Frankfurt-based cultural institution Jazz Montez proudly presents the sophomore album from singer-songwriter Julie Kuhl. Taking influence from artists such as Arlo Parks and Phoebe Bridgers, the record’s sonics range from danceable indie soul to intimate and heartbreaking folk pop, carrying a certain maturity well beyond the author’s young years.

Made possible thanks to a generous grant from Initiative Musik, (making the seventeen year old artist the youngest person to ever receive the grant) Julie was joined by an array of 18 musicians, assembled from Germany’s contemporary Jazz scene. This included a string quartet and a brass section, which helped add new possibilities and dimensions to her original compositions. An uplifting and authentic listening experience, this is an enthralling offering from a young musician at the start of her journey.

On the release, Julie says: ‘Never in my life have I made something that I put so much work, effort and love into. There’s nothing I’ve been able to identify with like this before. And honestly, nothing I’m so proud of.’ Jazz Montez began hosting concerts and festivals in new and unexpected locations in Frankfurt, Germany in 2016. Since then, the collective has brought such acts as IAMDDB, Kiefer, Blue Lab Beats, Oscar Jerome and Kamaal Williams to Frankfurt, becoming an internationally appreciated hub for contemporary jazz and jazz-influenced music. In 2021, Jazz Montez Records was founded to release original music by artists who had played shows in Frankfurt or were otherwise discovered.