Album Notes

Singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist
JULIE LAVENDER creates music that is a fresh and sophisticated synthesis of jazz, pop, classical and world elements. Her songs are jazzy, joyous, intimate, spacious and intriguing…

Imagine sleepwalking through your existence, numbed out, when slowly you begin awakening to life and the simple pleasures around you -- feeling the sun on your skin, hearing the rain, embracing the moonlight, learning to love and be loved. This is the theme of contemporary jazz singer and songwriter Julie Lavender's album, NEVER FELT THE SUN on Covenant Records. Her latest release, INTERIOR DESIGN, gives brand new expression to her continued exploration of emotional interiors and open, acoustic sounds.

Although Lavender feels her recordings are autobiographical "life paintings" that trace her journey of "awakening to life and love," she uses her experiences to explore universal themes that reach the hearts of her listeners on a personal level. In her collections of mostly original songs, she renders portraits of deepening intimacy, the call to stillness, renovations of spirit and soul, childlike passion, the wonder of creation and the search for a vibrant relationship with our Creator.

"In writing the lyrics to the songs, there were moments of great risk for me as I let people see where I have truly been," states Lavender. "At times I felt achingly vulnerable. But the journey I am on involves not only the personal experience, but the sharing of it with others." Each album is a new adventure and a deeper experience for me than the previous one. I am inspired to compose when something has affected me deeply, when I have one of those significant revelations, and my life is changed.”

Recently transplanted to the East Coast, Lavender was inspired to create her new recording INTERIOR DESIGN,. and to launch a unique jazz/arts venue, DreamFarm Café where she performs regularly. In addition, she is playing at other regional venues and has performed with numerous well-respected Boston area musicians.


In her new Boston-based band, Julie’s plays guitar and piano and sings. Joining her are: Natalie Dietrich, Vibraphone, Matt Cluahs, Sax/Flute, Alex Goumas, Electric/ Contrabass, Rodrigo Bonelli, Drums. Percussion. Their sound is jazzy and eclectic revealing a rich and varied palate of instruments and influences, which seamlessly weave together with Julie’s own unique voice and music style.