Playlists with Purpose: Tianna Hall

Maybe you’ve heard, but we’ve created Playlists with Purpose, a series where we give to a cause we care about and then share a playlist as an homage to what matters.  

Say hello to Tianna Hall—one of Houston’s very own jazz vocalists & lover of all-things-swing music. She’s a single mom to two kids with autism. She’s the woman who finds the silver linings in things (and she’s probably that front-woman singing on stage at a Great Gatsby party). She’s a vocal powerhouse whose got a big heart and even bigger passion for music. 

In our chat with Tianna, we find out how music has been pushing her through these wild times, why she digs things that swing and how her playlist will speak to us with sincerity and truth. Here’s a peak into her world and her playlist with a purpose.

Introduce yourself to the world.

Howdy! My name is Tianna Hall. I’m a jazz vocalist here in Houston, and bandleader and vocalist for The Houston Jazz Band and Mighty Pretty Mixtape. I’m a single mom to two small kiddos affected by autism. One mildly, so like me—she’s an “Aspie-type” girl. She’s 6. My son is severely affected and non-verbal. He’s 9. 

What instruments do you play? What do you love about them?

I play the guitar and piano—two instruments that I love and respect so much. My level of mastery is a travesty—especially in comparison to the freakishly talented instrumentalists I’ve hired to accompany me. So instead of playing the nonsense I’ve attempted to play in the past, I work with the best musicians in Texas who make me sound a bazillion times better than I actually am. That said—I’m a guitar, upright bass & piano owner.

How long have you been performing? What was your first fond memory?

I’ve literally been performing my entire life and began working professionally in musical theater as a child. I remember being a little girl—barely able to read books—but was being taught to read notation in the Houston children’s chorus alongside my reading homework. As a chorus, we performed a sacred song in Latin at Jones Hall—and it was my very first performance. It was a very moving moment for me—and I was only in 4th grade or something. I was completely gobsmacked and struck by the beauty and the complexity of the harmonies and all those pure voices, all under the direction of Steve Roddy. I was never the same again. 

Favorite local venue to perform at? 

There are so many that I love with all my heart. For private events, I have a real soft spot for The Astorian. Their aesthetic fits our sound flawlessly—with all the “throwback” charm and swing/jazz era sophistication. As far as the restaurants we play at regularly, I adore our Friday night home-away-from-home Artisans—it’s a French culinary gem. Our small jazz duo and trio (tucked into a corner) is the perfect addition for a romantic, “savior faire” vibe they’re shooting for. (You’d expect F. Scott Fitzgerald or Cole Porter to be dining across the room!) As far as clubs go—I’ve been enjoying becoming an addition at Turner’s. It’s a new speakeasy-style concept by Berg Hospitality Group, complete with a grand piano and live music. It’s just delightful—tucked away and perfect for an unobtrusive, swanky night out. 

How has music helped push you through the pandemic?

Music has been my lifelong catharsis. I battle depression & anxiety a great deal, as many creatives do. They don’t call it the “creative’s curse” for nothing. Not having my audience and my performance venues open to me has been decidedly difficult. But, being able to get creative about my work and music in other ways has revitalized me creatively. So, in that regard—there has been a silver lining. 

Which musician(s) do you look up to? Why?

So many. A few locals have acted as mentors to me, but unfortunately many of them have passed away. To pay homage, I dedicated my latest album to them on April 18th. (Tianna Hall & The Houston Jazz Band - Live, available on TiannaHall.com). They were Mike Nase, Kellye Gray, Marsha Frazier & Dana Rogers. I’m lucky to have some of the people that have been local mentors on the jazz scene still here: Paul English, Mike Wheeler, Dennis Dotson, as well as some out of town ones—Jane Monheit, Miguel Villacaña, Agustin Bernal & Gabriel Puentes. 

What do you want people to know about Houston’s local music scene?

We have a flavor unlike any other place on earth. Our cultural melting pot of musical influence has shown that. The diversity has created such an eclectic and unique sound with a soul that has a richness that no place else can rival. I love our city. I love our sound. I live for the influences it has on us all and I wouldn’t have wanted my musical upbringing to happen anywhere else.

Have a favorite song on your playlist?

That’s a tough question. I love all these songs for different reasons. First and foremost—I’m a huge hopeless romantic. So—there’s that. Music has to move me and have beauty. Secondly—I dig things that swing. HARD. 

Where can we find you? 

I’m everywhere!

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

Grab those headphones and check out Tianna's Playlist with Purpose—a nod to all-things-swing.