JazzInToronto's Songbird Series: Julie Mahendran

Julie Mahendran - vocals Adrean Farrugia - keys Julie Mahendran’s influences began with voices like Whitney Houston and Annie Lennox, expanding back over time to jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Annie Ross. From classic jazz to pop and funk, with vocalese influences from Jon Hendricks to Kurt Elling, Julie’s versatile voice sings it all with her signature clarity and joy. Born in Montreal and raised in Edmonton, Julie is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston where she studied with Cheryl Bentyne of the Manhattan Transfer and performed for music legends including Herb Alpert, Patti Austin, and Benny Golson. Based in Toronto since then, Julie has released 2 albums. The first, NEVER DO WITHOUT YOU, is a tribute to classic jazz in a chordless trio format with voice, bass and drums. The second, LOVELIGHT, includes more original songs and modern classics by artists including the Supremes and Sade. Julie’s voice has taken her from local clubs to overseas in Hong Kong and theatres around North America, performing with groups including Classic Albums Live.