Singer Nicole Hart Intervewed at AAJ

he human voice is a marvelous instrument. It is sound made by the vocal folds in combination with the lips, the tongue, the lower jaw, and breath support. If properly trained, it limitless in its range of expression. In singing, it can be used to attain the high “Cs" in an Italian aria such as Luciana Pavarotti was noted for, or duplicate a wide range of musical instruments as have Bobby McFerrin, or “old school" hip-hop artists. Or it can be used in dynamic speaking such as politicians, clergy, or teachers do. If properly cared for it will last the owner a life time.

No one likely understands all this better than classically trained coloratura soprano Nicole Hart (of the NRG band). Hart studied voice at the university level. This plus the subsequent training that she has received since completing school, and the innumerable vocalists with whom she has worked has made her that much more aware of how people sing. She was the first Caucasian Shirelle by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Shirley Alston, with whom she toured for close to a year.. She recorded a live video with Billy Joel; shared the stage with Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley; has also worked with Harry Belafonte and Michael Monroe; and she worked on a soundtrack for director Jonathan Demme.

AAJ contributor and Cross Harp Chronicles website publisher David King spoke with Hart, who has done it all. Today, as well as leading a top notch band, she teaches voice.

Check out Nicole Hart: A Marvelous Instrument at AAJ today!