Sat, October 8

Smoothjazzlovers.org Presents
Soul Jazz Bassist Julian Vaughn
feat. Danette Hollowell

Genre: Jazz/Soul
Doors: 7:00PM
Show: 8:00PM

Buy_tickets Btn_seating Listen_now Artist_website
Julian C. Vaughn, the 6’7 lead bass player from Kansas City, whose passion shines through his dynamic young talent, has made a strong statement within the Jazz industry by breaking through the scene gaining the attention needed to thrive in its genre. Julian grew up in the church where his grandfather pastored, and father later pastored. Julian began his music career playing the drums like most children in the church. “Trying to play the drums at church was like ten football players going after a fumble. Everyone wanted to play.” The fight eventually got old, and Julian decided at the age of 15 to try his talents with a different instrument. Julian recalls picking up a bass guitar another man in the church was playing and immediately falling in love! “It was truly love at first sight.” After teaching himself to play, Julian soon realized that he had the ability to play music by ear; soon after that, he discovered how to play full songs and even specialized techniques. At the age of 19, Julian’s grandfather bought him a 6-string bass guitar, black with gold trim. As he perfected his craft even more, Julian discovered the art of bass soloing, and knew at that point, it was more than just a hobby, but it was his life’s passion. “My friends use to get on me because I would stop playing the bass line and start soloing...” Vaughn remembers. Julian’s playing style is unmistakable. His talent is captured by the atmosphere his music provides. A sense of epic, majestic, and bold invading annotations that reveal Julian’s talent derives from patient pursuits to generate an enchanting energy that keeps heeding ears immersed. Julian began work on his first CD in 2009. It started with the day he listened to the bass line laid down by Mel Brown in the song “Never Gonna Give You Up”, a remake by Toby Keith and Wayman Tisdale. Vaughn eventually sought out Brown and connected with him and agreed to play on several tracks on the record. Vaughn also got Sax player Darren Rahn, a close friend of Browns, to agree to play on and mix a few tunes on the record as well. “It was Rahn and Mel Brown who let me know that I had what it took to make in this genre...” remembers Vaughn. The purpose project was released in 2010, and not only put his playing in full display, but also highlighted Vaughn’s strong song writing ability. “I produced and wrote every song on the record which I am still proud of …it opened doors for me”. “Breakthrough” marked Vaughn’s label debut and has already made waves across the country with a two week debut on the national Billboard chart at #24, eventually reaching and staying at #1 for three consecutive weeks on the Billboard charts with his first single “On Your Feet”. Julian Vaughn stays current on industry trends but does not write his music to fit the radio format. “I know what flavor works in the music industry but I don’t write my material based on that. I write from my heart. Whatever is moving me at the moment is what dictates the end. I want to make music for the people not format. Music is my everything, that’s why I love doing what I do.” An authentic exemplification of artistry.

Vocalist extraordinaire, Danette Hollowell grew up in the church and has been singing as long as she can remember. With her father being a Chaplin in the military as well as a pianist and vocalist, Danette was a military brat that was able to travel a lot in her young age, exposing her to all types of classic soulful sounds. Danette originally started out as a classical ballerina at a private art school, “I was a dance major and sang in the choir from time to time.” Her focus was mainly dance until she accidently found a UCD scholarship specific to Jazz. Danette studied within the UCD Music Preservation Program for Swing ‘n Dixie Jazz for 2 years, and recalls it to be the BEST thing to ever happen in her life. Danette is currently singing with such groups as The Old Souls and TMRRW PPL. Danette has been a jazz vocalist in conjunction with original singer/song writer in the Denver area for the last 12 years. With a repertoire including Billy Holiday, Sam Cook, Eryka Badu, and Miguel; Danette brings a soulful, fresh sound to classic tones while putting her unique current signature on it. She has graced Colorado stages for the last nine years. “I love people, my family, African-centered things, magic, artistic expression, and music of all kinds. My favorite influences are Jazz, Soul, and Blues. I play covers and original. The mix of my unique, rich, vocal quality sets me apart from other local act. My depth of presence sets me apart and gives me international appeal.” Danette uses her musical gift to generate beauty; and no effort made to attain beauty is ever lost. May her musical legacy live for life.