Julie Kinscheck

"From the "you never know what to expect" department comes a real treat from Julie Gibbons (Kinscheck is married name) and friends. She's got a great voice and has a dynamic band backing her. Do you like Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians? Then you'll love Julie Gibbons because she's better in every way than Edie Brickell. These songs aren't bad either. Mixed for the dance crowd, there's still enough punch and taste to garner a nod from the most discerning music listener. She's good. but why does she look so puzzled on her jacket photo? Maybe she's wondering if we like it- Yes, Julie we do- so smile-OK? - Metronome Magazine

Julie Kinscheck "Grace With Jazz on Top,"
Wednesday, 13 January 2010

BEDFORD, MA - ANUARY 12, 2010 "Grace With Jazz on Top," the latest CD by singer-songwriter Julie Kinscheck, also known as the Queen of SCAT, is getting rave reviews from print, radio and live audiences all over. Check it out- you may just smile (or cry)!

"Julie Kinscheck's songwriting and outstanding vocal work will satisfy you to your soul..." - Metronome Magazine Jan 2010

REVIEWS: Wildy World wrote: "Fans of Christian pop music will dig Julie Kinscheck." "It's quite amazing how you incorporate the Christian themes into the Jazz styled vox performances let alone the brilliant music arrangements as well. Vocal harmonies are so well arranged, and will bring a big smile to many a listeners face, as it did to mine," exclaimed one Taxi reviewer. For more reviews go to www.sonicbids.com/juliekinscheck

RADIO: Playing on over 3000 international radio stations and selling on line at www.julieksings.com, iTunes cdbaby, Amazon.com etc and selling at Julie's live shows across New England and the US and Canada; "Grace With Jazz On Top"- breaking through.

The album sports a unique blend of spiritual pop and folk with a liberal sprinkle of dynamite SCAT singing. But frankly, it's just a great listen.

BIO: Kinscheck, born Julie Alice Gibbons, was a kid who grew up in Ithaca, NY, playing guitar and writing her own songs from her heart; when she missed the boat to child stardom, she busted her back to make a living singing. She traveled playing the streets of Europe, played countless clubs, coffeehouses, churches and weddings. She was even chosen as one of the best unsigned songwriters by the national academy of songwriters in NYC in 1991.

At last God opened some doors to play larger venues (even Madison Square Garden!) and start putting out recordings. "The Force" with the band PTB and "Faith in Action Live" with a capella group Faith in action, both came out in 2006.

Now a mom of twins with tales of heartaches, struggles and a powerful faith, she has taken her vast experience, songwriting awards and sense of humor and created a work of art in this her debut solo artist CD.

THE MUSIC

"Grace With Jazz On Top" IS VULNERABLE.. While being interviewed by the Billerica Green, the reporter wiped her eyes she was so moved by the story of infertility and God's miracles behind her song "Precious." After 8 long years struggling with infertility, Kinscheck put her amazing love for her unborn twins into song.

The reviewer from Metronome magazine who chose "Grace With Jazz On Top" as a top five pick in January- worthy of the upcoming cover story in March 2010, just called the vocal work on "Precious": "Gorgeous."

"Grace With Jazz On Top" SPEAKS TO WOMEN. One fan who recently purchased the CD commented on how she loved the song "Secure in Heart," - a playful look at the insecurities we all face as women and the only real answer. "Martha, Martha" is another song on the CD that really speaks to women- and how we try to do it ALL! In our craziness, we long to sit at His feet.

"Grace With Jazz on Top" IS FUN! Many deep themes run through Kinscheck's songs, but who said faith can't be FUN! Fans often request the "Coffee Song" at live shows. Wildy World writes: "[It is] a jazz tune that wants to stray into rockabilly. Coffee becomes the metaphor for romance in a wonderful act of innuendo that's family friendly." - and don't forget the signature 'Vocal Trumpet'solo!

Other songs of note on the CD include:

1. The soulful "Grace"- the title cut; resonating the fundamental need we all have for grace from those around us, enhanced with flavorful keyboard work by husband and producer, Ralph Kinscheck and juicy Jaco-esk bass work and smooth drums by Kinscheck's brothers Chris and Gary Gibbons.

2. "American Memory" written in dedication to those who lost loved ones on 911 and other national tragedies. Opening with patriotic drum and flute duet, filled with some folky-funky groove and attitude and finishing with full choir in rich poignant harmony.

3. "Always Kiss Good Night"- Which according to Metronome Magazine "features the outstanding vocal duet with David Coate." One of dozens of custom love songs written by Kinscheck over the years.

4. "A Little Time"- More of a country tune with the interestin twist of being written from the point of view of Time. "I'll be here when you need me, take me! I'm a Little Time!"

5. "Get in the Water"- Dixieland meets SCAT singing and tells the true story of soul saved! Yeah! It is that wild a combo!

GIVING BACK: Kinscheck supports the charity HOPE Worldwide through volunteer - Indie Ezine

LET THE SWEET SOUNDS OF JULIE KINSCHECK HEAL YOUR WINTER BLUES

February 1, 2011 | by Skope Staff

I am finally back from my vacation which was very refreshing in body & spirit. So to get me back into the swing I wanted to have a musician that could keep the good vibes going. My next guest is enduring this snowy winter like most of us in New England and she goes by the name Julie Kinscheck. Julie’s voice is soft, sweet, and inviting to the ear. I knew I wanted to have her on after hearing her song “Grace” off her album ‘Grace with Jazz on Top.’ Join us as Julie Kinscheck talks about how the church led her to music, how music helps her marriage, Hope Worldwide, and so much more.

Stoli: Where are we talking from today and how was your holidays?

Julie Kinscheck: Today I am in Billerica, MA -Home. We are expecting a big storm tomorrow and we have been working on the recording studio we are building in the house before the storm hits. We had some construction guys in here this morning painting the control room floor and fixing some spots on the n trim for the new door into what will be the live recording room. It is amazing how many details go into not only making something acoustically excellent- but just cosmetically right!

As for the holidays- we spent Christmas here with visiting family. We had finished all the big Christmas concerts etc the week before. We had planned to go down to the Atlanta area to visit Ralph’s side of the family- but we got snowed in! Time to sled!

Stoli: How much does music play into your family gatherings for the holidays?

Julie Kinscheck: Crazy as it seems- not much. My brothers are professional base and drums, my parents (divorced and both re-married) write (Mom) and Sing opera (Dad)- but when we get together we mostly eat and talk. Some years I have led the family in carol singing. That is just the actual Christmas Eve and Day.

My immediate family is always very involved in various Christmas shows, student recitals and special Christmas services running up to the holiday- on which I am usually singing, playing, conducting and leading often adults and children. This year my favorite Christmas event was the Christmas service I helped to direct the week before Christmas- which included me directing two children’s choirs- And singing this gorgeous BarlowGirl Christmas song called “Hallelujah (Light Has Come)”.

Stoli: What are you proud of for 2010 and would like to accomplish in 2011?

Julie Kinscheck: One of the things I am most proud of in 2010 was directing a benefit called “The Night Of HOPE” here in Billerica. I put together a set with my original band to play- and we were the house band. One of the songs off our The Force CD “Hope For the Children” was the theme song for the night. I invited numerous other wonderful musicians to perform and a speaker, Walter Kotkowski, from Hope Worldwide to present. We raised a bunch of money for HOPE’s incredible medical missions in Africa and Guatamala. I hope (no pun intended) to direct an even larger event in town in 2011.

In 2010 I managed to get the attention of a good deal of local and regional press; I was on the cover of The Metronome, The Billerica Green, The Lowell Sun and The Minute Man to name a few. This should make publicizing our next night of Hope much better. This in turn will raise more money for needy children- which is an important part of my personal mission as an artist.

Also in 2011 we hope to lay down the basics for my next CD. I have been writing lots of new songs that I am very excited about- and with our new home studio (prayerfully functional in the next few months) we will start to put it together! I will fly my drummer brother, Gary in from LA again and import my bass playing brother, Chris up from NY for the basics!

Another really cool thing from 2010 was having my “Coffee Song” hit the charts in Austria! I am praying to do a tour in Europe in the summer of 2011.

Stoli: The church and your father helped get you started in music. How would you say that that shaped you as a songwriter today?

Julie Kinscheck: Well my Dad is certainly a big part of why I can sing well- he has a gorgeous voice! But it was my mother’s poetry writing style and her marvelous use of imagery that influences my songwriting even today. The influence of the church and later contemporary Christian music has been a more recent (last 20 years) influence than childhood- but everything I write, even the completely secular songs are all influenced by the faith that guides my life… my belief in the good always triumphing over evil, that anything is possible with God and that there is hope in any situation no matter how grave it seems.

Stoli: You graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston. How did your years there help take your performance to the next level and to learn with the best?

Julie Kinscheck: Berklee was invaluable to me! I always enjoyed singing and writing and playing… but it w - Skope Magazine

Our Screening Team heard aspects of these well-known artists in your release:
Carrie Underwood
Colbie Caillat
Heart
Maria Muldaur
Watermark

Based on our listen, the following aspects of this release are outstanding. Keep building on these strengths.

Performance:
Vocals - Lead

Lead vocals are the first thing that most listeners pay attention to, so a great performance is essential. Your lead vocals really grabbed us. We don't tag a lot of releases as having great lead vocals, so this is an excellent strength for you to have.

Songwriting:
Song Structure
We thought this song had a logical structure and all the parts were distinct. A good song structure generally has both repetition
and surprise, and we thought you nailed it.

Production:
Arrangement / Instrumentation
Having a good arrangement, with the right instrumentation, helps give listeners a better sense of what's happening melodically and
harmonically. Your arrangements were just right. Nice job.
Mix / Blend
In the studio, a good mix separates the men from the boys. It's relatively easy to get good raw tracks, but mixing them right is an
art unto itself. Clearly a lot of time and work went into the mix here. It's paying off.

Production Quality
All the elements in the mix here sound clear, and they coalesce into a cohesive sound that suits the composition. This is very
much its own art form. Nice work.

No Qualities That Need Work - On this release, nothing stood out as needing significant improvement. It's possible that we think
you've nailed it - or perhaps we think you still have room to grow, but you just need to continue refining your craft. Either way, keep up
the great work.
- Hello Music

JULIE KINSCHECK RELEASE 'GRACE WITH JAZZ ON TOP'

"Grace With Jazz on Top," the latest CD by singer-songwriter Julie Kinscheck, also known as the Queen of SCAT, is getting rave reviews from print, radio and live audiences all over. Check it out- you may just smile (or cry)!"

Julie Kinscheck's songwriting and outstanding vocal work will satisfy you to your soul..." - Metronome Magazine Jan 2010

REVIEWS: Wildy World wrote: "Fans of Christian pop music will dig Julie Kinscheck." "It's quite amazing how you incorporate the Christian themes into the Jazz styled vox performances let alone the brilliant music arrangements as well. Vocal harmonies are so well arranged, and will bring a big smile to many a listeners face, as it did to mine," exclaimed one Taxi reviewer. For more reviews go to www.sonicbids.com/juliekinscheck

RADIO: "Coffee Song" recently hit #34 on the ECMA Charts in Austria! While this and other cuts from Kinscheck are playing on over 4000 international radio stations and selling on line at www.julieksings.com, iTunes, Cdbaby, Amazon.com etc and selling at Julie's live shows across New England and the US and Canada; "Grace With Jazz On Top"- breaking through.

The album sports a unique blend of spiritual pop and folk with a liberal sprinkle of dynamite SCAT singing. But frankly, it's just a great listen.

"Coffee Song" Ringtone:

SKOPE IT HERE!

BIO: Kinscheck, born Julie Alice Gibbons, was a kid who grew up in Ithaca, NY, playing guitar and writing her own songs from her heart; when she missed the boat to child stardom, she busted her back to make a living singing... She traveled playing the streets of Europe, played countless clubs, coffeehouses, churches and weddings. She was even chosen as one of the best-unsigned songwriters by the national academy of songwriters in NYC in 1991.

At last God opened some doors to play larger venues (even Madison Square Garden!) and start putting out recordings. "The Force" with the band PTB and "Faith in Action Live" with a capella group Faith in action, both came out in 2006.

Now a mom of twins with tales of heartaches, struggles and a powerful faith, she has taken her vast experience, songwriting awards and sense of humor and created a work of art in this her debut solo artist CD.

"Grace With Jazz On Top" is vulnerable. While being interviewed by the Billerica Green, the reporter wiped her eyes because she was so moved by the story of infertility and God's miracles behind Kinscheck's song "Precious." After 8 long years struggling with infertility, Kinscheck put her amazing love for her unborn twins into song.

The reviewer from Metronome magazine who chose "Grace With Jazz On Top" as a top five pick in January 2010- worthy of the cover story in March 2010, just called the vocal work on "Precious": "Gorgeous."

"Grace With Jazz On Top" speaks to women. One fan that recently purchased the CD commented on how she loved the song "Secure in Heart," - a playful look at the insecurities we all face as women and the only real answer. "Martha, Martha" is another song on the CD that really speaks to women- and how we try to do it ALL! In our craziness, we long to know the peace as we sit at His feet.

"Grace With Jazz on Top" is FUN! Many deep themes run through Kinscheck's songs, but who said faith can't be FUN! Fans often request the "Coffee Song" at live shows. Wildy World writes: "[It is] a jazz tune that wants to stray into rockabilly. Coffee becomes the metaphor for romance in a wonderful act of innuendo that's family friendly." - and don't forget the signature 'Vocal Trumpet' solo!

Other songs of note on the CD include:

*1. The soulful "Grace"- the title cut; resonating the fundamental need we all have for grace from those around us, enhanced with flavorful keyboard work by husband and producer, Ralph Kinscheck and juicy Jaco-esk bass work and smooth drums by Kinscheck's brothers Chris and Gary Gibbons. This track also includes percussion grooves by the internationally respected African drummer: Joe Galeota.
*2. "American Memory" written in dedication to those who lost loved ones on 911 and other national tragedies. Opening with patriotic drums and flute duet, filled with some folky-funky groove and attitude and finishing with full choir in rich poignant harmony.
*3. "Always Kiss Good Night"- Which according to Metronome Magazine "features the outstanding vocal duet with David Coate." Is one of dozens of custom love songs written by Kinscheck over the years.
*4. "A Little Time"- More of a country tune with the interesting twist of being written from the point of view of Time itself. "I'll be here when you need me, take me! I'm a Little Time!"
*5. "He Called"- This jazzy little love song that could be a great hook for a cell phone company! The Andrews Sisters-esk vocal harmonies throughout, the Chicago style horn section, flourishing keyboard work by Ralph Kinscheck and SCAT solo all make this a light - Skope Magazine

Julie Kinscheck – Grace With Jazz On Top
2008, Jharck Records

Boston’s own Julie Kinscheck had dedicated her life to changing the world through music. Whether performing on her own, with a Cappella group Faith In Action or PTB, Kinscheck sings about her Faith and belief in God. In 2008 Kinscheck finally took a huge leap of faith and released her debut solo album, Grace With Jazz On Top. Mixing jazz with folk and pop styles, Kinscheck has created a refreshing and vibrant album.

Grace With Jazz On Top opens with Secure Heart, a great little tune that walks the pathway between 1960’s Rock and Country. Secure Heart has the pop sensibility to catch on with listeners. Grace is written in a Rock/Jazz hybrid periodically reminiscent of The Dave Matthews Band. Coffee Song is the highlight of the album; a jazz tune that wants to stray into rockabilly. Coffee becomes the metaphor for romance in a wonderful act of innuendo that’s family friendly. Get In The Water takes us to Dixieland in a pop arrangement. Kinscheck even gets in some mean scat singing in one of the peppier offerings on the album. Other highlights include The Andrews Sisters inspired He Called, Precious, and the martial country tribute to the resilience of Faith: American Memory.

Grace With Jazz On Top is a memorable collection of pop/jazz hybrids full of Spirit. Fans of Christian Pop music will dig Julie Kinscheck.

Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Julie Kinscheck at http://www.julieksings.com/. You can purchase a copy of Grace With Jazz On Top at www.cdbaby.com/cd/kinscheck.

posted by Wildy at 5:20 AM on Mar 6, 2009 - Wildy World

By Liana Measmer, Billerica Green, Jan/ Feb 2010 Issue

Julie Kinscheck always loved to sing and planned to make it big some day. She was going to have all those things known performers have- fame, fortune and prestige. However, her life took her down a different road than she expected and instead, she became a soul transformed who has gone to bring hope to thousands...

Born Julie Gibbons in Ithaca, New York, Kinscheck came to creative arts naturally since she was part of a very musical family. Her father sang in local operas and conducted musicals at Cornell. Her mother wrote poetry. Her brothers played in a rock and roll band.

"Music was all around me," said Kinscheck.

At nine, she began singing her own songs for others. Kinscheck wanted to be discovered so walking along the street (to gymnastics practice), she would sing at the top of her lungs, hoping to be heard. One of her earliest influences was her childhood music teacher, John Bailey, who taught her about improvisation. This later became a cornerstone of her songwriting and arranging. Known as "SCAT" [Vocal improvisation] became a talent for Kinscheck and she later donned the title "Queen of SCAT."...

Kinscheck became a Rotary exchange student after high school and went on to study in Munich, Germany for a year, traveling to France, Italy and England. She played her guitar on the streets [And thus supported her trip]...

Upon returning to the US she attended Oberlin College, where she discovered Jazz musci and formed her own [vocal] band. A band member encouraged her to attend Berklee in Boston, where she obtained a full [jazz masters] scholarship and learned the ins and outs of the music business.

"Berklee was just what I needed to learn how to make a living as a musician," said Kinscheck.

Instead of returning to New York [after graduation] Kinscheck remained in Boston and worked hard. She sang at weddings and taught voice students privately. She went on to form a cover band, Centerpiece, and started living the rock star lifestyle. She performed with her group at restaurants and bars and ultimately ran herself into the ground. She explained that she became tenacious, never slept and grew to be very bossy. She thought to make she had to be someone she wasn't and would strut her stuff seductively on stage because she thought she had to. She had mistaken this for being a tough, independent woman. [This also earned her a stalker- but that is another story for another time!]

"I was proud of that," shrugged Kinscheck.

What happened next transformed her life and her career forever. She developed 'nodes', a condition where callouses form on the vocal chords. Ultimately, she lost her voice and her band fell apart. She found all the friends she surrounded herself with disappeared. It was at this, her lowest point, where grace stepped in to save her.

Kinscheck had met Jim Peterson, a classmate in college who was a Christian. He talked about God and Kinscheck listened but was uninterested. However, upon seeing her fiancee’ transform under the power of the scriptures, Kinscheck wanted to know more. She began to study the Bible and wrestle with her own demons.

“Reading scripture brings a mirror up to your face,” she said.

Kinscheck made the decision to become a Christian and miraculously her voice healed. She went from playing little venues and bars to performing in concert halls in front of thousands at Christian conferences. She realized the possibilities were endless.

Kinscheck had met her future husband, Ralph, through school but they never became friends. Eight years after leaving Berklee, through Peterson, they met again in church, new people.

“God had changed us both so much we were ready to fall in love,” she said.

The couple was married and began making music together. Ralph played keyboards, but was also a talented songwriter, engineer and producer. He has been an important factor in helping Kinscheck produce her thre CD’s. IN 2006, Kinscheck produced “Faith in Action Live” [a ‘cappella/ gospel /Jazz] with her a ‘cappella group [Faith in Action]. The same year, she and her husband, through working in children’s ministries, put out “The Force”- Christian rock for kids, aimed especially at [pre-] teens.

In 2008, Kinscheck produced her solo debut album called “Grace With Jazz On Top.”

In it, she had her longings fulfilled as she was able to perform a variety of songs spanning all types of topics. She wrote music which addressed what women today faced in society. Also on the CD is “Precious,” the song she wrote to her twins, Caleb and Hannah, who she endured eight years of miscarriage and medical intervention to finally have.

“I couldn’t believe how in love I was with them when they were still just a speck on the screen,” she smiled.

The performing gene apparently runs strong in this family, because her tow children love to sing - Billerica Green

By Liana Measmer, Billerica Green, Jan/ Feb 2010 Issue

Julie Kinscheck always loved to sing and planned to make it big some day. She was going to have all those things known performers have- fame, fortune and prestige. However, her life took her down a different road than she expected and instead, she became a soul transformed who has gone to bring hope to thousands...

Born Julie Gibbons in Ithaca, New York, Kinscheck came to creative arts naturally since she was part of a very musical family. Her father sang in local operas and conducted musicals at Cornell. Her mother wrote poetry. Her brothers played in a rock and roll band.

"Music was all around me," said Kinscheck.

At nine, she began singing her own songs for others. Kinscheck wanted to be discovered so walking along the street (to gymnastics practice), she would sing at the top of her lungs, hoping to be heard. One of her earliest influences was her childhood music teacher, John Bailey, who taught her about improvisation. This later became a cornerstone of her songwriting and arranging. Known as "SCAT" [Vocal improvisation] became a talent for Kinscheck and she later donned the title "Queen of SCAT."...

Kinscheck became a Rotary exchange student after high school and went on to study in Munich, Germany for a year, traveling to France, Italy and England. She played her guitar on the streets [And thus supported her trip]...

Upon returning to the US she attended Oberlin College, where she discovered Jazz musci and formed her own [vocal] band. A band member encouraged her to attend Berklee in Boston, where she obtained a full [jazz masters] scholarship and learned the ins and outs of the music business.

"Berklee was just what I needed to learn how to make a living as a musician," said Kinscheck.

Instead of returning to New York [after graduation] Kinscheck remained in Boston and worked hard. She sang at weddings and taught voice students privately. She went on to form a cover band, Centerpiece, and started living the rock star lifestyle. She performed with her group at restaurants and bars and ultimately ran herself into the ground. She explained that she became tenacious, never slept and grew to be very bossy. She thought to make she had to be someone she wasn't and would strut her stuff seductively on stage because she thought she had to. She had mistaken this for being a tough, independent woman. [This also earned her a stalker- but that is another story for another time!]

"I was proud of that," shrugged Kinscheck.

What happened next transformed her life and her career forever. She developed 'nodes', a condition where callouses form on the vocal chords. Ultimately, she lost her voice and her band fell apart. She found all the friends she surrounded herself with disappeared. It was at this, her lowest point, where grace stepped in to save her.

Kinscheck had met Jim Peterson, a classmate in college who was a Christian. He talked about God and Kinscheck listened but was uninterested. However, upon seeing her fiancee’ transform under the power of the scriptures, Kinscheck wanted to know more. She began to study the Bible and wrestle with her own demons.

“Reading scripture brings a mirror up to your face,” she said.

Kinscheck made the decision to become a Christian and miraculously her voice healed. She went from playing little venues and bars to performing in concert halls in front of thousands at Christian conferences. She realized the possibilities were endless.

Kinscheck had met her future husband, Ralph, through school but they never became friends. Eight years after leaving Berklee, through Peterson, they met again in church, new people.

“God had changed us both so much we were ready to fall in love,” she said.

The couple was married and began making music together. Ralph played keyboards, but was also a talented songwriter, engineer and producer. He has been an important factor in helping Kinscheck produce her thre CD’s. IN 2006, Kinscheck produced “Faith in Action Live” [a ‘cappella/ gospel /Jazz] with her a ‘cappella group [Faith in Action]. The same year, she and her husband, through working in children’s ministries, put out “The Force”- Christian rock for kids, aimed especially at [pre-] teens.

In 2008, Kinscheck produced her solo debut album called “Grace With Jazz On Top.”

In it, she had her longings fulfilled as she was able to perform a variety of songs spanning all types of topics. She wrote music which addressed what women today faced in society. Also on the CD is “Precious,” the song she wrote to her twins, Caleb and Hannah, who she endured eight years of miscarriage and medical intervention to finally have.

“I couldn’t believe how in love I was with them when they were still just a speck on the screen,” she smiled.

The performing gene apparently runs strong in this family, because her tow children love to sing - Billerica Green

With the making of her new CD, Grace With Jazz On Top, many of Julie Kinscheck’s musical dreams were fulfilled. Along with her brothers, Gary and Chris Gibbons, her husband Ralph Kinscheck, and a host of fine local musicians, Julie made a lifetime’s worth of songwriting a reality. We talked one wintry day and she defined how her faith and music walks hand in hand with one another...

METRONOME: Did you grow up in a musical family?

My father used to sing operas. He went to college at Oberlin. Dad and mom sang in Gilbert & Sullivan productions together in college. My mother thought she didn’t have a good voice so she always played the comedic role, but she actually had a really nice voice. That’s how my parents got together.

METRONOME: Where was that?

In Oberlin, Ohio, which is near Cleveland. My dad has gone on to conduct choirs, in fact, he still conducts a choir for his church.
My oldest brother, Chris Gibbons, is a bass player and he played on my new CD Grace With Jazz on Top. My other brother, Gary, is a drummer. He lives out in L.A. He’s a professional drummer out there. He also played on my CD.

METRONOME: Does Chris live around here?

No. He lives in Ithaca, New York. That’s where I grew up.

METRONOME: They both come here to record with you?

Yeah. It was actually a childhood dream. When I was a kid, my brothers always played in bands and they toured. They had a cover band that was really good called Crossroads. They weren’t in to doing the Jackson 5 thing though... little sister was little sister. As we grew up, we all moved different ways. We didn’t get to play together. It was a desire for all of us to record together.

METRONOME: You finally made it happen...

Yeah. We’re talking about getting together again for the next project.

METRONOME: Who were some of your musical influences growing up as a kid?

I grew up in the seventies, so I got a lot of the folk rock- Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkle and Bonnie Raitt’s early stuff. I listened to a lot of Joan Baez and Helen Reddy early on too, but I don’t really count them in my current influences. I had a music teacher, John Baily in elementary school who was a folk singing guitar player. He used to encourage all of us to make up our own words to songs we knew. I wrote my own verse to “Obladi Oblada” by The Beatles which I occasionally sing on gigs. It’s kind of a kick. He also encouraged us to make up harmonies. We had a vocal group that did a lot of 70s style three part harmonies. I think that acted as a big germ for my songwriting and improvisation because I started doing it when I was in elementary school. My mother also wrote poetry. She put out a couple of poetry books when I was a child. Dad was the music and mom was the words.

METRONOME: So you grew up in a very creative family?

I did.

METRONOME: It must have been a lot of fun too?

Of course, I was influenced by my brothers’ bands and they did a lot of that funky stuff... Earth, Wind & Fire, The Commodores, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers and stuff like that.

METRONOME: What made you pick up the guitar?

It’s funny because I played a couple of other instruments before that. They tried to give me piano lessons and violin lessons but I just wasn’t in to it. I really think it was my elementary school folk singing guitar teacher. He would do sing-a-longs with us all the time and I wanted to accompany my singing. I learned a few chords first from my brother Gary, then John Baily started teaching me all the chords to the songs we did in school. As soon as I started playing, I started performing my own material. When I was nine, I started playing guitar and then started singing in talent shows and churches at ten and eleven.
I used to be in gymnastics and was very serious about it. I wanted to go to the Olympics. I used to walk from school to gymnastics practice everyday after school. I would walk and sing at the top of my lungs hoping that someone would discover me.

METRONOME: If you weren’t going to make it in the Olympics you wanted to be a famous singer?

Yeah, I figured I would do the Olympics first and then be a famous singer, but I didn’t make it to the Olympics so I focused on music after that.

METRONOME: What were your Olympic aspirations?

As a gymnast. Olga Korbut was my hero and Nadia Comaneci. Six hours a day, six days a week when I got to my height. I was in advanced competition but I realized they had already chosen the Olympic team for the next Olympics when I would be seventeen. If I made it for the next one I would have been twenty one and that’s way too old. So I had a realization at fourteen that I wasn’t going to make it. I had to move on.

METRONOME: How did you end up landing in Boston?

After high school, I went on the Rotary Exchange Program and went to Germany. I lived in Munich for a year. I traveled around Europe pla - Metronome Magazine: Brian Owens

With the making of her new CD, Grace With Jazz On Top, many of Julie Kinscheck’s musical dreams were fulfilled. Along with her brothers, Gary and Chris Gibbons, her husband Ralph Kinscheck, and a host of fine local musicians, Julie made a lifetime’s worth of songwriting a reality. We talked one wintry day and she defined how her faith and music walks hand in hand with one another...

METRONOME: Did you grow up in a musical family?

My father used to sing operas. He went to college at Oberlin. Dad and mom sang in Gilbert & Sullivan productions together in college. My mother thought she didn’t have a good voice so she always played the comedic role, but she actually had a really nice voice. That’s how my parents got together.

METRONOME: Where was that?

In Oberlin, Ohio, which is near Cleveland. My dad has gone on to conduct choirs, in fact, he still conducts a choir for his church.
My oldest brother, Chris Gibbons, is a bass player and he played on my new CD Grace With Jazz on Top. My other brother, Gary, is a drummer. He lives out in L.A. He’s a professional drummer out there. He also played on my CD.

METRONOME: Does Chris live around here?

No. He lives in Ithaca, New York. That’s where I grew up.

METRONOME: They both come here to record with you?

Yeah. It was actually a childhood dream. When I was a kid, my brothers always played in bands and they toured. They had a cover band that was really good called Crossroads. They weren’t in to doing the Jackson 5 thing though... little sister was little sister. As we grew up, we all moved different ways. We didn’t get to play together. It was a desire for all of us to record together.

METRONOME: You finally made it happen...

Yeah. We’re talking about getting together again for the next project.

METRONOME: Who were some of your musical influences growing up as a kid?

I grew up in the seventies, so I got a lot of the folk rock- Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkle and Bonnie Raitt’s early stuff. I listened to a lot of Joan Baez and Helen Reddy early on too, but I don’t really count them in my current influences. I had a music teacher, John Baily in elementary school who was a folk singing guitar player. He used to encourage all of us to make up our own words to songs we knew. I wrote my own verse to “Obladi Oblada” by The Beatles which I occasionally sing on gigs. It’s kind of a kick. He also encouraged us to make up harmonies. We had a vocal group that did a lot of 70s style three part harmonies. I think that acted as a big germ for my songwriting and improvisation because I started doing it when I was in elementary school. My mother also wrote poetry. She put out a couple of poetry books when I was a child. Dad was the music and mom was the words.

METRONOME: So you grew up in a very creative family?

I did.

METRONOME: It must have been a lot of fun too?

Of course, I was influenced by my brothers’ bands and they did a lot of that funky stuff... Earth, Wind & Fire, The Commodores, Chicago, The Doobie Brothers and stuff like that.

METRONOME: What made you pick up the guitar?

It’s funny because I played a couple of other instruments before that. They tried to give me piano lessons and violin lessons but I just wasn’t in to it. I really think it was my elementary school folk singing guitar teacher. He would do sing-a-longs with us all the time and I wanted to accompany my singing. I learned a few chords first from my brother Gary, then John Baily started teaching me all the chords to the songs we did in school. As soon as I started playing, I started performing my own material. When I was nine, I started playing guitar and then started singing in talent shows and churches at ten and eleven.
I used to be in gymnastics and was very serious about it. I wanted to go to the Olympics. I used to walk from school to gymnastics practice everyday after school. I would walk and sing at the top of my lungs hoping that someone would discover me.

METRONOME: If you weren’t going to make it in the Olympics you wanted to be a famous singer?

Yeah, I figured I would do the Olympics first and then be a famous singer, but I didn’t make it to the Olympics so I focused on music after that.

METRONOME: What were your Olympic aspirations?

As a gymnast. Olga Korbut was my hero and Nadia Comaneci. Six hours a day, six days a week when I got to my height. I was in advanced competition but I realized they had already chosen the Olympic team for the next Olympics when I would be seventeen. If I made it for the next one I would have been twenty one and that’s way too old. So I had a realization at fourteen that I wasn’t going to make it. I had to move on.

METRONOME: How did you end up landing in Boston?

After high school, I went on the Rotary Exchange Program and went to Germany. I lived in Munich for a year. I traveled around Europe pla - Metronome Magazine: Brian Owens

The first thing that absolutely caught my attention when hearing this 3-song tape by Julie Gibbons (Kinscheck is her married name) was the sweetness and beauty of her voice. At first it reminded me of a cross between a better singing Edie Brickell and Olivia Newton John, just the voice , not the style. The style ranges from pop to light funk/dance. The first song "Indian Summer" is a full sounding, very pretty pop song. Julie's vocals are extremely clear and sharp. The second song "Big Brick Wall" is not as good as the other two cuts... however I did find the song sticking in my head later! The last tune "Must Be A Better Way" is a lovely, smooth, spiritual song. This and "Indian Summer" were my favorites. Nice job, Julie! - Debbie Catalano - NE Performer Magazine

The first thing that absolutely caught my attention when hearing this 3-song tape by Julie Gibbons (Kinscheck is her married name) was the sweetness and beauty of her voice. At first it reminded me of a cross between a better singing Edie Brickell and Olivia Newton John, just the voice , not the style. The style ranges from pop to light funk/dance. The first song "Indian Summer" is a full sounding, very pretty pop song. Julie's vocals are extremely clear and sharp. The second song "Big Brick Wall" is not as good as the other two cuts... however I did find the song sticking in my head later! The last tune "Must Be A Better Way" is a lovely, smooth, spiritual song. This and "Indian Summer" were my favorites. Nice job, Julie! - Debbie Catalano - NE Performer Magazine

Julie Kinscheck
GRACE WITH JAZZ ON TOP
10 Song CD

The title of Julie Kinscheck's new CD, GRACE WITH JAZZ ON TOP is a little misleading. There's only a smattering of real jazz offered up with the inclusion of some fine scatting by Kinscheck that shows up on a few songs here and there. Instead, Kinscheck delivers a collection of fine spiritual pop and folk numbers fueled by acoustic guitar, piano, bass and drums. Kinscheck has a beautiful voice and a wide range to match. Accompanied by her husband Ralph on piano and her brothers Chris Gibbons on bass guitar and Gary Gibbons on drums, Kinscheck also employs a handful of players and singers to help her realize her musical dream. Best songs include "Grace", the upbeat "Coffee SOng", the beautiful "Always Kiss Goodnight" that features an outstanding vocal duet with David Coate, and the gorgeous vocal work of Kinscheck in her song "Precious."

Whether you're fan of the folk tradition or a follower of spiritual singers, Julie Kinscheck's songwriting and outstanding vocal work will satisfy you to your soul. [DS]
Contact- www.julieksings.com - Metronome Magazine

Article From The Billerica Minute Man

Music is a Window into Singer’s Heart
By Correspondent/Liana Measmer
Wed Feb 27, 2008, 06:41 PM EST
Billerica, Mass. -


Billerica, Mass. - Patriotism. Infertility. Forgiveness. Motherhood and marriage. God.

Julie Kinscheck, Queen of Scat, sings about it all because it all has touched her life and her heart.

“Grace with Jazz on Top,” her debut album, is a contemporary Christian CD that, according to Kinscheck, “is not in your face Christian”. The title cut, “Grace” speaks to the need by all people for mercy from friends, spouses and God for our humanness.

“American Memory” starts out with rousing military style drums and flute, which Kinscheck wrote following Sept. 11.

“As a people, we need to cherish every day and the relationships we have today because we are not promised tomorrow,” Kinscheck, a Billerica resident said

Kinscheck’s debut CD will be released in April. On Friday, Feb. 29, she will sing at the Jitters Coffee House in Southington, Conn.

“I hope it is the first of many solo artist CDs,” said Kinscheck. “I hope people will love it.”

In addition to singing and songwriting, Kinscheck holds guitar classes at the Billerica Recreation Center, and has 15 private guitar and voice students. Two of her students, Will Cox and Kelly Duffy, have learned much from her.

“I am much more aware of how I sing,” said Cox. “She’s a very good teacher.”

“I probably would not have had the courage to do it if I hadn’t had her support and training,” said Duffy, who performed “My Funny Valentine” at American Idol Camp.

Duffy wants to see how far she can take this and hopes to pursue a singing career.

Kinscheck’s love of singing and performing began at age 9 when she started writing her own songs, hoping to be discovered. She attended the Oberlin College and Conservatory in Oberlin, Ohio, before transferring to Boston’s Berklee College of Music. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music and won many awards for her skilled songwriting and jazz singing. Her influences included Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, and the Beatles.

Kinscheck came to her talent honestly. Her father, Paul Gibbons, was a baritone singer who sang in operettas back home in Ithaca, NY. Her mom, Polly Joan, sang comedy parts in musicals and published several poetry books. In addition to performing, her parents were passionate about helping others. Her father, a minister, was an activist during the Vietnam War, while her mother wrote a book about preventing teenage suicide.

“My parents instilled in me a desire to make a difference and I chose to do it through my music,” said Kinscheck.

Kinscheck was a part of folk groups in the 1970s and pop rock groups in the 1980s. She started her own band, Centerpiece, which sang at clubs and weddings. In 1990, she went solo, singing at clubs such as Johnny D’s in Somerville or The Middle East in Cambridge.

She desperately wanted to be discovered but unfortunately only came close, almost getting picked up by Warner Brothers and Sony Entertainment.

Then trouble hit. At the end of 1990, she lost her voice. Her band went their separate ways. Her boyfriend, David, broke up with her.
“I didn’t know where my life was headed,” said Kinscheck.

Then an angel was sent to her from a very unlikely place. Her favorite guitar player, Jim Peterson, a classmate at Berklee, began studying the Bible with her ex-boyfriend. Kinscheck saw a dramatic change and began studying the Bible too. What she discovered astounded her.

“The mirror of the Bible came up to my life and I had to pay attention,” said Kinscheck. “Then it was about me and God.”

For the first time, Kinscheck met people who cared who she was and not what she was. She made her decision to be born again and was baptized on Jan. 6, 1991. Miraculously, six weeks later, her voice healed and she sang at the Wang Center for a standing room only. It was then that she made the decision to become a contemporary Christian performer.

“From then on, I decided that I didn’t need or want to do it alone anymore,” said Kinscheck. “That I would glorify God and not just me.”

Shortly after, Julie and her husband Ralph, were married. They had met at Berklee eight years beforehand but became friends when he joined her church, Boston Church of Christ. Ralph is the producer, engineer and main piano player on this CD.

Eight years and a second round of invitro fertilization later, the Kinschecks became proud parents to beautiful twins, Hannah and Caleb. In the song “Precious,” Kinscheck serenades the two tiny lives waiting to be born. She reassures them that “Nothing could become more precious than how you’ve become for me. My life will never be the same now that I hold you in my arms and I call out your names. My precious little babies.”

For additional info on her other performances, visit her website at www.julieksings.com.Among other things All Julie, information about how to pre-orde - Billerica Minute Man

Born-again Billerica Christian wants her music to inspire
By Chris Camire, ccamire@lowellsun.com
Updated: 07/15/2010 06:42:44 AM EDT

BILLERICA -- Rising Star from Billerica!

She's a folkie who became a jazzer and along the way got caught up in country, contemporary Christian, gospel and rock.

Sure, it sounds like a lot. But all that and more is packed into Julie Kinscheck's debut solo album, Grace With Jazz On Top.

Kinscheck, who lives in Billerica, is a married mother of young twins, Hannah and Caleb. She also teaches voice and guitar lessons out of her home. But it's through the 10 songs on her new album that her musical talent shines brightest.

When Kinscheck talks about songwriting, she doesn't just focus on coming up with a compelling beat and a pleasant melody. Her mission is to write music that will inspire.

"I've always wanted to do something worthwhile with my music, as opposed to being a singer that someone listens to and then forgets because the music didn't impact their life," Kinscheck said. "Music can be a great influence for people emotionally and spiritually."

Kinscheck started writing songs when she was a 9-year-old girl growing up in Ithaca, N.Y. Music runs in the family. Her dad sang in local operas. Her two older brothers, Gary and Chris, play drums and bass.

As a teenager, Kinscheck honed her performing as an exchange student for a year in Munich. During that time, she traveled around Europe performing on street corners, in subway stations and public squares.

It was the early 1980s, when street musicians didn't have the luxury of battery-powered amplifiers to get their
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sound out. Kinscheck had to compete with the grind of trains, loud tourists and beggars to be heard. It was a valuable lesson in performance and culture.

"In Germany, whatever happened was part of the show. If a weird guy tried to give me a kiss, everybody just watched. Nobody tried to defend me," said Kinscheck, smiling. "In Italy, the crowd would surround me. They wouldn't even let police through."

Kinscheck said she almost landed a record deal while in Europe, but it fell through at the last minute. She returned to the States and enrolled in Oberlin College in Ohio, where she studied music theory and took voice lessons for the first time.

A free spirit who wanted to make a difference with her music, Kinscheck got the school to approve a special major for her -- "Vocal Music and Social Change in the 20th Century." But a summer studying at Berklee College of Music, where she spent nights jamming in practice rooms with other musicians, made her realize Boston was her calling.

Kinscheck transferred to Berklee, graduating with a bachelor's degree. That's also where she met her future husband, Ralph Kinscheck. The two didn't hit it off at first, though.

"He ran with druggy rockers. I was with the stuck-up jazzers," said Kinscheck. "He thought I was pretty conceited. I thought he was pretty burned out. We had nothing to do with one another."

In fact, they wouldn't meet again for eight years. By that time, Kinscheck became a born-again Christian with the encouragement of her guitarist Jim Peterson. One day, somebody invited Ralph to a church open-mic night.

Soon after, Kinscheck wrote a tune about her budding love for Ralph, "Coffee Song," which appears on her record. The tune is chock-full of double entendres comparing the experience of sipping java to falling in love.

Ralph, who works at Berklee and owns a recording studio, is now Kinscheck's producer, engineer and piano player.

Between being a mother and wife, Kinscheck is trying hard to promote her music. She recently had a CD release party at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley. She'll be performing at All Asia in Cambridge at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Kinscheck acknowledges that being a do-it-yourself musician isn't easy, but she is hoping the quality of her music will open doors for her. She made sure to spend the time and money to have her album mixed and mastered professionally so it would stand up to any professional recording on the radio.

"If you spend a whole lot of years trying to get discovered and thinking you're the best thing since sliced bread, and it doesn't happen for you, eventually you have to stop and take some serious assessments and get real about life," said Kinscheck. "But I'm a dreamer. I can't help it"

Grace With Jazz On Top is available on www.julieksings.com, iTunes, CDBaby and Amazon.com. - Lowell Sun

Kimmie Raschka of RARB Review

Of “Faith in Action Live” CD

wrote about Kinscheck's SCATing:

“Highlights include Julie Kinscheck's stellar [vocal] horn solo on It Ain't Right, a feat so impressive I've never heard the likes of it before.”

- RARB Reviews

Kimmie Raschka of RARB Review

Of “Faith in Action Live” CD

wrote about Kinscheck's SCATing:

“Highlights include Julie Kinscheck's stellar [vocal] horn solo on It Ain't Right, a feat so impressive I've never heard the likes of it before.”

- RARB Reviews