Biographical information on Pamela Hart

Pamela Hart

Pamela Hart is highly regarded as Austin Texas’ finest jazz vocalist. Noted by Austin Woman Magazine as “Austin’s First Lady of Jazz,” audiences rave about Pamela’s excellent pitch, clarity, and soothing vocal quality. “Her warm, clear tones and meticulously controlled pitch carry an illusion of effortlessness”--Tribeza Magazine. Her sultry rendition of classic jazz standards and contemporary music wins immediate acceptance by any audience. Born in Los Angeles, California, Pamela moved to Austin, Texas in 1982. In addition to regular appearances at Austin clubs, restaurants, live music broadcasts, weddings, banquets/parties, and festivals, Pamela and her husband Kevin Hart have produced (and she has performed in) the semi-annual Women in Jazz Concert Series—the greatest events for female jazz musicians in Texas—1994 through 2008. The series also includes a Vocal Performance Workshop where Pamela and other professional vocalists and musicians share performance techniques, communicating with musicians and many other aspects of jazz singing.

Since 1994, she has been the opening act for Kirk Whalum, David Murray, David “Fathead” Newman, Dianne Reeves, Rachelle Ferrell, Patrice Rushen/Terri Lyne Carrington, and Miss Nancy Wilson, with whom Pamela sang a duet on stage in 2000. In May 2003, the Women in Jazz concert consisted of an outstanding solo performance by the Pamela Hart and her quintet in Blue Gardenia: A Tribute to Billie Holiday. In addition to singing an outstanding tribute to Billie Holiday, Pamela had the audience on their feet again in Encore Performances in September 2003. In May 2004, Pamela performed in another solo concert The Great American Songbook. Pamela provided memorable performances at the Women in Jazz Concert Series when she opened for Rachelle Ferrell in the September 2005, and for the Patrice Rushen-Terri Lyne Carrington Quartet in June 2007. Winner of several Austin Jazz Players and Critic’s Poll for Best Female Jazz Singer, Pamela’s appreciation for the great masters of jazz is apparent in her intonation, grace, and style. She attributes much of her learning to Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Nancy Wilson.

In July 2001, Pamela completed a European tour which included the Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland; as well as festivals in France in Vienne, Lyons, and Juan des Pins, with the Texas State University Jazz Orchestra, directed by the legendary Dr. James Polk. She made waves with the International Association for Jazz Educators (IAJE) African American Jazz Caucus Orchestra in January 2005 (New York, NY), January 2006 (Long Beach, CA), and January 2008 (Toronto, Canada).

Illustrated through excellent delivery, Pamela Hart has the perfect voice and singing talent to exceed the objectives of the Savannah Music Awards as a semi-finalist in March 2008, Savannah GA, and as a finalist in the 2008 Temecula International Jazz Festival for the Chuck Niles Music Awards Competition in July 2008, Temecula, CA.

On June 13-14, 2008, Pamela delivered a stunning performance in the Tribute to Damita Jo DeBlanc, Women in Jazz Concert Series at the Carver Cultural Center, Boyd Vance Theatre in Austin, TX. On August 16, 2008, Pamela performed in the Swing with the Divas Concert and Dance at the Monarch Event Center, Austin TX. This event featured The Dr James Polk 18-piece Orchestra. Pamela was one of the featured vocalists with the orchestra, and exceeded every expectation as she "swung" the audience with her outstanding performance and stage presence.

Pamela continues to present herself with an objective to satisfy one’s taste for some really good music. On November 14-15, 2008, Pamela brought the audience to their feet during each performance of a 2-night concert series entitled Jazz at St James’ Concert Series, which featured David Fathead Newman and Curtis Fuller, in Austin. Pamela’s delivery of Angelitos Negros in Spanish received a roaring standing ovation and overwhelming praise from the audience. She also received the Jazz at St James’ 2008 A.D. Mannion Award for her continuous support of the art of jazz music in the community.

With her performances, the Women in Jazz Concerts, and Vocal Performance Workshops, Pamela is making a difference in the jazz scene in Austin. She also performs in Austin clubs, restaurants and private parties.

Pamela will perform in the upcoming Women in Jazz Concert Series entitled "Sax, Strings, & Scats", along with Pamela Williams, Joyce Cooling, and Althea Rene on Saturday, June 27, 2009. Go to www.WomeninJazz.org for more information.

Pamela's debut CD May I Come In? was released in March 1998, under the HartBeat Productions label. The CD was reviewed in the June 1999 issue of JAZZIZ Magazine. In addition, Ever Blue, a track from the CD is included on the JAZZIZ June 1999 CD and What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? on the July 2000 CD. She is recording her next CD to be release in 2009, which includes For Heaven’s Sake, The Sweetest Sounds, Mr. Ugly, and Say It Isn’t So, which is arranged by Mr. Gil Askey.

Pamela Hart is a beautiful woman who steals the heart of any jazz aficionado. Be prepared to shout “encore!” You can learn more about Pamela by visiting her web sites at www.pamelahart.com, www.myspace.com/pamelahart, and www.YouTube.com/pamelahart

READ a few of Pamela's Press Reviews and Interviews at: pamelahart.com/press.htm

Discography: "May I Come In". It's HOT! --

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