Hani:  Touching. Dramatic. Whimsical. Brassy…

Hani teases her audience into a favorite song, and sighs scatter through the crowd as it is recognized. Or, she spins a tale about an unfamiliar song, sings it and holds her listener to the last note.

She’s been told she sounds like Barbra Streisand, and Judy Garland. Hani replies in that Bronx/Brooklyn twang, “maybe she [Streisand] sounds like me?!”

Growing up, Hani adored the music of Garland, Streisand and everything Broadway. If they sang it, she likely sings it today. This Bronx New York kid was spoiled by the finest singers, best songs and greatest pianists (her favorite instrument). Her mom was a concert pianist.

A painfully shy little girl, Hani studied classical voice for seven years, from her teens into her twenties. But it wasn’t until after marriage, divorce, and multiple careers, that she found that voice and blossomed into the musical artist she is today.

She found that voice, singing cabaret-style since 2001. In 2016, Hani did 21 one-woman shows. She sings from a deep place, loving the lyric as much as the melody. Hani’s greatest gift is her intimate connection with her audience.

ALBUMS

Hani: From My Heart

Hani’s first album, released Dec. 2003

Hani: From My Heart

Seventeen songs, written between 1925 and 1983. Yet, they are timeless. Music refreshes the spirit, catches attention, unleashes the heart and fills the soul. Music reminds us of our own joy. For me, this process of creation has been extraordinary. Each song holds a special place in my heart. As you listen, I believe you will know that. I’m so very thrilled to be sharing this with you. From my heart, Hani

  1. Always 2:08
  2. Come Rain or Come Shine 3:03
  3. Nowadays 2:05
  4. The Music That Makes Me Dance 2:59
  5. Hello Bluebird 2:45
  6. You’re Nearer 2:56
  7. Bewitched 2:42
  8. In The Wee Small Hours of The Morning 2:10
  9. All That Jazz 2:34
  10. Here’s That Rainy Day 2:00
  11. Cabaret 3:46
  12. The Shadow Of Your Smile 2:38
  13. Alfie 2:44
  14. The Best Of Times 2:11
  15. Never Never Land 2:45
  16. Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart 2:05
  17. Over The Rainbow 3:18

Hani: Being Alive

A celebration of music and life in intimate cabaret style.

Hani: Being Alive

What an extraordinary time this is, “Being Alive.” My appreciation, love and thanks to Judy Boehm (trks 2,4,5,10,11,13,14) and Herb Avery (trks 1,3,6,7,8,9,12) on piano; and Ken Gregory, engineer (elec. bass; trumpet). Mike Haid (drums) and Marla Feeney (violin; sax). Recorded at 800 East studios, Atlanta, Ga.

  1. I Could Go On Singing 2:48
    harold arlen / e.y. harburg
  2. Too Late Now 3:35
    burton lane / alan jay lerner
  3. Yes 2:17
    john kander / fred ebb
  4. Not While I’m Around 2:53
    stephen sondheim
  5. That’s All 3:58
    alan brandt / bob haymes
  6. Where Do You Start? 3:50
    johnny mandel / alan & marilyn bergman
  7. Remember Who You Are 3:01
    roxanna ward / lynn defino
  8. Before The Parade Passes By 3:13
    jerry herman
  1. Can’t Take That Away From Me 2:52
    george gershwin / ira gershwin
  2. Perfect 3:37
    ann hampton callaway
  3. Wind Beneath My Wings 3:21
    jeff silbar / larry henley
  4. City Lights 4:14
    john kander / fred ebb
  5. Being Alive 2:09
    stephen sondheim
  6. I Wish You Love 3:35
    charles trenet; albert beach (english lyric)

Here Comes Mrs. Santa Claus

Here Comes Mrs. Santa Claus

Once upon a time, long ago (the 70s) and far away (New York City), Johnny (our jazz pianist, composer, arranger) and his friend Doris (sharp ad exec) were marveling at this new “Women’s Lib” phenomenon. Women were standing up for themselves, asking for equal treatment.Imagine…that could touch every aspect of life. It could impact longstanding traditions. It could raise questions. They explored the notion of Holiday. What if Santa Claus couldn’t make his annual sleigh ride…and Mrs. Santa saved the day! So Johnny and Doris wrote “Here Comes Missus Santa Claus.” And they had fun.

As can happen, Johnny moved away, Doris stayed put, and the song settles quietly into Johnny’s music portfolio. For years and years. And years.

One day, Johnny’s friend Hani (a singer) was asked if she knew of a “different” Holiday tune. No, but she knew who to ask..her friend Johnny. Did he ever write a Christmas song? Yes.

Johnny and Hani gave “Mrs. Santa” a makeover for the new millennium. A lovable, singable story of smiles, joy, love and happy endings; a new tradition for Holiday.

In His Hands

(with Johnny Knapp)

Jazz piano spirituals; with 2 vocal tracks written by Johnny Knapp, sung by Hani