Juri's CD Review
By Justin M. Kantor (justinkantor@hotmail.com) is a New York-based freelance writer. His writings have appeared in DMA, All-Music Guide, and The Hip Key.
Blending crisp keys with oceanic strings and unique vocals, Berkl [+]Juri's CD Review
By Justin M. Kantor (justinkantor@hotmail.com) is a New York-based freelance writer. His writings have appeared in DMA, All-Music Guide, and The Hip Key.
Blending crisp keys with oceanic strings and unique vocals, Berklee pianist/vocalist Juri's seven-songs debut is impressive in its consolidation of elements from many styles into a form that stands out on its own. There's a peace and serenity that surrounds the numbers, from the passionate "You Gotta Hold Me Tight" to the inspiring " The Way". On the former , the strings of Ivetta Minkina,Ingmar Suberkrub,Irina Chirkova,and Matt Ambrose juxtapose a Celtic vibe with the tune's soulful foundation. On the later, the merging of Juri's lead lines with ad-libs courtesy of Chrissi Poland and Kevin Wood has a blazing effect. In this instance and every other on the Jury's out, the absence of distracting drum machines and grooves that dominate most mainstream pop is blessing, allowing the listener to fully soak in the full personality of the piano, strings, and vocals. Here, too, Juri shows her knowledge if classically oriented patterns within a dynamic pop arrangement."How happy that I've met you", meanwhile, displays a subtler side, employing the guitar, along side the keys and vocals. Bearing the influence of 70"s pop-rock and folk, it still has a distinctly individual and lively presence. Her sassy approach to "all your love" is particularly affecting, combined with Kevin Wood's fluid harmony vocals.
About Juri Juri's Bio
"Juri, you're a delightful and talented woman..." Rik Tinory, Producer
"You are advancing with justice. I believe in you..." Kenwood Dennard
"Juri's music is bubbling with energy, optimism and a genuine enthusiasm for life, just like Juri!" Russell Ferrante, Yellowjackets
Juri began her musical career playing classical piano from a very early age. At the age of 11, she won the Yamanashi Composition competition. While in Japan, she was an avid performer with various artists including B.B. Mo-Franck, a professional percussionist for the musical The Lion King in Tokyo. Juri soon auditioned and was awarded a generous scholarship to develop her musical artistry through a concentration of Professional Music at the world-renowned Berklee Colleg
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