Mette Juul – CELESTE
Critically acclaimed Danish jazz singer, songwriter and guitarist Mette Juul presents her 6th solo release, Celeste, on respected label Naxos-Prophone on November 10. A blend of personal interpretations of timeless American
classics as well as modern compositions and some original work written by Juul, Celeste is a collection creative storytelling through modern jazz. Joined by celebrated guitarist Mike Moreno and award-winning multi-instrumentalist Lars Danielsson whom also featured on Juul’s earlier EP New York – Copenhagen, Celeste marks Juul’s first big feat since 2020.
“I have wanted to further explore new musical areas with Mike and Lars. To use my vocals in other ways, to be inspired by their wonderful wealth of ideas and musical input in my storytelling.”
The result is a fresh body of music, unarranged until performed live in the studio, emerging spontaneously among peers.
Celeste translates to ‘heavenly,’ or ‘close to the heavens’. As such, the record offers a place to dream oneself away from the current and, sometimes, chaotic and intense world we live in. In a chamber music-esque setting, with new instrumentation including guitar, vocals, melodica, cello, and – yes – celeste, Juul, Moreno and Danielsson explore new ground together through a sound universe pushes forth the meaning of its lyrics. A captivating emotional journey through themes such as longing and searching for a simpler, more meaningful life is presented to listeners through different scenarios as in Northern Woods, nature offers a breather from the ratrace and modern life in a concrete jungle.
Moreno suggested including the American classic Love Is A Many-Splendored Thing, previously brought to grandiosity by great voices such as Andy Williams and Nat King Cole. “It was exciting to enter the song’s universe,” Juul elaborates, “referencing a time quite different from the one we now live in. I wanted to try and create a setting that exuded innocence, as a contrast, and to take on a slightly more modern take of the song.”
Reviews :
(German reviews below)
“Ein absolut hörenswertes Album” (er-em-online)
“Traumwandlerisch bezaubernde Musik” (Hörerlebnis)
“Juuls Stimme […] ist eine wahre Ohrenweide” (Melodiva)
“Schöne, atmosphärische, lyrische Musik” (jazz-fun.de)
“Mette Juul überzeugt mit “Celeste” voll”. (Concerto)
Download Presstext “Celeste” ENGLISH
Download Presstext “Celeste” DANISH
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Photos by: Robin Skjoldborg