Album Notes

British Singer Songwriter Julia Fordham burst into the music scene in 1988 on Virgin Records with the International hit “Happy Ever After.” Then followed her critically acclaimed album “Porcelain,” which included the popular songs “Manhattan Skyline” and “Lock and Key.”

Julia has just completed her tenth record 'China Blue'.
A jazz record comprised of original songs written by Julia and produced and arranged by the wonderfully talented
multi-instrumentalist Grant Mitchell.

As there are so many jazz “standards” records – Julia longed to release an album of original songs. However, when she played some gigs last year adding her jazz songs to the set, Julia included a version of Michael McDonald’s hit “I keep Forgettin.” Rearranged and produced for this record by Jon Gilutin (Linda Ronstadt), she was thrilled when the co-producer of this song Simon Climie (Eric Clapton, Michael McDonald) played the track to Michael.

Having always been a huge fan, Julia was delighted when immediately after hearing her rendition of his song, Michael added his remarkable voice to the track, blessing it with his rare and distinctive vocal sound.

Julia decided to re-record two songs from the Porcelain album. The newly arranged title track “China Blue,” which was only available in the UK, and “For You Only For You,” which is gloriously simple with piano, violin and Julia’s divine voice. “I Want To Stay Home With You,” from the 'Baby Love EP', is also included.

Julia started writing songs at 12 and began performing them in the local folk clubs at 14. In her late teens, Julia made a guest vocalist appearance with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra in London. From that moment on, she had always hoped to record an album of original jazz standard-style songs.

The release of 'China Blue' sees that dream coming to fruition.