Profile Description: The Most Extraordinary Adventure.
“Renaissance woman Jude Adams sings with panache and the zest of a soul sister who has lived a little and experienced a lot.” Rosie Millard OBE after the launch of album no 2 The Window to My Soul.
Jude is a singer-songwriter across various genres and would still describe what she does as a “professional hobby”. Having still never sung in a choir, never having played an instrument nor reading music and lacking the confidence to share a voice she knew she had Jude finally started singing aged 50 but only two years later in 2011 myalgic encephalomyelitis was diagnosed. Performing as with most areas of life came to an abrupt halt. Jude had qualified as an Interior Designer and was building up a significant freelance business amongst other things when health issues intervened.
Not one to be put off by the limitations presented to her Jude unexpectedly found herself writing poetry and then lyrics and coming up with musical doodles which she would hum or sing into her phone. Along with continuing where possible to work with a series of vocal coaches, Jude managed to learn about songwriting through online courses and 121 tuition and in 2016 brought out her first album This Girl, This Woman produced and arranged by renowned jazz composer and pianist, Janette Mason. The launch hosted by Rosie Millard OBE was supported by a successful Crowdfunding campaign and Arts Council England. This attracted quite a lot of media attention and inspired Jude to move forwards.
In 2017 Jude started performing a little again and continued writing new material.
The Window to My Soul followed in 2019 accompanied by a memoir of the same name and in October 2022 Jude’s third album Freedom was released.
Albums 2 and 3 also saw Jude developing her portfolio of visual art showing in person and with TWTMS, when the pandemic hit, online with The Alternative Spring Tour, before Zoom even became the norm!
At every stage of Jude’s musical adventure, through a natural curiosity and something of a fierce determination, she has set her bar higher – always seeking to learn more and develop her skills to become an accomplished and respected musician and singer. From starting to sing, starting to write – the music and words on 28/30 songs on her first 3 albums are her own – to becoming hands on in the production of her work.
For the last 5 years Jude has worked closely with Georgia Train (Burt Bacharach, Kaiser Chiefs, Bitter Ruin, Xenomania, Hookers Songs) as her vocal coach, mentor and one of her co-producers. A fourth project taking Jude in a very, very different musical direction is underway and will be ready for sharing sometime in Jude’s 65th year! One of Jude’s firm beliefs is that age should not get in the way of aspirations. “New talent should not always mean young talent.”
Testimonials: Hi Jude,
Just listened to the new album. I’m so impressed, your voice is fantastic and songs great. I’ve have your first two albums on Apple and play them in my car on mix. I always smile when one of your songs pops up. I wish you luck, what a talent you have. TA
“Superb….sublime…” Ian Hall. Liverpool Sound and Vision. November 2022. About Freedom. Link to full review-
http://www.liverpoolsoundandvision.co.uk/2022/11/14/jude-adams-freedom-album-review/
“It was so wonderful. It was like seeing a different person. Suddenly this Elvis alter-ego started singing. I couldn’t believe it. Amazing! “ CJ. October 2022.
“The tone of your voice always makes me feel emotional when I hear you sing. What a wonderful way to spend a warm Saturday autumnal evening at a live “pop-up” acoustic session with the talented and distinctive voice of Jude Adams.” LG. October 2022.
“The lyrics are like silk, they weave comfortably throughout the album and the energy they direct is one of gratification, of the longing being released and moved. It is the satisfaction that all those who believe that the time will eventually come when their voice is heard and it revels in its happy state of glory.”
— Ian Hall. Liverpool Sound and Vision (re The Window to My Soul)
“Definitely not background music. The Window to My Soul is gripping and exhilarating thanks to singer songwriter Jude Adams’ punchy brio. For anyone who has ever feared not giving it a go read The Window to My Soul and you will be to get up, face your fears and do it anyway. Once read, never forgotten.” Rosie Millard OBE.
“One of the things I like best about the album is the variety of moods that it reflects, from upbeat and dance-worthy to languorous. There’s something there to suit every mood. And that means that, every time I listen to the album I find a new favourite. I thought I’d settled on Soaking but when I heard your set at the soiree, I jumped ship for Forever My Love.”
— Alis Hawkins, Author None So Blind about This Girl, This Woman.
”This was a wonderful, memorable experience. Seldom does one have the opportunity to witness an artist and her process in such an intimate way. I so admire the candid, moving honesty with which Jude shared from her brilliant book and album. Entertaining, beautiful, inspirational.”
— Georgia Horton
“A fantastic session Jude. You’re an amazing performer!”
— Tim Bentley (Westgate Literary Festival organiser)
“Thanks for a different and enjoyable evening – loved the informality and mixture of song and prose. Great to hear from someone who has followed her passions and performs and entertains so confidently.”
— JM