An original retro-jazz-vocalist with a unique “new-old” approach, Julian Yeo blends old school soul with celebrated qualities of today (and sometimes with a twist).   Following Julian's critically acclaimed debut CD album 'Old, New, Borrowed, Blue', Julian's latest CD 'Unusual Passage' is an experience that’s quaint but highly addictive.

It has been an uncommon musical path for international jazz/cabaret vocalist Julian Yeo.  His path to singing in the nightclubs of New York City began many miles away. An Australian of Asian descent, Julian was a shy kid decades away from his own personal musical heroes like dapper Fred Astaire. “When I hear Fred Astaire singing Irving Berlin songs; no matter what mood I’m in, these songs always bring a smile to my face,” he says.

It’s not surprising that a retro sound comes so naturally to him. Singers from the 1920s and 30s are what he most likes listening to: Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Rudy Vallee, Arthur Tracy (“The Street Singer”), early Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, vocalists from the “sweet bands”. But Julian Yeo is not satisfied to just do a copycat re-creation. “I am a throwback, I guess,” Julian explains. “It’s a very intentional homage, but to do so slavishly is rather pointless. People can still listen to those old records any time. I want to bring the essence of that innocent, timeless sound with a slightly hipper, knowing quality of today and sometimes even with a darker twist.” Julian brings a contemporary sensibility to the old songs that works. Today meets yesterday, melding instead of colliding.

A real sense of joy and playfulness is clear in his singing. Julian is a guy who’d be very comfortable with a big fedora, a megaphone, and totally at ease in a time warp! The smile comes through and is contagious. Quaint, perhaps, but also disarming and worth giving into.
 
Julian Yeo and his band 'Elixir de Jazz' are currently performing at various venues in NYC (Iridium, The Reprise Room at Dillon's, Triad NYC, Banjo Jim's,  the Underground Lounge, etc).  The band members are Kevin Dorn (Drums), Jesse Gelber (Piano), Alan Grubner (Violin), Doug Largent (Bass), Nick Russo (Guitar) and Dennis Lichtman (Clarinet).   The band is often joined by special guests. 


Julian's CDs are available on the following sites:

           

Julian was interviewed by Bob Perry in the studio on WHLI promoting his second album "Unusual Passage".  Click here for the link to listen to the interview.

Julian is a 2008 MAC Award Nominee for Best Jazz Male Vocalist.

'Old New Borrowed Blue' has been honored as one of the top 30 CDs in 2007 on WNMC Public Radio 90.7fm!

"A cheery, ear-pleasing singer with a sweet and mellow style and an infectious love for music. A most enjoyable evening." Roy Sander, critic and columnist, formerly of Back Stage and Citysearch

"I can't remember the last time I encountered such a thoroughly original artist as Julian Yeo or an album that's utterly entertaining as his 'Old New Borrowed Blue'." Jeff Rossen - Cabaret Scenes Magazine, US

"An exciting addition to the New York jazz scene. A fresh original sound and a fine band of exceptional young musicians. You'll be hearing about this singer. Buy the CD and be among the first to know." Jan Wallman, Cabaret Exchange

"I know a star when I see one.  He's going to be a star!"  Joe Franklin - WOR Radio, US.

"Yeo's songs and his delivery would fit seamlessly into a Fred Astaire dance routine in a supper club full of dinner jackets and evening gowns....For a vocalist whose New York debut was but a year ago, Yeo is off to an auspicious start."  Peter Leavy, Cabarete Scenes, US.

"...a well crafted cd with passion and style, standards freshened up in a very stylish sophisticated manner. Everything about this cd says that there is passion expressed in every track and a total conviction to the Jazz idiom." Peter Merrett, PBS FM Melbourne, Australia

"wonderfully talented... such warmth, passion, and sincerity..." Bob Collins, Jazz Cafe, WRHU 88.7FM, NY, USA.

"This young man and this 'old music' are one beautiful pair!" Jean-Pierre Savouyaud, Virus de Jazz, France. 

"It's so refreshing to be wrapped in the "so right" combination of early 20th century vocal styles with clean, melodic early 21st century instrumental arrangements." Eddie O'Strange, Town & Country Radio Show, Access Radio 783AM, New Zealand

"...really like his style and vocal skills, a very new experience I must say...", Joost for Jazz & Blues Tour with ASFM 105.4, Netherlands

"Pour a martini and raise the glass and an eyebrow. It's all done very successfully and with craft.", "With Julian Yeo's party-play-ready, intoxicating throwback of an album sung with panache and pastiche, he's someone to watch for the future" Rob Lester, Talkin' Broadway

"He has outstanding vocals - especially in the lower range. He was able to deliver his own special spin on many of the songs - standards in a non-standard way." Stu Hamstra, Cabaret Hotline Online 

"The singing is not by an artist trying to blow you away with deafening vocals, but instead comprises a subtle style that draws you in...  Yeo does a marvelous job of bringing some landmark songs back to the culture and reminding us that classics never go out of style."  J. Travis, Envy Man

'Old New Borrowed Blue' has been honored as an editor's pick on CD Baby for Jazz Vocal and Traditional Jazz Combo! 

'Old New Borrowed Blue' is the Jazz album of the week on WDPS-FM (March 26-30)