Pamela Hart

Pamela Hart is highly regarded as Austin Texas’ finest jazz vocalist, audiences rave about Pamela’s excellent pitch, clarity, and soothing vocal quality.  “Her warm, clear tones and metriculously 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, and festivals, Pamela and her husband Kevin 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 2003. In May 2003 one such 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 in “Encore” Performances in September 2003.  She has been the opening act for Kirk Whalum, The David Murray Trio, David “Fathead” Newman, Dianne Reeves, and Miss Nancy Wilson.  Winner of the 1994, 1996, and 1998 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, Sarah Vaughn, and Nancy Wilson. 

Pamela is making a difference in the jazz scene in Austin, and her success is imminent.  Her debut CD “May I Come In?” was released in March 1998, under the HartBeat Productions label.  This CD project contains a variety of traditional jazz and adult contemporary music, and it is receiving excellent reviews.  Varying slightly from her classic style, “May I Come In?” won Pamela the 1998 Austin Jazz Players and Critic’s Poll award for Best R&B/Soul Artist of the Year.  The CD was also 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 currently seeking funding to complete her next CD project, which will include “Angelitos Negros,” an Austin favorite and “Say It Isn’t So,” arranged by Gil Askey.

In July 2001, Pamela completed a European jazz festival tour, including the Montreaux, Vienne, and Juan des Pins Jazz festivals, with the Southwest Texas State University Jazz Band, directed by James Polk.  Pamela Hart is a young woman who steals the heart of any jazz aficionado. Be prepared to shout “encore!”  A regular at Reed’s Jazz & Supper Club, the Elephant Room and Sullivan’s Ringside, you can learn more about Pamela by visiting her web site at http://www.pamelahart.com.

Musical Influences:

          Billie Holiday

          Ella Fitzgerald

          Sarah Vaughn

          Nancy Wilson