Album info
Album-Release:
2023
HRA-Release:
10.11.2023
Album including Album cover Booklet (PDF)
- 1Beautiful Love03:00
- 2My Foolish Heart04:38
- 3With a Song in my Heart03:44
- 4Nature Boy05:40
- 5I'm Moving On04:27
- 6Distance05:46
- 7Northern Woods05:14
- 8Love is Many-Splendored Thing03:34
- 9Celeste02:06
- 10Where You've Never Been04:15
Info for Celeste
Mette Juul, the accomplished Danish jazz singer, songwriter, and guitarist, is set to release her sixth release as a leader, “Celeste,” slated for November 10, 2023. Known for her unparalleled vocal prowess and heartfelt interpretations, Juul embarks on a musical journey that combines timeless American classics, modern compositions, and her own original songs. For this captivating endeavor, she collaborates with the renowned American guitarist Mike Moreno and the multi-talented Lars Danielsson, both of whom also graced Juul’s EP “New York – Copenhagen” in 2020.
In Denmark and beyond, Mette Juul has left an indelible mark with her unique musicality. Her fourth album, “Change,” released on Universal Music in September 2019, marked a turning point in her career. This was followed by “New York – Copenhagen” in March 2020, further expanding her global audience and earning critical acclaim. However, it was her third album in 2015, “There is a Song,” that truly launched her career. Recorded in New York alongside Danish pianist Nikolaj Hess, Ambrose Akinmusire on trumpet, Rodney Green on drums, Joe Sanders on bass, and guitarist Mike Moreno, the album solidified Juul’s signature blend of Nordic melancholy and the dynamic American jazz heritage.
Regarding the making of “Celeste,” Mette reveals her desire to explore new musical horizons with Mike and Lars, using her vocals in fresh ways and drawing inspiration from their rich musical ideas. The collaboration was spontaneous, allowing the music to breathe and evolve in the studio.
The album’s title, “Celeste,” carries a profound meaning, signifying a heavenly or transcendent space—a place to escape the chaotic and intense realities of our world. Juul, Moreno, and Danielsson create a hopeful and ethereal sonic landscape, occasionally punctuated by the darker undertones of life. Employing instruments such as guitar, vocals, melodica, cello, and celeste in a chamber music-like setting, they push the boundaries of sound, leaving ample space for the listener to immerse themselves in the music.
“Celeste” takes listeners on an emotional odyssey, exploring themes of longing and the quest for a simpler, more meaningful existence. In “Northern Woods,” Juul’s vocals convey the idea that nature can offer solace to modern individuals in a fast-paced world, reminding us of something greater than ourselves. The track “Distance,” featuring lyrics by Norma Winstone, delves into the enigmatic spaces between people and the uncertainty that prevails, all set to a backdrop of unfathomed city streets below.
One standout moment on the album is Juul’s rendition of the American classic “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing.” With this timeless piece, Juul creates a setting of innocence, offering a refreshing take on a song that harks back to a different era while infusing it with a modern sensibility.
“Celeste” is poised for release on November 10, 2023, and will be available as 24bit Download and Streaming. As a prelude to the album launch, two singles have already been released: a captivating version of Victor Young’s “Beautiful Love” and the thought-provoking “Distance.” Having heard a full preview of the album, I can say that the listener should be prepared to be transported into the enchanting world of Mette Juul where music transcends time and space to touch the depths of the human soul. (Andrew Read, jazzineurope.mfmmedia)
Mette Juul, vocals, guitar
Mike Moreno, guitar
Lars Danielsson, double bass, cello, celeste, melodica, cymbals
Mette Juul
released her fourth album Change on Universal Music Denmark and the follow-up New York – Copenhagen (2020). A line up of remarkable musicians such as Lars Danielsson, Mike Moreno and Ulf Wakenius among others.
From an early age singing and writing songs was a natural part of Mette Juuls life.
In 2007 Mette Juul won the International Jazzartist Competition in Tallinn, in which 12 singers from 8 contries participated.
Mette Juul released her debut album “Coming In From The Dark” in 2010 with the danish drummer legend Alex Riel, Jesper Lundgaard on bass, Heine Hansen by the piano and guests Palle Mikkelborg on trumpet and Poul Halberg on guitar.
Juuls second album “Moon On My Shoulder” was released in 2012 with trumpetter Ambrose Akinmusire, Lars Danielsson – bass, Morten Lund – drums and Nikolaj Hess – piano.
Mette Juul released her third album “There is a Song” september 18th 2015 on Universal Music Group. The album consisted mainly of music and lyrics by Mette Juul, recorded with amarican trumpetter Ambrose Akinmusire, drummer Rodney Green, Joe Sanders on bass, Mike Moreno on guitar and danish pianist Nikolaj Hess.
All the Albums and subsequent concerts have all recieved numerous excellent reviews.
Mette Juul earned a degree from The Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen.