Berkeley violin and guitar duo, Julian Smedley and Alison Odell, celebrate the release of their new CD with an evening's swinging salute to romance! Partners since their auspicious meeting on the dance floor 23 years ago, Julian and Alison present an evening of vocal jazz standards spanning seven decades, spotlighting tasty selections from Meeting Like This with the able assitance of CD band mates, guitarist Mike Wollenberg and Sam Bevan on bass. Savor the chemistry of this acoustic foursome as they blend lilting vocals and seamless improvisation.

Julian's violin playing is familiar to Bay Area audiences who've heard him in concert with the Hot Club of San Francisco, Jim Kweskin, and Kaila Flexer's Third Ear. A multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer, he brings an infectious exuberance to every musical relationship and performance.

Alison's affection for many of the songs she sings began when she was a child crooning along with her mother's classic recordings of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and Pearl Bailey. A fan of beautiful melodies and unadorned vocals, her fluid style invites listeners to relax and get cozy.

A master of solo finger style jazz guitar, Mike demonstrates his skill as a consummate accompanist in this ensemble. Sam is a spirited bassist, whose musicality, rhythmic feel, infectious solos, and tasteful melodic lines inspire audiences and fellow musicians.