Fall 2025

122 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 5 M O N T E R E Y J A Z Z ~ A R T I S T S P O T L I G H T A recent Monterey Peninsula transplant with the shortest commute of any major Monterey Jazz headliner, Hall is honored to be playing the festival, opening the Sunday proceedings with a stellar gospel set on the Tim Jackson Garden Stage. Photo: Irene Young T he Monterey Peninsula’s own Tammy Hall says,“I love Monterey Jazz and being a part of what makes it successful means a lot to me. People come from all over the world because there’s a high level of quality music, but also because there’s an openness about it.” And she adds that openness applies among the musicians as well. Originally from Dallas and now a resident of Seaside, this pianist/composer/arranger is armed with formidable chops that encompass classical, jazz and gospel genres. She has accompanied a wide range of artists, including vocalists Rhiannon, Etta Jones and Mary Wilson; saxo- phonists Houston Person and David “Fathead” Newman; and violinists Regina Carter and Laurie Anderson.“I’ve recently begun a collabo- ration with sublime classical vocalist Leberta Lorál,” she says.“That is making me resurrect my classical chops. I’m writing specifically for her, and it’s a great reward.” Hall says,“I especially appreciate that the festi- val has made it more open and welcoming to women artists who are not just vocalists but also instrumentalists in recent years.” She’s performing on the Tim Jackson Garden Stage Sunday, September 28, from 11:15 am-12:30 pm with the Texas Southern University Cadence Chorale. TAMMY HALL FUSING GOSPEL, CLASSICAL AND JAZZ