Jazz Singer Hilary Kole Makes West Coast Debut
“Ms. Kole’s poised, sultry ballad-singing has always been easy on the ears. But her smooth melodic lines have never been so consistently infused with literary subtext, which spells the difference between sounding pretty and having something to say.” …………Stephen Holden/New York Times
Hilary Kole has been wowing audiences in the Big Apple--from her early start with the Rainbow Room Orchestra, to her celebrated starring role in "Our Sinatra" (which she co-created) at the Algonquin Hotel, with ongoing performances at the esteemed jazz club Birdland, continuing engagements at Bemelmans at the Carlyle and just about every hot jazz spot and prestigious venue in town. She has taken Tokyo by storm, receiving the Gold Disc Swing Journal Award for her debut CD "Haunted Heart;" opened for Jamie Cullum at the Montreal Jazz Festival and recorded and performed with Oscar Peterson and Michael Legrand, among others, Additionally, she has stunned audiences with her celebrated performances with symphonies throughout the U.S., including Carnegie Hall, and with her quartet at some of the premiere jazz festivals of Europe. Now it’s Hollywood’s turn to discover this extraordinary talent, her crystal clear voice and perfect timing, when she hits Hollywood at the famed Catalina Jazz Club for a two night engagement Tuesday and Wednesday, December 1 and 2. Joining her on stage, an illustrious group of musicians including Alan Broadbent on piano, Larry Koonse on guitar, Tom Warrington on bass and Kendall Kay on drums.
“I guess you could call her a commercial pop singer of cool standards with jazz inflections. But frankly, I think she defies labels. ……. Rex Reed/NY Observer
With all the accolades bestowed on her, it’s hard to believe "Haunted Heart" on Justin Time Records, produced by Grammy-nominated guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli, is her debut solo recording! It was actually Pizzarelli’s idea, states Hilary. “He came to hear me at Birdland and said how ridiculous it was that I was performing all the time, but hadn’t recorded and album yet.” The result is a combination of songs suggested by John balanced with songs that Hilary has been performing for the last few years. And the critics agree, “This is the Hilary Kole we’ve all been waiting for.”
She’s been compared to Anita O’Day and Blossom Dearie. She’s been called dreamy, luscious, and a girl in love with songs who is entertaining a growing legion of fans worldwide. And it also doesn’t hurt to look like a Vogue cover. Move over jazz divas – Hilary Kole is making her move on the City of Angels!
To hear music, get additional background information and photos, log on to www.hilarykole.com
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
