Julie Hardy

Julie Hardy made a strong impression with her recording debut, A Moment's Glance. She grew up in Fremont, NH. Hardy began studying classical piano when she was nine and started out as a piano major at the University of New Hampshire. But she had sung frequently as a child, including performing at a variety show when she was 11, so by the time she graduated in 1999 with a degree in music theory and composition, she was a singer. Wayne Shorter's album Speak No Evil had a major effect on her music. She also earned a master's degree in jazz performance from the New England Conservatory in 2001, studying with Dominique Eade and working on composing wordless melodies. Hardy attended the Jazz Academy Snowmass in Aspen, CO, and Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead, the latter a program for young jazz composers. In June 2003 she moved to New York, and within four days was recording A Moment's Glance. It was released by Fresh Sound New Talent, the label's first release by an American singer. Hardy, who has been inspired by the music and improvising of Fred Hersch in addition to Wayne Shorter, became engaged to pianist Randy Ingram. She has recorded a second CD, The Wish, for the World Culture label and works regularly in New York area clubs.