Paula West

The critically-acclaimed jazz vocalist Paula West returns to the Oak Room for her annual New York engagement. She is joined by a dynamic new quartet featuring George Mesterhazy on piano (Shirley Horn’s last accompanist), Doug Weiss on bass, Carl Allen on drums, and Ed Cherry on guitar. This season, audiences get to hear West¹s unique take on such songs as “Danny Boy,” “Why Was I Born” and “Like A Rolling Stone,” among others.

Ms. West, whose style has been praised for her dusky soulfulness, has captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike from coast to coast. Respected for her distinct repertoire, she adds her own depth and drama to whichever song she chooses, creating whole new frameworks of meaning.
Margo Jefferson of The New York Times believes that “Ms. West never forces anything,” explaining that “she is rhythmically fluid and knows just where to alter a melody.” Adding to the praise, Steven Winn of The San Francisco Chronicle thinks “It¹s doubtful that anyone is singing better than Paula West these days,” since “this extraordinary jazz singer wears each song like perfectly fitted silk.” Ms. West explains that “in the end it’s just getting the story across,” adding that “the words are the most important thing.”

In 2005 and 2006, Paula West was honored with the New York Nightlife Award for Outstanding Female Jazz Vocalist, and in 2004, shared the award with Dianne Reeves.