Home » Member Page
Lua Hadar
Lua Hadar is a unique and original vocalist with a soaring range who interprets lyrics in several languages with a charming, swinging delivery.
About Me
A unique and original vocalist with a soaring range, Lua interprets an eclectic song list with a
charming, swinging delivery, as well as passionate commitment and humor. She has been molded by
cultural exchange experiences in places as diverse as Bali, Russia, Switzerland, Japan, Thailand,
France and Italy.
Since its inception in 2007, Hadar’s band TWIST has developed a reputation for twisting the style of
international standards, performing original numbers and expressing our common humanity through
songs in 7 languages. Lua has charmed audiences at such noted jazz clubs as Yoshi’s and The Iridium
to Bangkok’s Thailand Cultural Center and the Swan Bar in Paris. Lua Hadar with Twist performs
international standards with a different 'twist' on style; also presenting both original and rarely
performed songs, in several languages. Lua and the band also perform both French and Italian
language/themed shows at wineries and events.
English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and Malagasy (from Madagascar) are
represented in Lua's 2012 concert film, Like A Bridge, which received critical acclaim and airplay on
over 100 radio stations, across the USA, Canada, The Netherlands, Germany, England and Brazil, it is
offered through Google Play and iTunes as well as on CD and DVD.
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:
An effervescent swing, a dynamite range with passionate phrasing, Hadar is nothing if not
the consummate entertainer…incredibly intriguing hybrid … delightful world flavor … first
call band of international talent with an ability to reinvent tunes without disrespecting the
originals … A breath of fresh air at a time the world in general and music specifically are in
dire need. A true winner! -– Brent Black, Critical Jazz
There is a strong sense of timeliness throughout the album, thanks to the various languages
it feels like one is drifting around the world. Lua Hadar brings out the inherent dramatic
essence in all these songs and I imagine a live performance will be quite something to
behold. - John M. Peters, The Borderland, UK
… a wave of sonic bliss… - Jeffrey Siegel, Straight No Chaser Jazz Show
Singing in seven different languages, Lua Hadar's rich voice and strong, commanding
presence and overall musicality transcend language barriers… pure pleasure in listening to
her magnetic power… compelling confident vocals… intriguing instrumental work… great
variety and power… certainly beautiful and often hypnotic.
- Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway – Sound Advice
My Jazz Story
I love jazz because it doesn't mean just one thing. I was first exposed to jazz through my father, who was a reed man. His first instrument was the clarinet, which he played in klezmer style bands in the Bronx with his two brothers. Later the tenor sax became his main instrument, which he played on club dates in New York in the 1930's-50's. He played reeds in Big Bands in places like Roseland Dance Hall, and in the summer in The Catskills, at places like Grossinger's. Jazz was THE STANDARD of his day. But when he came home, he listened to classical music. Loved Rachmaninoff. I met so many great jazz musicians when I waited on tables at Storyville Jazz Club on the East Side of Manhattan. I remember serving a double cognac to Sarah Vaughn, who was in the audience that night. A great honor! .