HERE’S TO SHIRLEY!

Tammy L. Hall began her musical journey in Dallas, playing piano and organ at church as early as age 7, raised by her grandparents and inspired by a family rich in musical influence. She relocated to California in 1979, attended Mills College, and later honed her improvisational skills during a two-year stint in Brussels, performing at prestigious festivals alongside saxophonist Noah Howard.

Since the late 1980s, Hall has become a central figure in the Bay Area jazz scene—accompanying legends like Etta Jones, Kim Nalley, Linda Tillery, and many others—while also leading her own ensembles and teaching at institutions like SFJAZZ, Stanford Jazz Workshop, and more.

Her discography includes albums like Blue Soul (2012) and Heart Flow (recent), exhibiting deep improvisational expression and heartfelt beauty. She describes her artistic goal as delivering what she calls the “Royal Blue” sound—a sense of profound, immersive beauty.