Folk-rock: album review – Julie July Band ‘Lady of the First Light’

“I salute the July Julie Band for their dedication in keeping Sandy Denny’s music alive. Both their live performances and this album do justice to her enormous legacy” For the full review click on Darren Johnson below.

“The Julie July Band has built a substantial reputation on reinterpretations of Sandy Denny’s songs. Songs which should never be forgotten, and Julie is an accomplished and sensitive interpreter of Sandy’s material, and the band provides her with excellent support. I was particularly struck by Steve Rezillo’s fluent lead guitar and its interplay with Don MacLeod’s intricate acoustic guitar” For the full review click on David Harley below.

“Julie’s vocals, always a little more mainstream than Sandy’s Gaelic-influenced ornamentation, are very well suited to this range of material, and the band’s instrumental support is as solid as ever” For the full review click on David Harley below.

“Julie July and her band have delivered a first rate collection of contemporary folk rock music. Quality songs, superb vocals and forthright lyrics delivered with skill, technique and conviction. Perfectly conceived, recorded and superbly realised – this is proof that she is one of the brightest talents in the UK right now”