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New York Monthly Herald. May 2006 Issue P. 13 Beginning of the article Continued from page 12 Continues on page 14
NEW
YORK'S DIVAS
HILARY KOLE: A VOICE OUT OF THIS WORLD!
Unquestionably, Hilary Kole is la crème de la crème of American contemporary entertainment; a world class performer, first class all the way. A stunning presence, a glowing personality, and a voice out of this world define the trilogy of her unmatched talent and superb vocal virtuosity. She is the darling of critics. Tough cookie and unpredictable Rex Reed wrote: " Hilary Kole is a music marvel...". New York Times Stephen Holden, wrote about Kole: "Swinging...sultry...sexy with a sharp-edged hint of brass in her voice. Proves that there are still young singers good enough to keep the tradition alive." And Robert Daniels, Daily Variety from Daily Variety added: "Torch singing at it's apex". Hilary Kole starred in the hit musical revue, "Singing Astaire", at Birdland, New York. She co-wrote and arranged the musical with Eric Comstock and Christopher Gines. Ms. Kole also created the lead female role in the award winning Off-Broadway musical, "Our Sinatra", which captured the 2000 MAC Award. Should we have to rate talent, Hilary Kole will snap 5 stars out of five.
Photos credits: Bill Westmoreland
 Hilary Kole's multidimensional talent is menacing and delightfully intoxicating. For she is an accomplished pianist, a composer, a sophisticated vocal and musical arranger, an innovative standards traditionalist, a music visionary, nymph of refined up tempo jazzy swing imbibed with elegant sensuality and richly rebellious voice. |
Rebellious, because she creates an unusual lyrical rhythmic ambiance with an edgy commanding vocal treatment. Such blend defies the established rules of a conventional Jazz. Perhaps, it is the bright intelligence of this diva or simply her daring quest for a transcendental musicality. Confusing? Unconventional? Overwhelming? You bet. After all, who dares to explain or pretends to explain the extraordinary, the sublime talent of an artist who transcends the frontiers of banal minds and stagnant musical rules. Kole is powerful in that sense. She fashions new rules of excellence molded outside the ordinary and boring norms of everyday music. Forget for now, the jargons of critics. Just call her a national treasure. A gem! Her official biography tell us that Ms. Kole "began her professional career at the legendary Rainbow Room as the youngest singer ever to grace the stage. From there, she appeared in a sold-out run at the famed Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel, made her concert hall debut at Lincoln Center as part of the "American Songbook Series" with Jonathan Schwartz, and has appeared as a headliner at Birdland. Apart from appearing throughout the country with her two shows, "Our Sinatra" and "Singing Astaire," Hilary is also a favorite at the Continental Airlines Arena, singing the National Anthem for sporting events. Kole's television appearances include CNN's Showbiz Today, Fox's Good Day New York, PBS, NBC's Today in New York, as well as a half hour feature on CN8's 'One on One with Steve Adubato' in 2004. Hilary has entertained at some of Manhattan's most prestigious events, including a Democratic Fundraiser for President Bill Clinton; an Emmy party in honor of Oprah Winfrey's Lifetime Achievement Award; the Helen Hays Awards with the Peter Duchin Orchestra, and most recently as the featured entertainmer at the movie premier parties for Maid in Manhattan starring Jennifer Lopez, and Mona Lisa Smile and Stepmom starring Julia Roberts. |
