Kuchocki Sings DiNovi at Hugh’s Room Live

Juliann Kuchocki – Voice
Rob Pitch – Guitar
Brian Dickinson – Piano
Neil Swainson – Bass
Mark Kelso – Drums

Internationally acclaimed vocalist, producer and artistic director Juliann Kuchocki is excited to announce the release of her newest recording, Kuchocki Sings DiNovi But Only For You. Born directly from Kuchocki’s friendship with the legendary jazz pianist and composer Gene DiNovi, this remarkable recording is far more than a tribute. This recording project is an authentic collaboration between two artists, and a living musical document.

The project began in late 2019, when Kuchocki and DiNovi first came together to bring his remarkable songbook to life. What followed became a seven-year journey shaped by circumstances neither artist could have anticipated. The COVID shutdown brought the original sessions to a halt, and by the time recording became possible again, DiNovi had largely withdrawn from performing. Determined that the project and its music would not be lost, Kuchocki continued the work, bringing together some of Canada’s finest musicians to complete the remaining material while keeping DiNovi’s own performances firmly at the centre of the recording.

At the heart of the album is its title song, But Only For You, co-written by Gene DiNovi and the venerated, late jazz chanteuse Peggy Lee, which has never previously been recorded or released to listeners.Its appearance on the recording reveals a previously unheard chapter connecting two extraordinary songwriting careers. The album also draws from DiNovi’s collaborations with celebrated lyricists’ work, including Johnny Mercer, Spence Maxwell, Tony Velona, Gary Michael Dault and Mary Ann Maurer, offering a broader portrait of a composer whose music has quietly helped to shape the language and history of jazz for decades. 

Juliann Kuchocki’s vast international career as a singer-songwriter, dancer, and actor across North America, Europe and Asia brings layered perspective to the project. As producer and featured vocalist of Kuchocki Sings DiNovi: But, Only for You, she brings expressive storytelling and a sophisticated artistic vision to Gene DiNovi’s music.

Collaborating with DiNovi and an exceptional ensemble, she celebrates his historical work through cherished favourites and previously unreleased compositions.