Julia Dollison
First, how does such a big voice come out of such a little chick?
I get that a lot. Maybe it’s just my way of commanding authority when I’m 5’0″.
There’s a cultural conception that jazz musicians are sultry and cool. Is it a glamorous life?
Definitely not! We do indulge in interpreting songs with as much liberty as we’d like, but if you’re in front of the wrong crowd – listeners who aren’t accustomed to that kind of subtlety – one can feel as lowly as the pay they’ll most likely receive for the night. Clubs are tough these days, but some are still set up as true listening rooms, places where the glamour still exists for us.
What was your absolute worst gig?
I sang a duet with Meatloaf for a sea of wealthy patrons at a fundraiser while he sweated profusely, appeared overly intoxicated, and cursed on mic. At least that gig paid well!
The Washington Post noted that you have a “bracing taste for challenging material.” What challenges you?
I tend to get bored with the traditional presentation of jazz, I’m always tempted to re-harmonize standards and give them different textures and fresh moods. The challenge is finding the balance between what satisfies my own musical tastes and those of my potential listeners.
It also noted that you were the one other musicians went to hear. Anyone you admire in the audience?
At a recent gig in New York, all of my personal favorites showed up: Maria Schneider, Kate McGarry, Luciana Souza, Peter Eldrige, and Theo Bleckmann. I may never get that lucky again!
What’s on your ipod now?
Mostly jazz instrumentalists, contemporary-sounding and writers of their own arrangements and compositions: Pat Metheny, Kenny Wheeler, Keith Jarrett, John Taylor, Ralph Towner, Fred Hersch.
Be honest, can anybody scat? It’s sort of the Jackson Pollack of musicâÂ?¦
It might feel like that to the listener. I was personally terrified of scatting and prayed never to be called on in improv class, until I learned to trust my ears and let go. It can be pretty intimidating, but if you just remove that edit-and-censor function that your brain wants to hang on to�
You recently married a jazz composer. Was he involved in your album?
Yes! He’s a brilliant composer and arranger. We were impressed by each other’s work – a love at first listen. His incredible ears were invaluable and he helped produce the layered vocal tracks which make the album seem complete.
Other couples listen to jazz to “get in the mood.” What do jazz musicians do?
(We) might like listening to get that intellectual high, just from being able to recognize chord progressions or a hip melodic line or a complex rhythmic figure. But we try to alternate jazz with simpler musical styles for a breather, so we don’t get burnt out.
But what makes jazz relevant now?
The cool thing about jazz is it’s become very morph-friendly with other music styles. That works well for me, since I grew up listening to all kinds of music and had a tough time keeping those influences out of my jazz singing. I also try to pay homage in my own way to the traditions of jazz. Today, thankfully, it’s permissible to do it all.
