Biography
With her spine-tingling acapella renditions, mesmerizing interpretations of Yeats’s poetry and beautiful folk and bluesy compositions, Julie Abbé immediately captivates and deeply moves her audience. Infused with a rare sensitivity and emotional depth reminiscent of Sandy Denny, Julie's voice is full of feelings and simply spell-binding.
Bristol-based French folk and jazz singer Julie Abbé grew up in rural France dancing and singing to the traditional Bal Folk music of her native Poitou-Charentes region. Based in the UK for the past 20 years, she has become a fervent adept of English and Irish traditional songs and singing sessions while still drawing from her French folk roots. Also well versed in jazz and blues she brings a fresh voice and unique arrangements to traditional songs.
Debut folk album "Numberless Dreams"
Her critically-acclaimed debut folk album Numberless Dreams released in 2020 was short-listed for the Album of the Year Awards by Blues and Roots Radio and got played on BBC Radio 3 and 6.
Featuring Dominie Hooper and Sid Goldsmith and produced by the latter, it gathers beautifully-crafted arrangements of Irish and English traditional songs and sublime original renditions of W.B.Yeats poetry.
“Exquisite Craftsmanship… quietly devastating” Folk Radio UK
“A skilful and sensitive composer and performer” RnR Magazine
Her single Derrière Chez Nous, "a stunningly beautiful and deeply romantic retake on a French folk classic" (Folk Radio UK) is available on all music platforms.
Julie is presently working on her second album produced by James Grunwell from the band Me and My Friends. Due to come out in May 2023, it gathers 12 original songs at the fertile crossroad of folk, swing and old-time blues.
Julie is currently performing solo. If you're a promoter wishing to book her, please click here.
Scroll down to listen to her previous folk and jazz projects.
Previous Folk Projects
Melusina Trio (Bristol, 2014-2015)
A "bal folk" project, Melusina trio played lyrical and inventive folk music weaving cello, guitars and three-part harmonies. Their repertoire included beautifully arranged original and traditional songs, mazurkas, waltzes, scottisches, bourrées, etc.
Julie Abbé: lead vocals, guitar
Nick Rasle: guitar, backing vocals
Amy Cox: cello, backing vocals
Duo Julie Abbé and Izzy Budd (Bristol, 2014)
Julie and Izzy’s voices both convey a delicate raw sensitivity and emotional sincerity, and when they blend, magic happens...