Album Notes

Julia’s “Peaceful Night” is a masterpiece of soulfully seductive harp, woven with an innovative and melodic mix of eclectic ambience music for a delightfully refreshing twist.

Relaxing sounds of the harp intermingle with flavors of soul, pop and smooth jazz to make “Peaceful Night” the perfect choice for a glass of wine, dinner for two, reading in front of the fireplace, or just escaping from a stressful day.

Each song from “Peaceful Night” will resonate deep within you, continuing to refresh and relax you throughout your day. The album is a reflection of Julia’s global travels, allowing the listener to transcend the confines of place to experience an ethereal mix of world-wide influence.

Pieces such as “Heaven” and “Journey's End” charm the soul and put the spirit at ease, while “Celebration” and the sensual “Night Market on the Adriatic” stir the listener with their animated cadence.

Julia has performed with Luciano Pavarotti in Modena, Italy, the Stars of the Musicals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and televised Christmas concerts at the Vatican in Rome. She has toured throughout Europe, North America, Australia, and the Middle East.

Julia has collaborated with numerous orchestras around the globe, including the Vancouver Symphony, Orchestra Classica Italiana, the Russian American Youth Orchestra, the Cannes Philharmonic, Opera de Nice and The Kuala Lumpur Philharmonic.

SOULFUL AMBIENT, NEW AGE, SPA, SMOOTH JAZZ, WORLD, BACKGROUND MUSIC

Copyright 2006, Dusty Jewels Records


JUNE 2007:
Peaceful Night
By Julia Cunningham
Reviewed by RJ Lannan - New Age Reporter

Sparkling Musical Delight
Some fear the night. Some embrace it. The melodious music of Los Angeles harpist Julia (Julia Cunningham) reaches out in the night like an anxious lover ready for the satisfaction of an evening of quiet (but not solitude) that turns into excitement and passion. In addition, there is comfort, kindness and enchantment. Along with several talented musicians, Julia plays her harp on tunes that cross over from contemporary to ambient to World genres.

Julia gives us the tune Heaven. It is like walking amidst a land of rainbow crystals with the sun shining through every prism. There is a colorful interplay of light and shadow. There some dreamy synthesizer beds on this one that add lightness to the tune.

Celebration is the New Age equivalent of a block party. The background holds a happy crowd effect as the guitar, marimba, and harp twirl about in elation. It is the energetic sound of people having fun just because.

The title song Peaceful Nights has a jazzy tempo and a carefree style. Whispered words in the tune offer an allusion of the passion that roams the night. Night sounds remind of the peace that is to be had during the shadowy hours between twilight and dawn.

My favorite track is called Reflections. It contemplative and dreamy. It a seat beside a quiet stream of water that mesmerizes your spirit. The flute is a welcome witness as you watch the dragonflies dart about, hear the reeds rustle in the wind and the feel your heartbeat that is louder than the sound of the universe.

Night Market on the Adriatic (Bonus Track) once again brings about Julia's party theme, this time with Old World European flavor. A warm, moonlit night in the island of Korèula perhaps, with the heady aroma coming from the vineyards on one side and the sea on the other. Performers line the streets as the smells of cooking cheese, chicken and veal waft through the evening and maybe a bite of gibanica for desert. Nevertheless, it is the people that make the up the stars in this evening sky. Smiles and warmth are the order of the night.

Julia has multiple degrees in music including a Masters from Yale. She has performed worldwide in jazz and blues festivals, and appeared with numerous symphony orchestras from Vancouver to Moscow. Julia's music is light. It floats into your senses and lets you travel along while it explores the night and all it has to offer from a positive journey.