Tipped as ‘the best British vocalist to emerge in an age’ by The Independent, the MOBO-nominated jazz vocalist and singer-songwriter’s self-titled album ‘Julia Biel’ was released to reveal twelve more exquisite songs to add to the artist’s growing catalogue.
Delivered with unique warmth and drawing on the spirituality of gospel music, the joie-de-vivre of soul, the sorrow of blues and the freedom of jazz, her voice evokes all this and more whilst poetic lyrics reveal a sharp perspective on life and love against a magical backdrop of music to lose yourself in. The sound of an intense inner musicality paired with a defiant passion and a burning and individualistic creative spirit, this is music with the kind of impact that is unattainable without intense life experiences – and the many comparisons with some of the most celebrated greats of jazz testify to this.
“I was always fascinated by musicians such as Nina Simone, Miles Davis and Billie Holiday and how they each succeeded in expressing their strong personalities in the music,” says Julia. “There’s so much strength that shines through their vulnerabilities.” Taking these influences as her cue to liberate herself in the music, the result is a stunning universe full of deep emotions conveyed through a raft of timeless songs delivered with frightening prowess and an unnerving authenticity.
Part of an illustrious programme at DMU’s International Series 2018, Julia Biel’s concert on 25th October is not to be missed.
Julia Biel: vocals/piano/guitar
Rob Updegraff: lead guitar
Idris Rahman: bass / bvs
Ayo Salawu: drums
More Leicester Listings MORE
Scrap It, Revamp It: 100 Years of Black History Commemorations (1926–2026)
In the early twentieth century, Black communities in the United States marked the February birthdays of social reformer…
A Night To Remember: Motown Show
Take a trip back to 1960s Detroit with A Night To Remember: Motown Show, a high-energy live concert…
Sylvia
Sylvia tells the powerful and often overlooked story of Sylvia Pankhurst — fearless, complex and determined — bringing…
Kane Brown: Crowd Work King
Following the phenomenal success of his sold-out Don’t Listen To Me tour, comedian Kane Brown returns with Crowd…
Reel Histories 2026: Black Classics
Reel Histories 2026: Black Classics is a bold film programme for Black History Month 2026, amplifying the cinematic…
Black Classics Symposium
Classical music is often associated with the Western canon, yet its development has long been shaped by diverse…
Black History Month Launch: Black Classics in Concert
Launching Black History Month 2026, Black Classics in Concert is an evening celebrating the musical legacies and enduring…
COBO: Comedy Shutdown Black History Month Special
Celebrate Black History Month with an unforgettable evening of comedy as COBO: Comedy Shutdown returns to Leicester with…