Biographical information on Pamela Hart

Pamela Hart

Pamela Hart is highly regarded as Austin Texas’ finest jazz vocalist. Noted by Austin Women’s 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 2007. 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.

In May 2003 the Women in Jazz concert consisted of a solo performance by Pamela Hart of “Blue Gardenia: A Tribute to Billie Holiday.” In addition to singing an outstanding tribute to Billie Holiday, Pamela had them on their feet again in “Encore” Performances in September 2003. In May 2004, Pamela performed in another solo concert “The Great American Songbook.” In June 2007, Pamela gave another memorable performance at the Women in Jazz Concert Series. She opened for Rachelle Ferrell in the 2005 Women in Jazz Concert and the Patrice Rushen-Carrington Quartet in 2007. She has been the opening act for Kirk Whalum, The David Murray Trio, David “Fathead” Newman, Dianne Reeves, Rachelle Ferrell and Miss Nancy Wilson, with whom Pamela sang a duet on stage in 2000. 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 Vaughn, and Nancy Wilson.

In July 2001, Pamela completed a European tour which included the jazz festivals in Montreaux, Switzerland; Vienne, France; Lyons, France, and Juan des Pins, France, with the Texas State University Jazz Band, directed by the legendary Dr. James Polk. She made waves with the IAJE African American Jazz Caucus Band on Saturday, January 13, 2006 and performed again with the IAJE Caucus Band on January 11, 2008 in Toronto, Canada.

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. Her 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 2008, which includes “For Heaven’s Sake,” “The Sweetest Sounds,” “Mr. Ugly,” and “Say It Isn’t So,” which is arranged by Gil Askey. Pamela Hart is a young 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

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

-- Samples