Grammy-nominated singer/writer, Carla Helmbrecht, began her love affair with music at the age of eight. A native of Wisconsin, Carla was raised in a large music-loving family and it wasn’t uncommon for them to spend endless evenings making music. By age 13, she sang professionally and continued her musical studies through college. Early influences included Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Julie London, Nancy Wilson, and Shirley Horn. Carla’s first recordings with Heart Music earned prominent positions on Gavin’s Jazz Chart and debuted as “the most added jazz record on radio in the nation”. She lives in San Francisco and performs locally and internationally.

“… imaginative…poetic and sophisticated…She’s hip without being frenetic, laid-back without sounding haphazard, and best of all, the lady swings without sweating…the lyric writer’s best friend.” -Harvey Siders, JazzTimes

“She exudes warmth in spades…An unusually gifted vocalist, impeccable phrasing…steeped in a swinging jazz sensibility that reminds me of Mel Torme….” -Carol Archer, R & R Magazine

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“…A great talent!… very in vogue vocalist. Her style is charming and natural, with just the right amount of sexiness. Cool and very sophisticated.” – Swing Journal (2004)

“exciting vocal style…easy to fall for completely…elegant…backed by the cream of today’s instrumentalists”
-Jazzreview.com (2002)

“… imaginative…poetic and sophisticated…She’s hip without being frenetic, laid-back without sounding haphazard, and best of all, the lady swings without sweating…the lyric writer’s bestfriend.”
-Harvey Siders, JazzTimes (2001)

“ She exudes warmth in spades…An unusually gifted vocalist, impeccable phrasing…steeped in a swinging jazz sensibility that reminds me of Mel Torme…Ernie Watts’ eloquent saxophone lines. Keep an eye and ear on Carla Helmbrecht; hers is a voice that we’re destined to hear in the future.”