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Julia Wade Solos Review by Gary Hill It’s obvious from the notes about this disc and the lyrics that this music was inspired by Julia Wade’s faith. Even so, for the most part that element doesn’t really hit someone in the face. In other words, it’s possible to enjoy this set whether you share Wade’s religious beliefs or not. The music here sort of wanders between theatrical sounds, classical, jazz and even some progressive rock. It’s an interesting ride that’s probably of most interest to people who like theatrical jazz songs. This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012 Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review

Beauty Lovely keyboards are heard as the backing music as Wade’s vocals dance around the top. She has a sound here that’s part classical and part theatrical. I can see some comparisons being made to Julie Andrews at times.

Today The arrangement here is more of a jazz solo piano one. Wade’s vocals are closer to operatic in some ways, but with a more modern twist. Still, there is some jazz in her performance, too. While it’s a good tune, it seems to go on a bit too long.

Dominion With piano as the backing, this really feels a lot like a musical theater piece with both classical and jazz elements in the mix. It’s not that far removed from some progressive rock.

Mind's Camera Jazz and theatrical elements are merged here. This is a cut that has a very poetic feeling to both the music and vocal delivery.

One Piano serves as the backdrop for this jazzy number. It’s got more of a prose texture to the lyrics and vocals and there is certainly more of that theatrical element in play, too.

Divine Love This is more “song like.” It’s one of the prettiest and most accessible pieces on show here.

Government The motif isn’t changed all that much here, but Wade puts in a particularly poignant vocal performance.

Prayer Based on an intricate and pretty piano sound, this is a tune that manages to stand out despite feeling pretty similar in a lot of ways.

The Sculptor There’s definitely a lot more jazz and theatrical sound built into this tune.

Footsteps of Truth Theatrical and bouncy, this isn’t that far removed from the rest of the music here.

Creation There is very much an old time, classical theatrical vibe to the vocals here. Other than that, it’s not that far removed from the rest of the set.

Victory While some of the keyboard sounds feel a bit like progressive rock, the lyrics and musical progression feel right out of a church service.

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