American singer-songwriter Beth Hart is a popular guest in the Netherlands. This year marks her debut at North Sea Jazz. Hart’s raw voice could be described as a cross between Janis Joplin and Joan Armatrading. Her breakthrough came with the hit L.A. Song (Out Of This Town). Hart has a turbulent past behind her, which she often uses as source material for her lyrics – as she did on the highly-praised album Leave The Light On. She has worked with legendary guitarists like Jeff Beck and Slash, and has also recorded two successful albums with Joe Bonamassa. But it is her live performances that repeatedly cause a stir. Time stands still during her gritty, passionate performances and her audience is held captive. President Obama led a standing ovation for Hart for her Buddy Guy tribute at the Kennedy Center Honors.
