PJ Parker is a native New Yorker whose first improvised recording was at age three, performing Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song."

Her first taste of performing in front of a live audience came a little later, around age five, in several Long Island restaurants. Much to the chagrin of her parents, she would frequently disappear, only to be discovered politely taking requests, her remuneration a fat green or black olive from the relish tray. Her love of olives continues to this day.

From producing neighborhood backyard traveling shows to church and school solo performances, she went on to New York University to major in vocal music, studying the classics in five languages, and went on the road after graduation. Her touring with various show bands took her up and down the East Coast, Midwest and an extended stay in the Bahamas.

From concerts to dinner theater, summer stock, regional theater and musical reviews -- favorites including Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living In Paris, 110 in the Shade, and Pippin -- PJ has also been the featured vocalist with orchestras and bands from Atlantic City to New York City.

As a jazz vocalist, PJ has performed with such artists as Jerry Bruno, Roy Cumming, Geary Moore, Harry Leahy, Steve Gilmore, Keith MacDonald, Gary Mazzaroppi, Radam Schwartz and Rich Reiter. She has also been the featured vocalist for the opening act bands for John Pizzarelli and Harry Connick Jr., and has appeared in the annual Philadelphia Variety Club Telethon with Ben Vereen and Maureen McGovern. She was also the featured female vocalist in the big band show, "Your Seaside Ballroom," which received rave reviews at the Trump Plaza Theater in Atlantic City.

With her first live CD, "Intimate," PJ honors her father, jazz pianist Tom Parker, whose early influence led her to Frank Sinatra, the Hi-Lo's, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McCrae and Tony Bennett. The "Intimate" collection is culled from months of live recordings at Rosse's, a quiet little restaurant that was nestled in the Watchung Mountains of New Jersey. Accompanied by the creative stylings of Vinnie Ruggieri and John Bianculli, the "Intimate" songs are a microcosm of the many she learned hearing her father play or sing or embrace, and a tribute to the simple magic of piano and voice.

For bookings or other information, contact PJ at pj@pjparker.net