Drawing from a love of American roots music and stories from her grandfather’s Pentecostal camp meeting days, singer/songwriter Julissa Neely’s latest album, The Sweet Bye and Bye, features original hymns and focuses on Neely’s love of the Gospel and the story of Jesus. Highlighted by Neely’s rich vocals, which are reminiscent of Sarah Vaughn or Patsy Kline.
Produced by Elijah Thompson, The Sweet Bye and Bye boasts a unique sound that certainly stands out from the rest of the crowd in Christian music. “If some of the songs sound like they could have been written 40 years ago or like an old time Pentecostal camp meeting, Iʼm glad,” shares Neely. The end result is a stunning collection of songs that reflect a mixture of American roots, blues and hits of jazz. Neely’s voice accents the album with a lovely texture that will certainly draw listeners in and present them with the hope of the Gospel.
Click here to add a video. Click to add lyrics if not listed.
Enjoyin' The Sweet Bye & Bye| Posted January 12, 2009
Julissa Neely’s latest, The Sweet Bye and Bye, is an album of songs that pays homage to her musical heritage and life experiences. Informed by mid-western jazz, the acoustic gospel music of tent-meetings with subtle hints of Black Gospel, and modern cross genre adult-contemporary, each track flows with a spry smoothness and jazz-influenced undercurrent. Ms. Neely’s breathy trill is simply captivating. Ably backed by skilled musicians and top-notch production, the songs of The Sweet Bye and Bye sparkle with a deep luster missing from much contemporary music.
From the jaunty opening of “Glory Hallelujah” to the serene closer “In the Valley,” Ms. Neely has created a scrape book album of songs that reflect the rich legacy of the past, cast with a contemporary sensibility. If artists like Addison Road, Alison Krauss, Carolyn Arends, KT Tunstall, Rilo Kiley, and Sara Groves are your cup o’ tea, then be sure to acquaint yourself with Julissa Neely.
to add lyrics if not listed.
