Tami Kelly

Introducing Tami

Tami Kelly is undoubtedly one of the rising stars in the Israeli jazz scene. On stage, she's got just the right amount of everything – voice, looks and charms.

Tami performs with several combos around the country, including pianist Ari Erev, with saxophonists Shlomi Goldenberg and Mel Rozenberg, and others. With a voice described as “unique” and “thrilling,” Tami sings jazz standards and jazzy arrangements of Israeli music. Her great passion encompasses all her music, and her audiences feel it.

Currently, Tami is working on her first jazz album with talented guitarist and good friend Uri Braca. The album will include jazz standards, such as Dindi (now playing) and Triste, as well as Israeli music like Old Love Song (Shir Ahava Yashan). Working with Tami, Uri has arranged all the music, and most will be performed as guitar/voice duets. Tami says, “I love making music with Uri because we understand each other so well and share the same enthusiasm for great harmony.”

Listen to Tami    Show List    Performance Schedule

Biography and Influences

Born and raised in Tel Aviv, Tami's love for music was influenced by two main factors: her brother, Eyal, and by living close to Park HaYarkon, where world famous artists perform when visiting Israel.

Another great influence was the Twilight Time program on the Israeli radio station "Voice of Peace." Tami listened to the program every day and through its playing of Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassie, Nat "King" Cole, Tony Bennett, and others, Tami became captivated by the sounds of jazz. At 18, she first heard the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim and fell in love with tunes such as the Girl from Ipanema and Corcovado. During this same period, she attended a Pat Metheny concert and was enchanted by the sounds and rhythms of his caressing guitar. Her life would never be the same.

Tami began performing professionally at age 21, mainly at private events and cafés. As she developed her singing skills, Tami realized she needed additional guidance. She sought out another of Israel's talented jazz artists, Daphne Levy, whose ideas and coaching helped Tami discover new subtleties in her voice. As kindred spirits, it wasn't long before their teacher-student relationship evolved from one of mentorship to friendship.

Tami's Musician Friends

Bassists

• Nadav Lachish
• Oren Sagi
• Vinnie Venkov

Guitarists

• Uri Bracha

Percussionists

• Nir Brenner
• Leon Habib
• Gideon Pesachov

Pianists

• Ari Erev
• Nitzan Gavrieli
• Rani Keren
• Gadi Keynan
• Tamir Miller

Saxophonists

• Shlomi Goldenberg
• Mel Rosenberg

Vocalists

• Daphne Levy
• Meital Nir'el

Listener Impressions

“A few weeks ago, I sat in a café by the Tel Aviv Harbor. From the café next door we heard a quite divine sound that we assumed was from a disc by one of the unforgettable black jazz singers. Then we found out that it was a live performance of an Israeli singer named Tami Kelly (remember this name, I think you'll hear it again), and I can't keep this discovery to myself. And you shouldn't keep it to yourself either. Keep spreading the word about Tami. She's a diva!" - Anna Avidov, Tel Aviv

Tami's on MySpace!

For even more on Tami, please check our her MySpace site:

www.myspace.com/tamikelly