Ever since I accidentally saw Julian Velard play live in a tiny little jazz cafe in Birmingham (UK) (long story), I've been smitten. His live show was as much riffy banter with the audience as it was rollicking pian driven pop tunes, performed with energetic verve and heart. I've written about him multiple times since then (10 to be accurate - see here) and his Mr Saturday Night album still remains a key soundtrack to my daily commute to work. The talented chappy is a hilarious follow on twitter, continues to look effortlessly dapper in a bow tie and is building up quite the following across the US & Europe. So colour me tickled pink to hear he has a new single coming out, continued touring and more new music to follow. Huzzah to the power of aces...
What you get with Julian's properly brilliant new single, Company, is a laid back, finger clicking swing beat with a jazz infused and - dare I say it - even a little hip hop inspired instrumental. Lyrically it details how being good doesn't always pay off, and how being a little bit unorthodox in your approach with the "ladies" (or fellas if that is your preference) can reap much greater rewards. Even a somewhat morally ambiguous Julian comes across us unequivocably charming, with his easy going, convivial vocal style. His voice is masterful at storytelling, resonant with smoky delivery that brings the words into vivid focus. Meanwhile, the layed instrumental has some incredible touches that create the perfect frame for his lyrical artwork. Haunting chimes play against the percussive beat during the verses, while the outro to the verses has an addictive synthy riff that adds a textured frisson to the track, effectively creating that aura of bravado & cocky swagger needed to cross the line. The pared back middle 8 puslates, simmering under the surface until Julian emphatically reminds us that "what I want is company - and that don't come for free". Then it's back to the soaring chorus for a final singalong refrain. Nobody wants to be lonely - and never has the search for company been so clearly - and honestly - defined. And it sounds bloody magnificent. Bring on Person of Interest...
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