Paula West

A long-time favorite of the San Francisco Bay Area jazz scene, vocalist Paula West’s talents have spread beyond the central coast, with The New York Times dubbing her “a swinging pop-jazz sophisticate in the tradition of Lena Horne and Carmen McRae.” With her dusky timbre and soulful inflection, West is known for her distinctly curated repertoire, adding a unique drama and depth to whichever song she delivers. Her affinity for pop/rock icons such as Bob Dylan and Paul McCartney also shows up in her set lists, and you might even catch her singing a Hank Williams classic. West focuses on the lyrics, creating intimate arrangements where the words can shine through. The New York Times again writes of West’s “refusal to be bound by categories…” – an attribute that surely has played a role in her success as a nightclub and cabaret singer, putting together shows highlighting influences such as Ethel Waters and performing at famed venues such as the Algonquin Hotel’s Oak Room. Her powerful contralto voice deftly pulls from this variety of influences for a distinct sound.