. March 26

It's my theory that no female solo singer has a last name anymore. Or if it's a last name it's, like, Gaga. So bothersome. It is that universe that French-born, Berklee-schooled singer-songwriter Violette appears. She's mixes jazz, funk and soul; her heroes include Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. She also sings, mostly,in English. Violtte - who plays the Stork Club Friday March 26, has just released her second album, "Joie de Vivre." We'll turn further informing over Michael Diamond, a San Francisco based musician and writer: "The title of this, Violette’s second CD, is most appropriate and harkens back to her first 'official' commendation – the 'Joie de Vivre' award she won in kindergarten while still living in her native country of France. Translated as “Joy of Living”, a quality that is reflected in her music to this day. The title song opens with the sound of children’s laughter as it moves into a jazzy vibe and Violette’s buoyant voice scarcely able to contain the “joie” within. Multi-tracked vocals on the chorus lift the song up to another level altogether...

One aspect I was most taken by was the incredible range exhibited in Violette’s singing, both stylistically and in emotional expression. From a feathery whisper to a deep soulfulness, her vocals might best be described by the word “evocative”.  This is, however, not surprising given her background and influences. Although she has had classical voice training at a conservatory in Paris, her passion was sparked early in life after hearing Ella Fitzgerald, who she calls her “musical godmother.” After moving to Boston to study at the Berklee College of Music, American icons like Sarah Vaughan, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder were the next stepping stones, eventually leading up to some of her contemporary favorites like Lizz Wright and Ledisi. With influences such as these, it’s plain to see (or hear) how shades of jazz, R&B, soul, and gospel tint her music.

While most of her songs are sung in English, a few are in her native language of French. As mentioned, her music is diverse, yet cohesive. Elements of pop are slightly more evident in the early part of the album and later, perhaps a bit more jazz, although everything is so well integrated it’s hard to put a label on it. I would be remiss if I did not mention the high level of professional musicianship displayed by the people who accompanied her on keyboards, guitars, bass, drums, and percussion – outstanding.

One of my favorite tunes is “Set Me Free (and I’ll stay)” which starts off in a laid back smooth jazz groove, until a tight horn section steers it into a funky R&B direction. I also really enjoyed “Vague a l’ame” with its Latin jazz flavor and Violette’s breathy vocals. “Kiss N’ Fly” tells a proverbial two ships passing in the night tale of a chance encounter on an airplane that “left our hearts to ask, why do we have to part”. A soaring electric guitar solo by Kevin Barry further gives the song wings.

To be honest, I was not prepared to be as impressed by this album as I was. My first reaction as I began listening, was “wow, this is really special.” The sophistication of the compositions and arrangements was unexpected in an artist at such an early stage of her career.

Although a lot of her influences are “classic”, her sound is very contemporary and could appeal to a wide audience. The music business can be fickle and unpredictable, however, I truly believe that Violette has the creativity and talent to make her mark on it."

Sets start at 9:30 and are free.

604 Columbus Ave.,617-391-0256 www.storkclubboston.com