When I first came across Juliet Varnedoe Jazz Band’s album “Cajun Bleu,” my initial reaction was something like, “This is really something unusual” (and I mean that in the best way possible). The discovery turned out to be a real gem, a jackpot for lovers of unconventional music. As genre boundaries increasingly blur and intertwine, Juliet Varnedoe’s debut EP “Cajun Bleu” acts as a bold manifesto. She has given us an entire audio exhibition, where each song seems to explore its roots before bursting into new, unexpected directions.
Juliet, born in the melting pot of cultures in Louisiana, blends her German-Cajun roots with the jazz tradition of New York, creating music as diverse as her heritage. Listening to this album, you can’t help but feel that the heritage is audible in every track, where classic New Orleans blues merges with the unpredictability of French cabaret, and the lyrical discoveries remind one of the minimalist, yet powerful poetry of song stylist Blossom Dearie.
The work “Cajun Bleu” is like a finely embroidered, high-quality fabric: from Clark Gayton’s trombone and tuba, which, like drops of time, take us back to the era of great jazz, to the modern rhythms that Shawn Pelton adds, giving the album a contemporary sound. The instruments here tell stories. Jon Dryden’s accordion, for example, transports us to the cozy corners of Parisian cafés, where it seems you can catch the spirit of Serge Gainsbourg. To the sound of his melodies, one can easily imagine the scene: a morning in Paris, where the air is infused with the aroma of freshly baked bread and coffee. .
The accordion fits this genre so seamlessly that it seems destined. Juliet clearly knew what she was aiming for when she selected it for her EP—a pivotal choice that shaped everything. The record is suffused with the scent of old jazz and tinged with a vintage hue. Ben Rubin, whose fingers effortlessly glide across the bass strings, doubles as the producer. A master of his craft, he ensures the music never sounds stale; rather, it pulses with life, embracing modernity while preserving its enchanting mystique. Operating out of Brooklyn, he has skillfully infused the album’s rural themes with an urban chic.
Over six tracks, Juliet and her team create a sonic world where each song, while maintaining the overall spirit of the album, stands as an independent statement.
“Sing High Sing Low” and “Old Spot” open the album with notes of romance and nostalgia. These tracks, infused with the spirit of French chanson, simultaneously sound modern and fresh. Juliet’s vocals in these ballads are particularly expressive-easily conveying emotional fluctuations and harmoniously interacting with the melody, creating a sense of airiness.
“Mon Cheri” stands out among the other tracks for its art-house experimentalism. Here, there is a greater boldness in sound experiments, which gives the track a unique atmosphere – listeners can feel Juliet’s magnetism in the use of unconventional musical solutions.
“Far Away” is a track that could be described as a tender waltz. The distinctive feature of this composition is Juliet’s vocals, which sound slightly distant, like an echo, enhancing the feeling of a live performance. “Petite Fleur” is sung entirely in French, making it particularly special within the context of the album. Its sound differs from the other tracks, presenting listeners with a new level of experimentalism. The French language adds an extra charm to the track.
The album concludes with “Bon Retablissement,” which is a mix of electronics, jazz, and light retro vibes. This track sounds the most unique and contemporary, and it can be considered the culmination of Juliet’s creative exploration in this project.
“Cajun Bleu” is a dialogue of cultures through the lens of Juliet’s personal exploration. She delves into each chord and melody as part of a larger narrative about self-discovery, nostalgia, and independence.
“Cajun Bleu” leaves a lingering aftertaste of deep satisfaction and reflection. Juliet Varnedoe’s album is a carefully assembled mosaic that reveals new corners of the soul with each listen. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something new.
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