Julie O'Hara - All In The One Room (2024)

All in the one room

The title of this album was inspired by a painting called ‘All in the one room’, by Naarm/Melbourne artist and musician, Jody Bell. It features several faceless humanoids in contrasting emotional states, all existing within the one space. As a jazz singer, I relate to this notion, as I traverse many emotional intentions within a song, let alone across a live performance. I wanted to create an album to celebrate the ebb and flow of human emotionality, with heartbreak, joy, hope, euphoria, regret & loneliness to name a few.

My writing style is influenced by all genres of jazz, in particular the artform of vocalese.
For thirty years I have enjoyed transcribing masterful jazz solos and writing original lyrics to them. It has taught me a great deal and given me immense pleasure. It’s not surprising that a lot of my song melodies flow more like solos or bebop heads. I enjoy the way it feels to sing like this.

On this recording I wanted to feature voice in a variety of ways and celebrate the soloing and interaction of all members of the band.
"I want the listener to feel like they're right there with us, so the album runs like a two set gig, featuring bebop, blues, swing, ballads, groove and Latin jazz

Having been part of the Melbourne jazz and music scene for over three decades, I’ve been fortunate to form friendships that have endured over time and enriched my personal and musical life. The musicians featured in ‘All in the one room”, are my jazz ‘family’ who brought their outstanding musicianship into the studio and helped me bring my songs to life. Some tunes were so new I was finishing them in the drive way of the studio, whilst others have long awaited their turn to get ‘in the can’.

After Victoria’s extended lockdown, thanks to support from Creative Victoria/Regional Arts Victoria, my band and I met up at James Clark’s country studio, ‘Rumble Strip Recorders’, in Riddles Creek and spent a couple of days recording. We were happy to see each other again and to be making music after such a long break. Victoria was in lockdown for longer than any other city in the world. The band are some of my oldest friends, having met in the early days of my singing career, playing in various jazz, Brazilian and funk bands in Melbourne.

The core band features Steve Sedergreen on piano, Edward York on drums and Mark Elton on double bass. The album features two guest musicians, tenor saxophonist, Anton Delecca and trumpeter, Eamon McNelis. This is a contemporary jazz album combining R&B, jazz rap, bebop, Latin, swing, blues and ballads.

A special thanks to James Clark for his great vibes, generosity of time and his recording, producing and mixing prowess. Thank you to Phil Rex for mastering, Alisha Brooks for album design & Jody Bell for permission to use her artwork for the album cover.

I dedicate this album to my mother Joy, who inspired the song, 'Joy’s Universe' and to my sons, who are my universe.

This album was created on Wurundjeri country, land that was never seeded. We give thanks and respect to Indigenous elders past, present and emerging.