CD release party for “ Last Call “featuring Janet Planet and John Harmon with special guest Juli Wood
September7th2025
$55 Donation per Person
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.
Reviews of “Last Call”
It can be difficult to record a ballad album of vocal-piano duets. To be successful, the singer needs to have a beautiful and inviting voice, the ability to create very expressive interpretations, have a solid sense of swing, and be able to make each sound and moment of silence count. The pianist, operating as a full band, must be closely attuned to the singer’s phrasing and creative flights, inspiring the vocalist as both an accompanist and an occasional soloist while not overshadowing the singer. In addition, the duo must pick out superior songs (whether standards or originals) that will challenge themselves while holding onto the listener’s attention.
On their ballad album, singer Janet Planet and pianist John Harmon succeed on all levels.
The chemistry between Janet Planet and John Harmon throughout Ballads results in a memorable and thoughtful outing full of subtle creativity. This easily recommended album is available from www.stellarsound.net.” -Scott Yanow, jazz journalist/historian
“A perfect partnership for poignancy. That describes the felicitous work by singer and Janet Planet and pianist John Harmon on their new recording”.
“The classy collection is fluff-free, full of quality material featuring artful melodies and mature, emotive lyrics that are articulate. Many are on the serious side, and some settle into melancholia but never veer into maudlin territory. Their elegance prevents that”.
“The Planet/Harmon harmonious pairing is pure pleasure for the ears.” -Bob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway
Janet Planet is a dynamic force in the realm of sound, mesmerizing listeners with her remarkable talent. As a prolific recording artist, Janet has over 25 albums in her discography. On stage, Janet exudes an evident mastery of her instrument, resulting in a personal and meaningful experience for her audiences.
Janet has graced renowned jazz festivals and intimate clubs, performing with small combos and full orchestras from Rochester to Russia, NYC to Johannesburg. Janet’s most recent project, featuring the music of Johnny Mandel, brought her to the London Jazz Festival.
In addition to being an in demand session singer for radio and television, Janet is also a passionate teacher and clinician. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of vocalists is evident in her work at Lawrence University, where her focus is on helping students understand the dynamics, musical choices, and techniques necessary to communicate on a deeper level with audiences.
Janet Planet is a six-time WAMI award winner and the second woman to be inducted into the WAMI Hall of Fame. Her curiosity, versatility and range – both vocal and artistic – continue to drive her to delve into the works of composers, playwrights, and publishers like Hal Leonard. Janet not only possesses an extraordinary vocal instrument but also the unique ability to breathe life and deeply resonant emotion into lyrics. Listen and be transported into the very soul of each composition.
My guess is I’m best known for my eight years with a band called Matrix, but I’ve done a lot of things. I am a composer and a jazz pianist. I’ve done a bunch of teaching, and a bunch of traveling. And I’m still very active, especially in composition. I’ve written seven symphonies, two are recorded, but the others haven’t even been performed. And without question composing music is the biggest thrust in my life right now. I’m very happy with what I do.
For the past twenty years with four albums as a leader, several studio projects as a side man, and countless worldwide performances, saxophonist, vocalist and composer Juli Wood has established herself as a solid, swinging, lyrical and entertaining performer on Chicago’s music scene.
Juli has played many jazz clubs and festivals nationally and internationally; Chicago Jazz Fest, Hyde Park Jazz Fest, Milwaukee’s Summerfest, Chicago’s main jazz clubs – Jazz Showcase, Green Mill, Andy’s and Katerina’s. Skansen Jazz and Blues (Stockholm , Sweden), Pori Jazz Fest (Finland), Bent J’s club (Aarhus, Denmark), Storyville (Helsinki Finland), Arlandia Jazz Fest (Aaland Islands, Finland) and the ” Made in Chicago ” jazz festival in Poznan Poland to name a few.
Juli’s love for the saxophone goes way back. “I remember watching SOUL TRAIN as a kid on T.V. in the 70’s and seeing Maceo Parker playing alto sax with James Brown. I thought that was the coolest looking and sounding instrument in the world! So the love affair with the saxophone started in the sixth grade and has been going strong ever since.” Juli has played for the past 40 years with Robin Pluer in bands including the R&B cadets, Paul Cebar and the Milwaukeeans, Rhythm Club, and Robin’s Bastille Days groups.
Venue Address
- 510 Hartbrook Drive
- Hartland, WI 53029
Donation Mailing Address
- 510 Hartbrook Drive
- Suite 207
- Hartland, WI 53029
BlueSky Jazz is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to using music as a means to foster growth in the lives of individuals.