Jezebel Music January Feature
Jezebel Music January Feature
Squeeze Rock
January 23, 2007 – 11:16 pm
Posted by DanDIppolito
Ladies and Gentlemen, step right up! For the pleasure of your ears and eyes is a man who came to entertain. Accompanied by accordion (hence the title of his first album, "Squeeze Rock") and donning a vested suit, Julz A’s catchy compositions are a colorful time-trip mash-up. Taking the stage like a rock/hip-hop turn of the century carnival, Julz will amuse at the January 24 Songwriter Showcase.
Julz A is a showman whose persona is made unique by his high-energy formally-attired performances, humorous attitude, and entertaining feats. On one live highlight video, Julz is seen playing a ‘baby accordion’ in one song, performing as an almost vaudevillean lounge singer in another, and breaking out a solo dance routine to top things off. In 2006, Julz performed on Showtime At The Apollo.
According to his website, Julz A has been described as "a rapping version of Jimi Hendrix on the accordion." To get an idea of his sound, consider influences such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beck, and OutKast. Julz’s own description of his music as being "fundamentally alternative rock" is accurate — the backbone of his compositions echo 90’s alt-rock song structures, chord changes, and tempos.. except that from behind his bowtie Julz raps most of his lyrics, and accordion, ever-popular in rock and roll, is the predominant accompanying instrument.