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Pianist, Singer, Composer :: Jazz - R&B - Latin - Blues - Gospel

Pianist Breaks the Ice

Text and photo by Jennifer Davis

Lynn Hilton is no stranger to the cold. But this Chicago native hasn't spent a winter in her hometown for years. As a jazz vocalist/pianist of renown, Hilton has been touring far and wide for the last ten years in the Caribbean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America. When her American agent found an opening at Borsalino restaurant at the Angleterre Hotel, she decided to revisit winter in a city famous for it's snow and ice.

Photo of Lynn Hilton

"I usually spend the winter working someplace warm. I did some internet research about St. Petersburg and knew it gets really cold here," says Hilton. "However, when I arrived in January it was negative 30 degrees (Celsius). I was a bit shocked."

Hilton accompanies herself on piano and a synthesizer programmed with customized backing tracks she arranges herself. Her repertoire consists of jazz and blues standards, original material and her own unique interpretations of pop songs ranging from Tracy Chapman's Talking About a Revolution to Bob Marley's No Woman, No Cry.

The relaxing, laid back atmosphere of Borsalino provides a fitting backdrop to Hilton's hypnotic vocals and elegant playing style. Her witty stage banter and friendly demeanor makes her a favorite with hotel staff and guests alike. "Let me introduce you to my son," she says jokingly as a young waiter brings her a glass of water. As if on cue, her "son" dutifully sets down the glass and replies "For you, mama."

On any given evening, you will find an interesting mix of people at Borsalino. Romantic couples sit in intimate leather booths, sampling exquisitely laid-out delicacies from a gourmet menu. Hotel guests, Finnish businessmen, government contractors and trendy twentysomethings mingle together near the bar, enjoying top shelf liquor and Chilean wine. Occasionally, a patron shouts out a request, which Hilton tries to oblige no matter how eclectic.

"You never know what's gonna happen here," says Hilton. "Sometimes the whole crowd is dancing. Other nights a fellow jazz musician and friend might drop by and sit in for a couple of songs."

Hilton has integrated herself into the local jazz scene thanks to an introduction by a Borsalino bartender to other jazz musicians who play next door at the Hotel Astoria. On her free days, you can often find her enjoying the local club scene at places like Che, JFC, and Sunduk.

"The gig scene here is wonderful," says Hilton. "Sometimes when I close my eyes I feel like I'm back home in Chicago or the Village in New York." "The musicians I have been privileged to meet here are very special in terms of their proficiency, education and level of professionalism," she says. "I expected nothing less. I had met many Russian musicians during my travels."

After St. Petersburg, Hilton will take a long-anticipated respite from the cold in Casablanca. Borsalino's hospitable Italian manager, Mirco Zanini, has made Lynn Hilton feel at home here, and she hopes to return to the Angleterre Hotel this summer.

"I'm all for it. Playing music is an art which removes borders. It is an international language and a means of communicating your innermost spirit to others," she says.