Dr. Kim Nalley at Sebastiani Theatre

In looks, Kim Nalley exudes the aura of a diva from a by-gone era. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, "she has pipes to burn and works the stage like she means it", packing a 3 1/2 octave range that can go from operatic to gritty blues on a dime; projection that can whisper a ballad, yet is capable of filling a room with no microphone, and the ability to scat blistering solos without ever losing the crowd's interest or the intense swing. She has been compared to all the greats, but in the end, it's Kim Nalley and no one else - an unforced instrument with clarity and jazzy musicality, effortlessly delivered, and a sense of humor to boot. ...

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In looks, Kim Nalley exudes the aura of a diva from a by-gone era. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, "she has pipes to burn and works the stage like she means it", packing a 3 1/2 octave range that can go from operatic to gritty blues on a dime; projection that can whisper a ballad, yet is capable of filling a room with no microphone, and the ability to scat blistering solos without ever losing the crowd's interest or the intense swing. She has been compared to all the greats, but in the end, it's Kim Nalley and no one else - an unforced instrument with clarity and jazzy musicality, effortlessly delivered, and a sense of humor to boot.
Easily one of the premier jazz voices in the Bay Area, Nalley is a multiple award winner who has had her hand in many areas of music and the arts – performing around the world, writing about jazz for the San Francisco Chronicle, running a jazz club, and acting on stage and screen. She has performed with a wide array of musicians, playing Gershwin with Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony and grooving with saxophonists Houston Person and David “Fathead” Newman.
Jazz and blues singer Kim Nalley stirs the soul with song. She does so with panache, power and passion.
Sultry voiced Kim Nalley brings an irresistibly sexy sense of swing, rhythmic dexterity, and beautiful sound to the classic, with her crisp diction and playful delivery of earthy lines.

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