Peace of Mind" was intended to simply introduce Julie's music to American tastemakers. Instead, it struck a chord deep within America's burgeoning soul music scene. The combination of Julie's classical and jazz training, a... more »nd her lovers' rock reggae roots, created a sound that was both classic and modern. "Peace of Mind" provided a glimpse into the future of soul music. Released less than a year ago, it has inspired an international grass-roots cult following which includes the biggest names in modern soul music. From the breathtaking lyrical journey of "Ketch A Vibe" to the freestyle call and response of "Sweet Melodies of Jupiter" to the percussive rapture of "Burning," "Peace of Mind" takes listeners on a mind-blowing adventure into the depths of retro-modern soul.« less
Peace of Mind" was intended to simply introduce Julie's music to American tastemakers. Instead, it struck a chord deep within America's burgeoning soul music scene. The combination of Julie's classical and jazz training, and her lovers' rock reggae roots, created a sound that was both classic and modern. "Peace of Mind" provided a glimpse into the future of soul music. Released less than a year ago, it has inspired an international grass-roots cult following which includes the biggest names in modern soul music. From the breathtaking lyrical journey of "Ketch A Vibe" to the freestyle call and response of "Sweet Melodies of Jupiter" to the percussive rapture of "Burning," "Peace of Mind" takes listeners on a mind-blowing adventure into the depths of retro-modern soul.
Scott Woods | Columbus, Ohio United States | 03/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Julie Dexter reigns as the queen of soul in England and one listen will tell you why. She's got the Motts: great, lilting voice, super-clean band, very strong songs and knows when to say when.This is an EP release without the benefit of samples that you can listen to here, but I'm telling you now: if you like Amel Larrieux, Caron Wheeler, Rachelle Ferrell, Sade, india.Arie and any of the English soul stuff of the last 10 years, you'll be able to buy this record sound unheard and be TOTALLY satisfied. I don't give out 5s often (and almost never to an EP), but this one has more straight-ahead hits on it than most records twice its length. bethe nifty kid on your block and get this rare, super-bad soul sister. Also a strong recommened for smooth jazz heads."
Overseas, She's The Queen Of U.K. Soul
dOc | Atlanta, GA | 10/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally, The Queen Of UK Soul ...For those of you who keep up with my reviews, you may have known me to preach about this sista out of England and her amazing vocal talent. Julie Dexter is that one artist that I probably would follow as long as she has a mucical career. Me and this CD go back to early 99 when the title was Dexterity, which is also the name of her new CD. I've met the whole team at past Chocolate Soul events and her stage show is as good (if not better)as this CD. Like N'Dambi, I've seen her perform around Atlanta 3 times and every show was a better treat than the next. This EP/CD only has 7 tracks (my CD had 6) but without a question IT IS THE MOST PLAYED CD I HAVE. There is nothing in your collection like it ,believe that!! She delivers pure jazz, raw soul, the illest percussion and the best female vocals I've heard in a while coming from the UK. She made her new home here in Atlanta to work on her new full length CD. I will try to be the first in line for that when it releases. LISTEN PEOPLE, out of all of the CD's I've written about, This is THE ONE I recommend highly. Yall not hearing me! ... I've had this CD for about 2 years and if someone was to threaten me for this CD or lose an arm.............. all I need is one arm to push play button on my CD player. My gems are" "What Do I Do", "Ketcha Vibe", "Burning" and "Sweet Melodies"..."
Finally, The Queen Of UK Soul is on Amazon!
dOc | Atlanta, GA | 10/04/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those of you who keep up with my reviews, you may have known me to preach about this sista out of England and her amazing vocal talent. Julie Dexter is that one artist that I probably would follow as long as she has a musical career. Me and this CD go back to early 99 when the title was Dexterity. I've met the whole team at past Chocolate Soul events and her stage show is as good (if not better)as this CD. Like N'Dambi, I've seen her perform around Atlanta 3 times and every show was a better treat than the next. Chocolate Soul Entertainment played a big part of bringing her soulful sound to the US and I give much props to them for that. This EP/CD only has 7 tracks (my CD had 6) but without a question IT IS THE MOST PLAYED CD I HAVE. There is nothing in your collection like it ,believe that!! She delivers pure jazz, raw soul, the illest percussion and the best female vocals I've heard in a while coming from the UK. She made her new home here in Atlanta to work on her new full length CD. I will try to be the first in line for that. LISTEN PEOPLE, out of all of the CD's I've written about, This is THE ONE I recommend highly. My favorite track on this one is "Sweet Melodies" followed up by "What Do I do?", "Ketch A Vibe" and "Burnin". She has another track thats out called "Be" but it's not featured on this EP. Yall not hearing me! I even wrote her to ask that she put it on Amazon so that I could spread the word about her talent. I've had this CD for about 2 years and if someone was to threaten me for this CD or lose an arm..............all I need is one arm to push play button.oNe"
Brilliance
Darrick J. Herndon | Sacramento, CA | 06/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Peace of Mind" should be likened to a shot of heroin. The second you inject it into your blood, it intoxicates you. I haven't felt this warm & fuzzy about an artist' debut since Jill Scott's "Words and Sounds Vol. 1". The sound can be described as neo-soul, however it also manages to capture some elements not found in most neo-soul records. Julie's Brit-soul breeding and her West Indie heritage are definitely represented, though not overbearing in their approach. One doesn't feel like they are listening to reggae or acid jazz, but elements of those forms are intricately woven into the tapestry. See "Sweet(dub mix", the bassline is pure yardie and is a compliment to the overall ethereal feel of the song. It is definitely my favorite, right along with the title cut.Julie Dexter is the next Sade. She deserves major success and I believe that it will come her way. A properly marketed full-length LP will do it and I know that as owner of her own label, she will not do a half-cocked job of that. As a fan, I crave her new album entitled, "Dexterity". I know it's been delayed, but I need my fix now. I'm a junkie."
It's definitely a 5 star CD!!!
Ron Ron | Chicago, IL | 03/27/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Now this is a real surprise! I was recommended her CD by Amazon and it completely blew me away! Even though it's only around 20 something minutes in length, all of the songs are quality and beautiful. There's really nothing you can say bad about the songs that are on here. "Peace of Mind" is an absolute gem. "Ketch a Vibe" and "Burning" are masterpieces as well. All of the songs are nice and Jazzy and a little bit of Reggae flavor can be heard on 2 of the tracks. If you like R&B, there is no reason this CD shouldn't be in your collection. One of the reviewers said because of it's length, they wouldn't give it 5 stars. However, when a CD full of great songs come along like this, you have to call it like you see it. ... This is a reason to always take a look at what Amazon recommends for you!"