these skills to continue to write and produce more song cycles.

What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
I consider my hometown to be New Orleans, although I spent most of my formative years in Tampa, Florida. New Orleans obviously has a big influence on my music because I adore that tradition sound, but my mother’s family comes from the Cajun bayou country, which is south of New Orleans. I found that to be a particularly rich spot of inspiration to draw from.

What performers have been your inspiration?
I like listening to American folk songs and early jazz pieces, but then I also love electronic sounds and modern arrangements. Add some classical form and structure to that with a jazz styled voicing – that’s the gumbo that I am mixing.

The current current singers that inspire me are Cécile McLorin Salvant, Samara Joy, and Melody Gardot. They all possess expressive vocal styles that I love listening to.

What do you base your success on?
Practice and patience. I like working consistently on projects with specific musical goals in mind. I also obsess with the quality of the production down to every detail. I think I am successful because I finish what I start.

What was your latest musical release?
Cajun Bleu is a study of a variety of blue chord changes and styles, but it also was a loving inquiry into my Cajun French roots. I have been singing jazz and blues standards for years, and I started to imagine how the blues and Acadian folk tunes were connected to New Orleans traditions. I needed a way to record my arrangement ideas down quickly, so I taught myself how to use a DAW (digital audio workstation). Once I discovered the ease and convenience of having a virtual band at my fingers, I added layers of harmonies, mainly focusing on traditional instruments found in jazz bands, particularly the accordion. It’s an eclectic mix that aspires to be a unique sound that is hauntingly familiar.

Do you have any news to share?
Cajun Bleu is out and released! It is available to stream everywhere and you can purchase a CD on my website or on BandCamp. Juliet Varnedoe Jazz Band will be performing through out New York and touring in Louisiana in April.

How can fans find you?
Please learn more about my music julietvarnedoejazz.com/
or join my email list

Juliet Varnedoe Jazz Band

Juliet Varnedoe, Jazz Vocalist

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