Fran Hartshorn was born to sing, and has been doing so most of her life. 

Fran began her musical life at an early age in Evansville, Indiana, where she grew up the youngest of 9 children.  There was always music and singing in the house.  In high school she began performing in musical theatre productions and singing at weddings.  She continued to develop her skills in Tucson, Arizona, New York City, and now in San Diego.

Fran is most passionate about the jazz genre and has always felt this was where her voice best fit.  She released her first solo jazz vocal cd, Introducing Fran Hartshorn, in August of 2007.  The recording contains original arrangements of standards from the 1930’s and ‘40’s, and has received airplay on San Diego’s local FM jazz radio station, KSDS, 88.3, and positive reviews. 

The San Diego Troubadour review states “Hartshorn’s voice is strong yet malleable.  She effortlessly changes pitch and places herself solidly within the framework of her accompanying musicians…”

The North County Times review claims “Fran Hartshorn is a first-rate jazz singer of the old school.  Her debut CD shows a vocalist of superb range, great warmth and elegant interpretative taste…local jazzheads are going to be wondering when her next disc will come out.”

She has studied the Bel Canto technique for 8 years and is equally comfortable singing Cole Porter as she is Mozart.  She has performed professionally in many capacities as a solo artist, as well as with several various music groups including a big band, a lounge act, a classical quartet, and an a capella quartet.  She has also been a staple on the Lyric Opera San Diego stage for the past 10 years performing many character roles.

Fran performs jazz regularly with some of San Diego’s top musicians at private events and venues such as Dizzy’s San Diego, Buon Giorno Italian Restaurant, Hawthorn’s Restaurant, The Birch North Park Theatre, and the Park Manor Hotel.

She was a featured guest on Art Rocks Radio, and internet radio program, in anticipation of her cd release.  That interview is on the Art Rocks Radio archives, and is linked below.

She has also been a featured guest on the Cynthia Hammond radio show on San Diego’s KSDS, Jazz 88.

Check out Fran's page on myspace at  www.myspace.com/franhartshorn.
 

Click here to hear my art rocks radio interview: Jazz Voice Rising