THE LUCKY GIRL – JULITHA RYAN – press release – 2012
Silver Ray keyboard player’s debut album features a big voice – her own – backed by an all- star cast of Melbourne’s most intuitive musicians performing a dramatic and idiosyncratic suite of songs specifically designed to be heard from start to finish.
Julitha will launch The Lucky Girl at Northcote Social Club on 17th October 2012 and Pure Pop Records, St Kilda on 28th October.
Julitha Ryan is extremely impatient to share with you her first solo album The Lucky Girl. Comprising 12 tracks, she is responsible for every keyboard note, every vocal and backing vocal and she’s even dusted off her cello and clarinet for the job.
The all-star rhythm section – Dave Creese, James Lee and Andy Papadopoulos – is fleshed out with performances from violin player and arranger Bronwyn Henderson; drums, percussion, vocals and general mayhem Brett Poliness; Bouzouki by Dimitri Kyriakou, the mellifluous Gregory Day sings on the one and only duet; Hilary Blackshaw on violin, and Caz Gannell played all the hard cello bits. The Wall of Men makes one or two memorable appearances, as do the horns – Matt Habben, Adam Hutterer and Gavin Cornish.
Julitha began her performer’s life as a singer, recording an album in 1986 with contemporary jazz group, Neo-Penguin. This led to stints as a funk singer (also writing brass and vocal arrangements), backing vocalist and keyboard player. During the 90s her musical outlook broadened considerably – from devoted and inspired vocal arranging, cello and clarinet work with a wide range of musical compadres, to the heights of her 10 piano-playing years with instrumental group Silver Ray.
‘Noticed a Julitha-shaped hole on the Melbourne music scene lately? Absent maybe, but working still, Julitha Ryan has been in the studio, recording her first solo album,The Lucky Girl. After rocking out on Melbourne’s stages across four decades (the 80s!), beginning with the pop jazz funk sounds of Neo-Penguin and Mouse and most famously with post-rock trio instrumentalists Silver Ray, it was time for Julitha to make her own album. You will hear familiar chimes – at times akin to the folkness of her earlier band Barroworn and her dominant piano power riffs are richly abundant – and also the new, the multi-textured ambience of a 21st century album.
Most of all, here is her voice. And she can sing. Part rock-bitch, part Con girl (cap C, as in Melbourne University’s Conservatorium of Music), Ryan brings it all to bear on her debut. From start to finish, writing, arranging, singing and playing half a dozen instruments, this is Julitha Ryan. It’s all there – including her trademark Wall of Men mega- male BVs. After 25-odd years at it, she’s ready to be an overnight sensation. Lucky girl.’
Mick Epis, Melbourne journalist
The Lucky Girl is now available for digital download on Cdbaby and itunes.
For more info, cds, hi res photos please ring Karen on 0400 527 365 or email kcpublicity@optusnet.com.au.