Julia Fordham’s remarkable singing and heartfelt compositions make her a unique voice in more ways than one. From Happy Ever After - her first release and an international hit in 1988 - to Unusual Suspects, her latest project and an intriguing collaboration with Paul Reiser, Julia has shown herself to be an artist of consistently high quality.
Reiser, creator and star of the hit TV sitcom Mad About You, is a gifted musician and classically trained pianist. He has also been a Julia Fordham fan for years. A chance meeting led to a writing session where they found fertile common ground, resulting in 10 songs for this new album. Unusual Suspects is out now on Muttley Bosco Records.
On July 17, 19, 20, 21 and 22, Julia appears in a completely sold out season at The Pheasantry at Pizza Express.
Kingsroad.co.uk spoke to Julia to hear more about the performance and her life in the USA...
Tell us about your gig coming up at The Pheasantry.
I am doing pretty much all the old stuff, the songs folks know and love with the great musicians from my early records and tours. There will be surprises and special guests and also some new twists on some old songs.
Do you have a history with the King's Road?
When I was a teen on Hayling Island, near Portsmouth, we kept hearing about punk rockers who hung out at King's Road. So somehow, with my school pal, we managed to get up to London on the train and stumbled out at Sloane Square. There to our absolute delight, were a pack of splendid mohican sporting youth with thousand of piercings and fashionable clothes and boots. A veritable tribe of real live punks!
What for you is special about performing at The Pheasantry?
I was a guest there recently with the amazing singer songwriter Judith Owen and liked the venue and thought it would be a good fit for me. And now Jude is going to be my special guest at most of the gigs. I am really thrilled, honoured and delighted all the shows have sold out. Thank you to everyone who bought tickets.
What's coming up next?
Judith and I are talking about doing a duets record together. I would like to work with my muso buddies again (those I have been reunited with for this gig) like percussionist Miles Bould and pianist, arranger, Grant Mitchell who has a couple of co-writes on the Emeli Sande album which I think is fantastic.
We understand you're now based in California. Can you share your five favourite things about life there? We're guessing the sunshine might be one of them!
I love London, and basically I have a very European soul. But somehow I find myself based in California because the golden sunshine is very seductive and life is a little bit easier here.
Musically, LA has been kind to me, and now I have a monthly residency at a club in Hollywood called Molly Malones, the first Thursday of every month.
California is truly a magnificent breath taking remarkable state. Where else can you get stunning sea views and coastlines; the desert, the mountains for hiking and skiing; the forests for gazing and gasping at the wonder and a ton of great cities?!
Tickets
Cancellations and returned tickets may be available for some of Julia Fordham's performances. Visit the PizzaExpress Live website and fill out the online waiting list form for your desired date.
Follow