Judith Durham’s rare first recording from 1962, when she was just 18 years old, with the Melbourne University Jazz Band is a precious gem for fans of her early career. At this young age, Judith’s extraordinary talent was already evident, and her unique voice can be heard in two classic songs: “Somebody Loves Me” and “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”. These recordings showcase her natural ability to interpret music with clarity, precision, and emotional depth.
The tracks provide a glimpse into her musical journey before she rose to international fame with The Seekers. Judith’s collaboration with the Melbourne University Jazz Band allowed her to experiment with jazz and show off her skillful vocal delivery. The youthful energy and vitality she brought to these songs, paired with the jazz band’s lively instrumentation, make these early recordings stand out as both a tribute to her formative years and an early showcase of her potential.
Her voice, even at 18, reveals the early foundations of what would become her distinctive sound: clear, resonant, and filled with an emotional richness that would captivate audiences for years to come. While these recordings may be rare, they mark an important milestone in Judith Durham’s path toward becoming a celebrated figure in music history.
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