Valerie June

But he “begrudgingly” went to see Valerie June as a favor to a friend, and signed her to his roster.

“I was actually angry, because she was so compelling – the one thing I go see, and know I want to represent her – even though the last thing I needed was a new client,” Viecelli told Pollstar.  “She played by herself on the top floor of the Hilton Garden Inn and she was incredibly beguiling. You could not help be amazed.”

The Tennessee-born and raised June melds blues, gospel, soul and jazz into a unique sound that’s irresistibly rootsy yet sophisticated – a skillful guitarist with a voice that’s been described as “percolating somewhere between Dolly Parton and Billie Holiday.”

She made a splash first in Europe, establishing a fan base before her Concord Records debut, Pushin’ Against A Stone, was even released. It became her calling card in the U.S., according to Viecelli, where she’s cultivated a diverse fan base that is growing with her current outing, opening for Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.

Viecelli says he doesn’t normally like to put his artists out in support roles but, in this case, it’s a winning strategy.

“She’s capable of getting out and impressing that audience before Sharon even gets on stage. She’s not just going to be someone nobody pays attention to. She demands people’s attention,” Viecelli said. “

Once the Sharon Jones tour wraps, June is headed back to Europe and the UK to support singles released there, “Workin’ Woman Blues” and “You Can’t Be Told,” before heading to Australia. She then returns to the U.S. to tape an episode of “Austin City Limits,” festival appearances including Bonnaroo and Hangout, Calgary and Newport folk fests, Montreal International Jazz Festival and other major West Coast music festivals to be announced.