Janet - Vocalist

"Song and story - Janet Hammer shows why she's popular in San Diego"

Press Release from City Arts, April 13 - May 3, 2004

Janet is said to be a "musician's singer". She is one of the few singers in town who can easily change styles and be convincing in all of them. She has been booked singing jazz, big band, contemporary pop, rock, Motown, disco, country, gospel, show tunes, classical, and renaissance. Each one a very different sounding style and vocal production, yet when Janet sings them, it's as if she never sang anything else. With this much versatility, she has come to be known as one of San Diego's busiest singers. She has led many of her own bands and vocal groups at numerous events and locations, as well as having performed with nearly everyone in town. She has also traveled extensively. Her abilities in sight reading, her large vocal range, and her versatility of styles has also given her opportunities in recording work which not only include her own CD and demo recordings but also radio jingles, other peoples demos, and musical show debuts.

Testimonials

CD - Never Let Me Go

Hallo Janet, Received your album and really like it. Great stuff, great voice. I'm checking with my guys here in Germany at Universal Music for interest in a release.
Jürgen Int Consultant Universal Music

KTXK has received your CD and I personally love it. It fits perfectly with my own show The Enjoyment of Jazz. The tune selection is ideal for several of our shows. Well be playing it starting this week and any others you care to send.
Jerry Atkins, Jazz Director of KTXK FM, Texarkana

I've really enjoyed listening to your CD. You are a fine singer. Your voice really records well; the timbre is so warm.
Michele Weir, UCLA Professor of music, musician, and writer/arranger

I wanted you to know, if I haven't told you already, that I really have enjoyed listening to your CD, "Never Let Me Go." All the best,
Rick Helzer, SDSU Professor of music and musician

Nice CD! You sound super. Good selection of jazz oriented and Great American Songbook material. I hadn't heard Sweetest Touch, Never Let Me Go, or Love Dance before and I liked those as well the rest of the more familiar tracks.
Jay Berman, musician

I look forward to speaking with you and having some fun with you in your interview on the radio tomorrow. I love your music.
John Phillips, KSDS Jazz 88

I absolutely love your jazz CD--your voice is so pure. Jazz 88 should revisit you and your CD. It's fantastic!
Lynn

I heard one of your cuts this morning on jazz 88.3. That was a pleasant surprise! Your voice sounded great. I especially liked the Ella-style scat. Great job!
Mark Nowak, musician

I just heard you for the first time on 88.3. I love the quality of your voice, and I will certainly buy your CDs.

You are awesome, you know. Where did you learn to sing like that?
Ray Park, singer

I got your CD in the mail today, thanks so much. Such wonderful classics done so well... I think my favorite is 'S Wonderful... But they are all great..
Doug Barraclough

It is an extreme pleasure to have you singing to me on my daily commute you ease the stress. Congratulations you finally did it and it's wonderful.
JS

I had the chance to listen to all twelve cuts of Janet's CD, Never Let Me Go, on the ride up and back. As soon as my wife heard it she said that Janet has a great voice to sing jazz. We both just love it. It will stay in the CD player in my car for a good long time.
Mike

My husband and I just finished listening to you CD. What a masterpiece! Every song is a flawless entity, beautifully sung and expressed. We love it from beginning to end.
Phyllis

Wonderful CD. Very challenging tunes and you sail thru them. Your voice sounds beautiful. I love the shot of you on the front; very intimate yet mysterious.
Cat Conner, singer

From Other Musicians

Yesterday may have been your best soulful style performances to date. Watch out Aretha and move over Gladys! Bravo to you. Something special is happening between you and the band and the audience caught and responded to it. We reached a higher level, a level some never experience. The illusive kind of thing many musicians seek to experience. Our performance at Palomar College (when you didn't feel up to par, voice wise- ironically enough) is still our collective best, for a jazzy style.
John Giulino, musician

People are still calling me and telling me what a great singer you are and how much you added to the program.
Josef Sedivec, band leader

I sure enjoy working with you and appreciate your professional demeanor.
Ron Freshman, band leader

Thank you so much for adding your great presence, voice and professionalism to our gig at Viejas. I think that you and I compliment each other well, and I'm thrilled that you can do more gigs with us. I don't think there is anyone else out there who will fit in with us as well as you...I hope you feel the same...
Judy Malings, musician

It was very nice meeting you again. Your enthusiasm and stage presence say pro all over it. I would love to see you do a cabaret act with a full show. I think the casinos would buy you in a heartbeat.
Philip Tauber, musician

Thanks again for doing a fabulous job on this gig. You are very easy to work with, have fabulous stage presence and sing your ass off too!!! I'm very serious about adding you to the band. After over 25 years I finally figured out that I only want to work with those people who I want to work with. That's why the band is so good. But it could only get better with adding you.
Ira Liss, band leader

I'm glad that you have been so successful with your singing career. I knew you would be. You sing great and have a delightful personality.
Jerry Fenwick, band leader

I just wanted to tell you how impressed I was by the way you ran the gig the other night. I really enjoyed myself. Thanks
Charlie McGhee, musician

I gave you a glowing reference!
Tracey James Marino, musician

Linda and I are impressed with your professionalism and effectiveness.
Paul Seaforth, musician

You are amazing!
Enrique Platas, musician

What a gorgeous and talented woman.
Carl Posch, musician

As I told you, super vocalists doing your kind of music who don't have the diva persona don't just pop up every day so bless you for being around.
Jay Berman, musician

You really are beyond remarkable in so many ways, even as a soprano! I very much enjoyed the service and you really put together a very well thought out, polished, and audience pleasing musical extravaganza. I might have to convert. Definite kudos!
Jay Berman, musician

I told him that you are the GREATEST! I also told him not only are you a fabulous singer, but also a great person. (and its all true).
Jim Weiss, musician

Putting you in my book this morning and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your vocal style and working with you. It doesn't even matter how many in the audience, it happened among us on stage and I had a good time.
Russell Bizzett

Thanks for telling me about your show. You were terrific! That band is first rate and your vocals fit perfectly with their sound.
Mark Kapov, musician

From Fans

What a wonderful time we had last night. You were incredible singing with the big band! You absolutely looked the part also! Thank you for sharing your gift!
Jan Allison

That was a great performance!! You were an Angel walking on the stage tonight, WOW! That must be very exciting to sing with a big band, as they were honored to have you. Thank you for letting me know about the show.
Ralph Hollis

Thank you Janet.... You probably get tired of hearing this but I must say you have such a beautiful voice.
Drew

Good to know you are doing well in your career. I know you got it . . . what makes a person successful. More power to you. And don't forget that God always rewards the dedicated worker.

I think you have conquered New York . . . the rest of the world is waiting for your talents
Abolaes

Thanks so much for tonight, I really enjoyed listening to you... You sound even better in person... Hard to believe, but true...
Doug Barraclough

I've always been so impressed by your dedication and passion for your singing and music career. You devote so much of your time towards this endeavor, but you are so fortunate to be working in a field that you love. Unlike most people I know, your work is so creative and fulfilling, and you're so good at it!
Mark Fleischman

I just wanted to let you know how much we all enjoyed your singing last night. And what great songs! Your website looks great too.
Leland Beck