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Denise Kidder

Vocalist Denise Kidder is known for her gorgeous tone, intelligent, soulful lyrics and musical sophistication.

About Me

Vocalist/Songwriter Denise Kidder is known for her gorgeous tone, modern style, soulful lyrics and musical sophistication. She has been described as having “a great ear” and a clear, horn-like sound.

“[She] has a warm, fresh, ringing voice, a powerful way of delivering the meaning of a song, and exquisite taste in material. She is a singer of top quality..., ” writes Zan Stewart, an award-winning jazz writer formerly for the Los Angeles Times, the Newark Star-Ledger, Down Beat magazine, et al.

A native of the San Francisco Bay Area and alumna of University of California at Berkeley, she studied classical piano as a child for several years under the tutelage of her piano teacher mother and world-class pianist Vladimir Pleshakov.

Her jazz training includes study at the California Jazz Conservatory, study with Mark Murphy, Patti Cathcart Andress (Tuck & Patti), Madeline Eastman, Kate McGarry, Marcos Silva, Jane Sharp, Rhiannon, Molly Holm and Nicholas Bearde (three of original Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra singers). While she draws her repertoire from an eclectic array of jazz standards and Brazilian gems from Jobim to Edu Lobo, as well as modern composers such as Herbie Hancock, Chico Pinheiro, deep musical influences include classic divas Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day, and Blossom Dearie. She writes original songs and lyrics and is currently working on a recording project.

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because...it feeds my soul. My advice to new listeners...is to have open ears.