Musician's Xchange: Julia Karosi

From a musical family - her mother is a renowned opera singer, and her brother an award-winning concert organist - Hungarian-born Julia Karosi began playing piano and violin when she was just six years old. After receiving a post-graduate degree in Philosophy & Aesthetics, Julia then enrolled at the Franz Liszt Music Academy in Budapest, earning a degree in jazz singing and studying privately with renowned Hungarian vocalist Gabor Winand. While at the Academy, her potential was recognised and she was chosen for their Talent-Mentor programme, also taking 2nd prize at the Jazz Combo competition organised by the Hungarian Jazz Federation in 2011. Now leading her own quartet, she has released three recordings, including the latest, “Hidden Roots” in 2014 on US/European label Dot Time Records and has worked at various prestigious venues across Europe. Blessed with a rich, full-bodied tone, her voice conveys a beguiling poignancy & warmth, whether singing lyrics in Hungarian or English or taking on the role of instrument within the arrangement itself, which is integral to her style. For her 606 debut, Julia will perform a selection of well-loved jazz standards, as well as a few of her own original songs and an Hungarian folk tune, and will be ably matched by a standout UK band featuring pianist Gabriel Latchin (Jean Toussaint, Alex Garnett), bassist Flo Moore (Ben Cox Band, Jason Rebello) & drummer Matt Fishwick (Osian Roberts, Frank Griffith). This performance is part of our ongoing Musician’s XChange programme, which has introduced a number of European-based jazz artists of outstanding quality to UK listeners.

"The real attraction is the extraordinary musicality of Julia Karosi - a resplendent voice, full of beauty and intelligence, all that and a team of superb musicians backing her." Amazon.com; "Júlia spends much of her time melismatically and with a very interesting interpolation I think will intrigue non-European listeners." AcousticMusic.com