Vocalist, Guitarist, Songwriter, Entertainer, Jazz Interpreter
CurrentPRIMARY SKILLSExcellence in performanceEffectively listen and collaborate on stageConnect and engage with audiencePaula Held is an Austin-based performing songwriter and student of jazz, with a penchant for melody, storytelling and poetic lyricism. Raised in New England and Spain, her music is informed by a variety of influences from classical music to popular Jazz, Folk, Rock and Blues. She's won songwriting kudos from internationally known songwriting clubs like the Kerrville Folk Festival, Wildflower Festival and the John Lennon Songwriting Contest (double finalist). She’s performed in numerous hallowed listening rooms including Anderson Fair, Bugle Boy, Eddie's Attic, Cactus Cafe, Momos Club, Saxon Pub and Blue Bird Cafe. Paula's original music is described as lyrically rich, melodic and sensual, with a voice reminiscent of Eva Cassidy and Norah Jones.PROJECTSSolo Acoustic | Pop-jazz influenced original music and eclectic mix of coversHeld & Mann | Great American Songbook standards, Americana and original musicPaula Held Quintet | Vocal and traditional jazzRESIDENCIES:Linda's Fine Foods, Wimberley, TX | 2011 - 3/17/20Opal Divine's Austin Grill, Austin, TX | 2018 - 3/17/20AWARDS 2012 New Folk Finalist, Kerrville TX 2012 Finalist Songwriter Serenade contest, Moravia TX 2011 Finalist Wildflower contest, Richardson TX 2010 Double-finalist John Lennon Songwriting Contest, New York NY 2011 Finalist Songwriter Serenade contest, Hallettsville TX 2010 ASG Bluebird Contest winner, Austin 2009 ASG Scholarship recipient, Austin 2008 Bugle Boy Showcase Finalist, La Grange TX 2003 Eddie's Attic Showcase Finalist, Atlanta GAPRESS"Paula Held adds new ideas to the jazz-related work of now famous female artists like Norah Jones, Diana Krall and Madeleine Peyroux. Her songs are beautiful, the melody lines fine, her voice is flexible and sultry, [and] the accompaniment is excellent ..." - Fred Schmale, Real Roots Cafe, The Netherlands