VICTORIA HART on Phoenix FM July 2007

Victoria Hart is a girl who has a glow about her that can only come from within. She is a naturally beautiful blonde in the style of Marilyn Monroe.  Victoria has all the Hollywood glamour associated with the 50’s icon, and the same vulnerability and innocence; she is only 18 after all! 

Photo courtesy of www.myspace.com/victoriahartmusic

Above all Victoria has an aura that can only be one thing – star quality. 

Victoria was born in California in 1988 and moved to France as a child before ending up in Essex and London.  She has been described as having “gypsy feet”, has a multi-cultural background and the ability to sing in 3 languages.

Listening to Victoria’s thirteen track debut Album “Whatever Happened to Romance” is a joy.  It is a glorious array of songs blended together bringing us everything from swinging big-band numbers, blues, a hint of pop, salsa and stunning jazz.  The title track ‘Whatever Happened to Romance?’ is a song you’ll want to play and play. 

Victoria has added her own unique twist to the only cover on the album, a version of the song ‘Sunny Afternoon’ - a hit originally for The Kinks. 

In contrast, enjoy ‘Je M’Oublie’ (I Forget Myself) which Victoria performs so sexily in French and then ‘Chocolate & Strawberries’ an upbeat track delivered with effortless style.

21 different musicians played on the album, which was recorded last summer. Imagine what it was like working with professionals such as Europe's best-known horn section The Kick Horns and Nina Simone’ drummer Paul Robinson? 

Victoria found the time to chat to Xanthe Bearman on "The Bear at Lunchtime" on 16th July to answer just that.  She described how she met hit songwriter Geoff Gurd and the subsequent collaboration for her album.  Also Victoria’s 'big break' when she sang for George Clooney and the cast of ‘Ocean’s 13’ at the Cannes Film Festival.

Xanthe found Victoria absolutely lovely to chat to - a real girlie girl, with bags of talent whose feet are still firmly on the ground (albeit in 5 inch heels).  Victoria is loving the media attention, the photo shoots, the travelling - and deserves all the plaudits she is getting along the way.  Let's hope that Victoria will pop into the Phoenix FM studio next time when she is visiting her Essex relations. 

Victoria Hart is appearing with the Ronnie Scott Big Band on Sunday 29th July at a new event called “Woburn Live” at Woburn Abbey, along with other jazz stars like Curtis Stigers & Marty Pellow.    For more information go to www.victoriahart.com

Article by Xanthe Bearman, 16 Jul 2007
Posted in Bear At Lunchtime

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