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Paula's music has won songwriting awards from internationally known clubs like the Kerrville Folk Festival, Wildflower Festival and the John Lennon International Song Contest (double-finalist). When she's not performing House Concerts and songwriter stages she's singing American Songbook standards, Americana and Pop music at Wineries, Clubs and Coffee Houses as an acoustic duo, Held and Mann or with her Jazz Trio, Moon Blossom.
" …a curiously addictive marriage of folk, pop and jazz influences." Arthur Wood, Maverick Magazine
"[Paula] adds new ideas to the jazz-related work of now famous female artists like Norah Jones, Diana Krall and Madeleine Peyroux. Her songs are beautiful, the melody lines fine, her voice is flexible and sultry, [and] the accompaniment is excellent ..." - Fred Schmale, Real Roots Cafe, Netherlands
"Paula's tastes are eclectic and her abilities comprehensive. She slides effortlessly from country to jazz standards, to soft rock. Her [original music]...
Paula Held began playing music at my restaurant on February 11, 2011. Although crowds in a restaurant are always unpredictable, she's managed to develop a loyal local following and has drawn people from Austin to San Antonio. I've owned a bar, managed and owned restaurants and been a professional musician all of my life. For ten years I wrote a music column. In that time I have seen many hundreds of performers and learned to judge their quality of performance. Very few reach her level of excellence. When Paula picks up her guitar at the beginning of her set, her audience never knows what direction she’ll take. She slides effortlessly from country to jazz standards, to soft rock. When she sings a torch song she sounds like she was tutored by Julie London. When she sings the blues, the intensity of her delivery can cover anyone’s lyrics. Her own singer/songwriter creations also scan several genres and are remarkably crafted throughout. This is no cover copy singer. Though her scope forestalls any boredom at the front tables, it never loses that sense of artistic integrity so essential to a great performer. With a voice at once soulful and controlled and a guitar that plays any direction with seeming ease, she stays at the emotional center of of her music [accentuated and supported] by the intricate lead guitar work of Monte Mann. - Jimmy Ash, co-owner, Linda's Fine Foods, Wimberley TX
Paula captivates you with her voice, singing stories of life and love, heartbreak and heartache, hope and happiness. A voice at home in both rock and ballads, but also smoky and sultry in jazz. She interacts with her audience and establishes a mutual and warm partnership with them. Whether Paula is playing one of her original songs or putting a new sheen on covers of standards, you'll come away knowing you've seen an original talent.
Paula has an exquisite voice that reminds me of both Nora Jones and Carole King, and has the agility to soar with her jazz-folk melodies. Her songs can be soft and lyrical, and then cut deep into the pains of love and family. Whatever the topic, her words are fresh and well-crafted. She's a fine and delicate fingerpicker as well - the whole package as a solo artist. She's earned the awards she's won, and is always a pleasure to listen to.
