Mary Pearson

In the vocal jazz tradition, there are many voices but few who really have a deep impact. So when a singer offers something unique, it is unmistakable. You hear it right away. "You can't imagine how inundated a new label is by players and their projects," says Bob Karcy, CEO and founder of the Arkadia label. "But Mary stood out. It wasn't just her beautiful voice; there are many, many beautiful voices. But her voice is distinctive and instantly recognizable. You hear a few notes and say, 'That's Mary Pearson.'"
Pearson's commanding voice carries throughout her Arkadia debut You & I with the kind of "luxuriant style and beauty of expression" that moved Jazz Times to suggest "Pearson's name should become a household word."
As a working New York City musician, Mary Pearson is at home in any setting, from fronting a big band to performing as a self-contained vocalist/pianist. Some of the stellar musicians Pearson has performed and/or recorded with are: Dr. Billy Taylor, Fred Hersch, Harvie Swartz, John Hart, David Lahm, Lynne Arriale, Steve Davis, Lew Anderson, Sherrie Maricle, Bruce Ditmas, Art Labriola, Claire Daly, James Weidman, Lonnie Plaxico, Ron Jackson, Nicki Parrott, Steve Logan, Essiet Essiet, Eric Lewis, T.K. Blue, and Roy Meriwether.
In addition to her widely varied performances, Pearson whistles on commercials, including a national television jingle for "Cinch" and writes children's musicals, one of which has been produced at the Westchester Broadway Theatre, a large equity house. Solo to big band, song stylist, writer, piano player, whistler, entertainer and Arkadia Jazz Recording artist Mary Pearson's unique style reaches, touches and captivates all within the sound of her voice.