Pam the Wham. I can still feel the shivers from her incredible voice, and it's been 20 years. She was the Annie Lennox to my Boy George. Shine on, Pam, shine on....

Pammy - you may be gone from this physical place but you will be in my heart forever. Your voice will fill any void I know feel. Memories of jam sessions in the living room - rocking at Rockstock - Whiteys' to Blues Alley - Christmas Caroling through the neighborhood - laughing with our boys - these will always be a part of us.
Blake - I don't know what to say except I love you so much and will be here whenever you need me. You will always be one of my boys.

Everyone who has posted here has captured Pam's essence. I echo everyone's remembrances and admiration. I sang side by side with Pam for five years as part of Mad Romance, and I was privileged to sing many duets with her, too. In fact, she introduced me to D.C. jazz.

I'm truly sorry that Pam and I lost touch in the recent years. From the first time I met Pam and heard her sing, I was awed by the scope of her talent, but even more awed by her humanity. She was a towering talent--a true musical chameleon, and a person of great intellect and emotion.

Pam, I wish I had been there for you. We lost some years, but I have never lost my love for you and my awe of your talent. I wish you peace.

Eddie Vann

I cared greatly for Pam as a person and musician and am very saddened by this news. I'm just finishing up a clinical social work degree and wish I could have helped in someway in her hurt. I wasn't close enough to to her to know the extent of her hurt. She described her life growing up in the City Paper interview.

I've heard her for years at Utopia and elsewhere. She was a very generous soul, spent time thinking about how to help society (with her ex-husband Gareth) and was very real. She taught two of my friends singing.

She kindly agreed to sing at Susan and my wedding with Patrick de Santos on "Vivaldi's Concerto in D-minor for 2 Mandolins," and "What is this thing called Love?" and solo on "How deep is the ocean?" and "Wonder" by Natalie Merchant. I have her video taped singing these tunes. Paul Pieper and Victor Dvoskin backed them up.

Her last recording was a live performance at Utopia and is my favorite. I gave ten of these away as Christmas gifts this year. This double cd can be bought at Utopia on U Street.

My life has been greatly enriched by Pam. I and the community will miss her greatly.

By my lights, this is the best thing Pammy ever wrote...

"It's all right.
It's all right.
It's all right.
No, it's not all right."

My heart breaks for the family she left behind. Gentlemen, I am at your service.

Wham, I know it's a bad time for a chip on my shoulder. I'm awful sorry that all of it seemed to hurt so much. I sure hope you find some peace, now.

I am so sorry to hear of Pam's passing. I met Pam via Thievery Corporation, who I have worked with for many years. My interactions with Pam were always so fond; she was such a gentle person with an easy disposition and professional manner. Her voice was always stunning, her performances flawless. I found her to be an incredibly mature voice in the sometimes mad realm of touring and live performance. It is with great saddness I write this small tribute today. Her songs will live on and when I hear them, I will think of her.

My deepest sympathy to her close family and friends,
Judy Miller Silverman

Thievery has a nice tribute with images on their site:

http://www.eslmusic.com/

I first heard Pam's voice in 1987 at the Kripalu Center in Lennox Mass. The residents there prized Linda Worster's recordings (on which Pam sang harmony) as both beautiful music and as therapeutic tools. Hearing their plaintive voices in harmony often brought deeply hidden sadness and pain to the surface and precipitated emotion healing. Later, in Washington, I would be able to work with Pam many times. When I mentioned the early encounter with her voice and the ‘medicinal’ quality of their music, she kept things light and acknowledged my praise with characteristic grace. Pam is rare among musicians I have known in that she brought the highest level of musical skill and sophistication to the bandstand and yet she communicated on the most intuitive, primal level with the listener. My thoughts go to her family and my heart is full as I remember her.

Over a span of 24 years, I had the great joy and privilege of singing and playing guitars with Pam on Nantucket island for two weeks every summer. Our motto was "two guitars, two voices, BIG fun!!" Some of the happiest moments of my life were spent looking into Pam's eyes and sailing off into the music together.
There were always lots of laughs. She was a strong supporter in the hardest times. She was one of my best friends, a confidante, a sister, my clone (long story there) and the mother of my beloved Godson, Blake.
I am so incredibly grateful for her life and our friendship. I will miss her terribly.
My heart goes out to all who have been touched by her loving and generous spirit.

So many years ago, at the wonderful, now-defunct Food for Thought near Dupont Circle, I sat and listened to Pam Bricker singing
Todd Rundgren's "Never Would Have Made Any Difference" on that tiny little stage. I remember feeling as if I had never before heard such a truly beautiful voice sing such an exquisitely sad song- I screwed up all of my courage and approached her after her set to say thank you for the music. Immediately, she reached out in friendship. For me, Pam Bricker was a seminal talent, gorgeous, so generous and so friendly to exceedingly shy persons such as myself. A number of years later, we ran into eachother at a local Washington DC event. I will never forget her shining blue eyes, her laugh and sparkle as she tapped me on the shoulder and said hello.. it was a brief conversation, but I was so thrilled to have seen her, and have the chance to tell her how inspiring she was to me, and no doubt to so many people.
I have always thought that she was the perfect example of someone truly following their heart- and their art- despite the challenges, the difficulties, the inevitable rejection that happens to everyone who has ever tried to merge real life with creativity. It's impossible to think of her without the gift she had- connecting with her music. We were all so lucky that she was here.
Echoing so many of these remembrances, I will miss her and I am so sorry for her family, friends and fans. I hope that she is in a place of peace, beauty, and music.

I will always remember and admire Pam's talents specially after she so graciously collaborated on 2 of my CDs and many of my performances. Sharing the stage with her was always a great honor and I loved to just step back and let her do her thing. We recorded a CD that will be released later this year but how sad she will not be around to hear people praise her. My condolences go out to all her family, friends and fans world-wide. I take heart in that our last recorded duet together was entitled "[Y]ou Must Believe in Spring".

I had the pleasure of working with Pam several times and always eagerly awaited those gigs. Pam came by a public gig in Silver Spring several months ago and sat in with us and just sounded fantastic as always. Shortly after I first met Pam I asked her to sing at my wedding reception. My family dug out that video last night and we once again heard Pam swinging and being so masterful! From the first moment I met her she treated me like I belonged in her elite group of musicans and without ever having heard me play a note, putting me at ease instantly. She was always so much fun to hang out with and was really like one of the guys. I even remember her once calling a tune in an unusual key and afterwards telling the musicians "didn't mean to bust your balls!"
I never heard her sing a bad note or do anything contrived. It was always just about sheer musicality with Pam.
I still can't believe she's gone. What a great loss for the DC music scene and beyond. I'll miss her dearly and I know I'll think of her often. There must be a great jam session going on with Pam holding court next to the jazz greats of which she belonged next to.
Pammy-we miss you and loved you so much.
My heart goes out to your family and your many many friends and fans.

My dear Pammy: 30 years of music and the beach on Nantucket and such good times..... Listening to you and Linda - sitting in with the third harmony. The memory of playing "Yes It Is" at the Brotherhood the first time and bringing the house to a complete halt. :-)
My love and respect follow you...
David

Pam was my friend and oh how I wish I had connected with her during the bleak times. So many wonderful memories are replaying in my head -- meeting Pam and Gar at North Nelson St. Blake's arrival as the sweetest baby ever. Pam in our wedding, singing "The folks who live on the hill" to Tim and me. Café GaGa. All through these memories I hear her beautiful, beautiful voice, and see her sweet, giving, adorable self. The sadness is overwhelming. I send my love and strength to Gareth and Blake and to Pam's Family, Friends and Fans.

While I was neither family nor close friend of Pam's, her passing has weighed heavily on my conscience. We should all pray for her family because their loss is the greatest. As for myself, and I suspect many other of us local fans who knew her and were fortunate to see her perform locally, we are just left with so many questions and so much regret.

Pam was the quintessential matriarch of our underappreciated DC jazz landscape. Of all the talented artists who make up this accomplished fraternity, Pam was the Queen. She was like the gold standard that most artists would only hope to measure up to. For many of us, there was no better way to end a weekend than with a cozy, intimate Sunday night at Utopia with her scatting or belting away from atop her perch at the end of the bar.

My fondest memory was a year or so ago at one of Wayne's cd release parties at Bossa. If you weren't there, it might as well have been the DC jazz world's own little LiveAid, the gathering of musical and vocal talents was so great. I'll never forget, and now forever cherish, seeing Pam, Nicki Gonzalez and Patrick De Santos all singing together in support of Wayne's project. While it was a rare evening with our city's three most talented singers all on stage at once, it was Pam who just just blew the joint that night as she did any night she played.

Pam was always approachable and happy to have a drink and a chat with you on her break or after her gig. At those moments, I guess I felt like I paid homage to her or conveyed my appreciation to her as a fan, but it doesn't feel like enough now. I wish I had the chance to say it now. To just tell her what a wonderful night you've given me, and thank you for sharing with all of us the talent that you possess, and thank you for all the memories you've given us. Take care, be well and thank you, Pam.

Cheers,

Chris Geier

The first time I ever saw Pam was when she arrived to live at Twin Oaks for the second time. She’d been living in Boston, had been a successful musician, so I was told, but when I met her...she was recovering from depression and she was a very quiet and reserved person who barely spoke (in stark contrast to the largely ebullient and talkative personalities of the Twin Oaker circa late 70s.),,, and at first I saw no hint of the vibrant person she really was. The days at the commune had a healing effect on her though, and I got to be privy to one of life’s happier miracles as she slowly came back to life and started to reveal the personality that had been hidden by her sadness. I remember being incredibly taken with her and the transformation I saw taking place daily. My fondest memories of her are when she was performing with her Twin Oaks Band “No Excuse”...she sang rock and roll then... and she was sooooooooo sexy! She wore these tight red tights and these ultra high heeled shoes and she would play guitar and sing like nobody’s business and she would even wail on the saxophone and be as glamorous and extroverted and as far from the shy, reserved person I first saw as she could be. I lived in the same building with her...only a few rooms down and I had the privilege at times of hearing her practice... she would strum her acoustc guitar and sing this song “Compassion” just trying out different ways to express her feellings through the song. Her voice winding around the notes. It was my first experience listening to a vocalist working.... making different choices... trying different approaches... It was intimate...and it felt a little like eavesdropping even though I knew it wasn’t. I loved it best when she would reach for the low notes and her voice would get all husky. I could quite happily listen to her for hours. She would sing some songs she wrote herself....”I’ve been looking for you, cowherd boy... Krishna, Krishna Krishna...I’m longing for you... or “Can’t you see that light up ahead...does this mean...we’re almost home?” Or...most poignantly a song she wrote for her sister...”it will all come out in the wash.” Pam was the most talented person I knew personally at that point. I remember being almost confused by her ability. Some part of me couldn’t understand what this amazingly talented individual was doing living only a few doors down from me...in a little house in the woods in rural Virginia. But...I felt lucky she did.

Gareth told me once, that he’d had a vision when he traveled out to California that he was supposed to return to Twin Oaks and fall in love with Pam. And so it happened. It seemed logical that such a magical portent should preceed their courtship. I wasn’t really surprised. It was wonderful to see that match...two extraordinary people...with creative ways of viewing the world and both seeming to possess the attitude that anything was possible. An incredible partnership. As if Pam’s musical ability wasn’t enough I realized that she was also a very good graphic artist... as was Gareth. I remember being so impressed with the work that they did rendering a diagram of some sort of heating equipment (the memory of exactly what it was is fuzzy after all these years)... and by brochures that they did for Twin Oaks hammocks. They had a small design business after they left Twin Oaks and went to work at Gesundheit with Patch... and I remember distinctly this absolutely fabulous bright yellow album cover design and typographic treatment they did for Pete Kennedy (Rhythmn Ranch)...one of the remarkable local musicians in DC.... I became a graphic designer myself..because of them.

Although I saw Pam and Gareth often during my first years after I left Twin Oaks...I hadn’t seen them for the past six years. The last time was at a performance Pam gave at a small venue in Arlington. She was an accomplished jazz singer by now of course...and she was as mesmerizing as many people have described her. I was so proud of her...and I have always been proud that I knew her. I was so happy when she won her Wammies and only a few weeks ago looked for her name to be amongst the winners at this past years event... when I didn’t see it...I wondered what the heck was wrong with this town. But I know that this is all wrong...she should be here, reveling in the place she has worked so hard to make for herself in her beloved jazz music scene. And sharing life's pleasures with those she loved. I have always carried Pam and Gareth in my heart... they are special to me and always will be. It doesn’t seem possible yet that she is gone. At least she has left us her amazing music and her unique memory....May she rest in peace.

Until the summer of 2004 I shared the stage with Pam about once a week for about 5 years as the male vocalist in an event band known as Odyssey. As an event band we played popular, structured music. All of her fans know of her abilities in jazz, few knew of her willingness to breath life into structured music. As you might imagine, it was always a humbling experience to sing duets with someone of Pam's immense talent. However, she was very generous and did her best to help me get the phrasing right. It is hard to explain how amazing it is to sing with someone who's pitch is ALWAYS perfectly centered. Her sheer technical facility was matched by her willingness (and need) to share her emotions through the song. The same old songs would live everytime she sang them - and she didn't have to fool around with the melody to achieve it (fortunately we did have a number of standards where she took those liberties) She and Chuck referred to me as either "Mr G" or "Frank" - Pam, although I prefer to remember the good times we shared through the music, I must admit that from time to time I will sip a Manhattan and think of you with tears in my eyes. See you on the flip-side. - Mr. G

I am writing this with a heavy heart. Although, I haven't seen Pam for a few years, I always enjoyed seeing her and working with her.

I met Pam when she first arrived in DC. My Band then The Washington Jazz Battalion was en route to the Canary Islands in Spain. The Gig required a vocalist. Paul Bollenbach gave me a tape of Pam Bricker. I said let's hire her. I had not seen her or met her. The next night she and the band were at my house and we were en-route to New York to catch our flight to Spain.

I will miss her.

Oh, Pammy, how I wish I had reached out to you! I knew you were hurting. I also know those closest to you did everything they could to help, wishing they could do more. My heart goes out to Gareth, Blake, Peter, Wayne and Jim, who were there as much as humanly possible. Pam, we miss you so!

Now is time to examine my life to see how I can reach out to people I've been meaning to connect with, and to appreciate better those I'm with. We may not be able to save the most troubled lives; we can certainly make a difference on many levels.

Wayne, Jim, and I will be at U-topia Sunday (Pam's steady gig) and are inviting friends to stop by, remember Pam, play some music. The musicians are contributing their pay to help the family, and the club will make a contribution as well. Also, Wayne plans to have sale proceeds from their cd go to the family.

Love, David Jernigan ("Big Bird")

I'd never heard, or heard of, Ms. Bricker until I saw the news of her demise and followed a few links to read about her life and listen to her work. I am deeply, deeply envious of all of you who had the pleasure of hearing that incredible voice live, of sharing the fruit of that sensibility. There is an unfortunate reflex in our society to "rediscover" and disseminate an artist's work only when she or he has passed beyond this world, its garlands and its glory. That said, the fact that most, if not all, of Ms. Bricker's recorded work is unavailable in the DC area is criminal, simply put, and demands immediate redress. I can only imagine I speak for hundreds, if not thousands, of people who have only discovered this artist in the wake of her demise and who want to hear work from every stage of her career.
I offer my condolences to her loved ones and admirers.

When it comes to singers, Pam Bricker was second to none. And what it comes to people, Pam Bricker was second to none. My love of Pam and her music began the day Rick Harris stuck a pair of headphones on my ears and let me
listen to the first demo of Mad Romance. With her music and her charm Pam made us all feel like a million bucks. The warmth of Pam's voice, combined with her timing and phenomenal musicianship, never failed to grab me. One of
my favorite memories with Pam is sitting in the pouring rain on the lawn at Wolf Trap listening to Ella. Another, is laughing so hard at some silliness that we could barely put the labels on a batch of Mad Romance
postcards. Pam may be the only person I've ever met who could chew you out and still make you feel good about yourself. Like her family, countless friends and fans, I am heartbroken.

As a working composer/performer I didn't have the chance to see Pam's performances as often as I would have liked but the few times I did they made a deep impression on me. My condolences to her family and friends, and thanks for giving us the opportunity to post our thoughts.

The first time I saw Pam she was on stage at the Henley Park Hotel and I was absolutely dazzled. Her singing, that voice and charisma
were my first exposure to jazz. She's remained
my benchmark for every female vocalist ever since. Pam connected emotionally and spiritually with me when she sang, and threw in a healthy dose of humor oftentimes to boot.
I'm one of many many people who didn't know
how deeply she touched my life until she was gone. If only we could all have another chance...
May all the outpouring of love I and everyone
feel follow you wherever you go... please find
peace.
Love and strength to Gareth & Blake,
Hope

It is with immense pride that I called Pam Bricker my friend, and colleague. We knew each other for only about 9 years from various gigs here & there. I think our first gig together was with Louie Bellson & Symphony Orchestra... For about two years, we worked together regularly, often twice a week , mostly in the "Jazz, etc..." format. As a trio consisting of Pam, guitarist Chuck Underwood & myself, "Jazz, etc..." would perform a great eclectic blend of genre-defying music. A set might begin with a beautiful ballad like "How Deep Is the Ocean?", then without hesitation sing a bossa in Portuguese - simultaneously playing the "real deal" percussion. When the mood was right, Pam would launch into an accapella bebop head like "Anthropology", without a reference note. Her pitch was perfect.

She could effortlessly navigate the most linguistically challenging vocalese, and she scatted like nobody's business! She's the only singer I've ever worked with to tackle - and conquer, Keith Jarrett's "Spiral Dance." Then she'd say , " Thank you. That concludes the jazz portion of tonight's performance...." and she'd strap on her guitar. Who knows where we'd go from there? Steely Dan? Radiohead? Sting? There were also some great originals she had written (or co-wrote with Chuck) that I loved playing. We started recording the group, and stopped for no apparent reason part way through the project. Unfortunately that project, which promised to be a seriously rocking CD, will never be.

As the state of our economy nosedived in the period following September 11th, the venues where our trio worked together either cut out entertainment, or reduced the money so much that Pam needed to cut back from gigging with a trio and go out with a duo. Gradually Pam & I worked less together, but remained in contact as friends, and I began maintaining her website . In addition to being friends - I was a fan. Still am.

Sadly her last couple of years were filled with turmoil. It must have been just too much for her to bear, and last Sunday she took her own life. I still can not believe what has happened. I loved the time we shared, and am devastated that it'll never happen again on this earth.

Pam, you are the greatest.

Hey Sarah, Ella, Rosemary, and Billie...... y'all better watch out! There's a new voice in heaven!

I am saddened and shocked by this tragic news.
This is a major loss to our music community, and to the world music scene.

Some colorful memories:

I first heard Pam when she was singing with Rick Harris at The One Step Down years ago, and they sang " Baby it's cold outside", where they would trade parts, and Pam did the most convincing Louis Armstrong I have heard yet!

I also remember hearing her at the Nest lounge, with David Kane, and being amazed at her ability to so easily go from a Benjamin Britten piece, to a bossanova in portuguese, to hard charging Ella scat, in one set, all executed brilliantly!

I had the fortunate circumstance to play piano with her on fridays for the last several months of her life, and will never forget it. She raised the collective level of the band every time with her command of the music, and was always very humble when I told her ( every set ) how much I loved working with her.

My favorite recording of hers is the lovely ballad, "Our Love Rolls On", recorded with David Frishberg at Gantt Kushner's Gizmo Studio.

We will all miss you, pam.

I'm shattered by the unexpected loss of our beloved Pammy. I had the privilege to work with her for several years at the Henley Park Hotel, the One Step Down and elsewhere and those gigs with Pam were among the finest musical experiences I've had. To know Pam was to love her- she was a beautiful, gentle soul albeit, a troubled one. To hear Pam was to hear joyous music making at its best. The world is much poorer for her departure though Heaven must be rejoicing. Thank you, Pam, for your love, friendship and your music. I and all who knew you will miss you terribly.

I feel blessed to have known Pam. It feels a little strange for me to say that about someone that I really did not know very well, but she had an appeal, a charisma, a tenderness, a beauty about her that was easy to see and appreciate. I very much enjoyed being in her presence. I was lucky to have her and her band sing at a party for my 20th anniversary. And I also took some voice lessons with her for a bit, most recently just 2 weeks ago. I miss her. I pray that her soul's journey is blessed with peace, light and love.

Pammie,
I'm so sorry we never got to have that lunch I promised, but I am grateful that your voice and image have been preserved forever. Your rendition of "Over the Rainbow" at our wedding was very special to me and Steve and we will look at the video to remember how you were in life.

Your suffering must have been tremendous.

Dear readers, please understand what a bottomless pit depression can be for those who suffer from it like Pammie did. Sometimes, in spite of others' best efforts to help, a person simply can't climb out of the darkness.

Pammie truly was unforgettable in every way. My heart goes out to Gare and Blake and those who mourn the life of Pam.

When I moved to the DC area about 8 or 9 years ago, Pam was one of the first local musicians I heard, and I thought "****! This is a serious town! Does everyone sound like this?" A month later I talked her into recording a demo with me, and since then I had the pleasure to hear her and play with her many times. Pam was and is my favorite singer for many miles, and I sent a good number of my friends that didn't know about her to hear her. They were instant converts. I am stunned, sad and angry, and my thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. I'll miss her more than I realize, I think.

I had joy of living with Pam (at Twin Oaks commune in Virginia) in the 80s. The band she put together then was one of the best we've ever had here. Her "trademark song" at that time was her own "Wonder Woman". At least once she even got into full wonder-woman costume to belt it out. She was a truly a wonder.... a tremendous musical talent!

Let it be told that sometimes our song is stronger than the spirit that writes the melodies. The human musical conversation that makes our artistry so special can be the very thing that is our source of pain. That turmoil, that feeds our musical voice is so fragle that sometimes there is nothing left to give and trying to fill that emptiness becomes futile.
Pam's song, spirit, and voice will always be heard perhaps because it is stronger than life itself... Her soul has left an indelible mark on mine and in all my sadness all I can do is thank her for her gifts... I love you...

I had the honor and pleasure of working with Pam not long after she arrived in the DC area in the early 1980's, at first with Mad Romance, and later at the Henley Park Hotel. She was a dear friend, an incredible spirit, and as so many have said, a warm, generous and caring soul.

What I would add to all of this is that Pam was a fearless, and daring musician whose accomplishments will amaze and inspire listeners for generations.

THANK YOU PAMMY for being a large part of my life. I will miss you dearly.

I miss you Pam. I remember when you played rock and roll in the 70s as the Bricker Band and packed the clubs with the wild women of Northampton and the college crowd from Amherst. I loved dancing to your music. It was a great surprise to hear you singing and playing guitar at a friend's house in DC, in the 80s, and realize we had another set of friends in common. More recently, you moved to Takoma Park, literally around the corner. I know I speak for many of your friends when I say I wish there was someway I could have been there for you and made a difference in your life, the way you've brought magic to our lives with your songs.

Pammy
Goodbye, for now, my friend.
Having your friendship has and will continue to enrich my life in ways beyond measure & words. You touched my heart.
I think about the thousands of others that you have lifted up with your incredible music, voice and talent.
How many times have you caused someone to smile, dance, laugh, reach out and hold a han d or kiss a lover?
Your essence & passion behind your music awakened the soul. You are a healer and your music will continue to work your magic even though "Pammy has left the building."
Maybe, just maybe, your work here was complete.
So, congratulations on a fantasic life. May all the love you have created support you as you continue on to your next gig.
In Peace
Lewis

While hanging out at the Reston Town Center one night this past summer, I had decided to go watch a friend of mine, Mike Lyons play some music at the Market Street Bar and Grill in the Hyatt. Mike always has great musicians playin with him up at Market Street and I just figured I'd stop by and check him out, besides he is a great bass player in his own right. Walking in that night there was a woman singing with him that just blew me away. I sat at the table right in front of the group and was mesmerized. Her voice was so soothing and wonderful to my soul it just made my heart still. It turned out to be Pam Bricker. I had never heard of her before but after that night, I would head over to the Hyatt every Thursday to hear her sing with Mike and the rest of the ensemble. I talked to her briefly numerous times after her shows and she was just such a great person to talk to and seemed filled with joy. I was blessed to have heard her sing and to have spent that very little time with her. God bless Pam Bricker and love to all her friends and family. I only wish I had the opportunity to talk to her once more and ask her for an encore.

Pam was my introduction to the wonderfully interconnected jazz & club world in DC. I even got to (try and) jam with her once or twice--she was very generous (and forgiving) that way; and it was through the scene she centered at Utopia that I met quite a few other fabulous musicians -- folks like Chuck Underwood & Wayne Willentz & Michelle Walker & Thad Wilson.

Pam radiated class and craft. I haven't met or heard many that could pull off Steely Dan, Charlie Parker, Edith Piaf and Jobim in succession, nailing each while never losing herself. She was a true musician's musician, and that's about as high a compliment as I know how to pay. god bless her.

Pammy,
You've left this world of hecticity where everything is so stresstic (your words)& I can only hope you're teaching the angels to sing properly.
It's been a privledge to have had you as my friend, confidante and fellow dancer for so many, many years. I have hundreds upon hundreds of memories of such fun times together and I'm eternally grateful to you for that.
I will miss your physical presence but you'll live on forever in my heart.
Thank you for singing lullabies to Ash & Sarah when they were little.
And, thank you for leaving us your exquisite voice so we all can listen to it forever.
I'll dance twice as hard for you and I truly hope you've found that perfect peace
wherever you are now.
Sweet Dreams, girlfiend.

I had the pleasure of working with Pam only once - and I loved every minute of it. Her impeccable vocal talent and musicality made it great to play with her, and her grace, style and warmth made it great just to be around her. Pam will be missed by many, many people in this community. She - and all of you - are in my thoughts.

Touched by her words
Wrapped in her warmth
Hearts so heavy
Diving in darkness
Sometimes they don't know
the pain we endure
We hide it from them
Insecure
The creative heart
is fragile and needs
hugs and warm words
From which it feeds
Goodnight, Ms. Bricker,
may you now abide
with the One who stops raindrops
as your voice paints the sky

I met Pam in 1982 at the Maryland Renaissance Fair where I was just starting out as a juggler. She would play guitar and sing at the happy gathering of the Gesundheit clan. She dazzled me with her voice and spirit. A couple of years later I started taking voice lessons with her. She was such a wonderful teacher, gentle and patient. She taught me everything I know about jazz and singing, and gave me a repertoire.
Every time I sing the songs Pam taught me, I will think of her with joy and fondness.

The greatest gift was Pam herself. Her spirit, personally and musically radiated outward and filled the world with brightness and harmony. As amazing as she was as a singer and musician, she maintained a modesty and humor to her that made her personable and accessible. She was a great teacher, mentor and friend.

Pam sang at Joanne and my wedding, and that is a shining memory that we will carry with us forever.

Thanks Pam for showing us what is possible, through your example.

Pam never stopped striving and working. She was blessed with the gift of a great voice and musical talent, but she also nurtured it through the hard work and dedication of a true artist.

She shone brightly, and warmed the world, and she will be greatly missed.

My surprise 50th birthday weekend-long celebration in October of 2001, attended by family and friends from New England to California, culminated with dinner, song and dance at the Utopia with Pam and Wayne Wilentz and Jim West. It was a BLAST! That night is remembered by all who attended as the “greatest birthday party of all”! I was first introduced to Pam at Blues Alley where she performed with Tony Gil. I caught many of her performances at Bailey’s in Silver Spring, Odonnell’s and Lewie’s in Bethesda, Sala Thai in Arlington and, of course, Utopia, bringing with me many family and friends. Pam was truly an extraordinary talent. She will be missed sorely. Sending my deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

I had the privelege of working with Pam on more than a few occasions, and I always bragged about it and will continue to. She was, in the true meaning of the word, world class. My fondest memories of Pam are sitting with her and Chuck Underwood listening -- and I mean listening -- to everything from Zeppelin to Stravinsky. It is a beautiful thing to share music with people. Pam is a beautiful spirit, and her spirit will be present with every melody that catches my ear.

Nice short blurb in the Post (http://blogs.washingtonpost.com/going_out_gurus/2005/02/in_remembrance_.html), followed by some comments. I really like what Lisa Moscatiello had to say:

Pam was like Johnny Carson - she did it so well, made it look so easy, and was so available - Sunday nights at U-topia at no cover - it was easy to take her for granted. Part of the landscape, as Eric Brace's article says. But she was as deep as they come as a musician. Please everyone, check out "U-Topia", and hear her knock song after song out of the park, starting with her joyous, effortless, buoyant take on "Lucky to Be Me." I hope the Post will not take her for granted and will do a full-length apprecation on this gifted artist.

I remember meeting Pam at a Twin Oaks anniversary some years ago . I believe that she performed a few songs in the courtyard under the cherry trees . I remember how beautiful her music was on that warm June day.My thoughts go out to all her loved ones in this sad time

I am so saddened by this unimaginable loss..I had the good fortune to write, record and play music with her in past decades...I am forever positively changed by her and her wonderful friendship...

Going to see Pam sing was my favorite class. I'm thankful for the chance to experience her talent and learn from her kind words. I will miss her warmth! Have fun singing with the angels Pammy!

Pammy - you may be gone from this physical place but you will be in my heart forever. Your voice will fill the void I now feel. Memories of jam sessions in the living room - rocking at Rockstock -

An amazing voice, an amazing spirit . . . will be deeply missed. My Sunday nights at Utopia won't be the same.

A magical voice that showed a big heart and mind behind it - condolences to all who knew and loved her.

Pam Bricker is/was/is an AMAZING singer - a GREAT singer - a REAL singer - a SINGER's SINGER... and amazingly great and real singer's singers are far and very few between...

A golden voice and most loving heart..She could sing in ANY genre. Thank you Pammy for the gift of you. I am so grateful to have been able to sing with you. We will meet again sweet sister..

Beautiful voice! Wonderful gift! GOD BLESS her family and fans. My prayers are with you all.

I met Pam briefly at her house, when Cheryl, Chris and I came over for a photoshoot. She was cooking butternut squash for her family and was off later to work. I admired her for doing all of "life.

Dearest Pam , I worked for you, I listened to you, I celebrated with you, I laughed with you and now I cry for you. Rest softly. My deep condolences to Gareth,Blake and family

I only worked with Pam once but was thoroughly impressed by her artistry and professionalism, a rare combo in this era. Pam's not being at the top of the charts is proof that the world isn't right.

Oh, my heart is broken. May we all sing our own life songs as beautifully.

I can't believe it. I just can't believe it. This just CAN'T be happening. I'm truly stunned and saddened by this news. Pam, you'll always be in our hearts and spirit. I'll miss you.

I'm glad I knew you Pam--glad I got to taste your sweetness and experience your luscious voice and warm presence. I Miss you!!!

Her sweet voice will remains forever in our hearts...

i'm sorry

Pam Bricker was my 2nd mother when i was growing up, i loved her dearly and have many fond memories of her. My most memberable moment with Pammy was when she sang me lullbays when i was homesick.

I had the pleasure to meet and become friend with Pam at my club, Fantastico Lounge. I cannot describe how much I loved to listen to her voice and her music. Thank you Pam for those magic moments.

The first time I ever heard Pam sing, some time in 1984, I knew I was hearing the closest thing to perfection I would ever hear - Heaven to my ears. I'll miss you & your music, Pam.

I used to spend hours listening to Pammy and her good friend Linda singing at the Brotherhood on Nantucket. Those are the memories I'll keep of Pammy. I know she'll be keeping watch over us all.

Having played with Pam at every Friday jam session at GWU, hearing about her passing has caused great pain and sorrow. She was an amazing musician and a wonderful friend--she will be greatly missed.

For the past two years I've had the pleasure of watching Pam perform at the friday GWU jams. Pam's musical abilities were what gave these jams so much color. She was a beautiful human being

I heard Pam Bricker some time last year at Utopia and she was phenomenal. Her sound was so robust. Wow! Life is so fragile. We have to be grateful for every minute of it.

I worked with Pam at GWU and was very saddened to hear about her passing. She was a wonderful addition to the voice faculty and she will be missed.

I only got to hear Pam sing once, at Utopia, a small Jazz cafe in Washington, DC. But I remember clearly not just her extraordinary talent, but how completely she immersed herself in song. It was like the music became a mirror for her soul. She will be sorely missed by many.

I first met Pam when she came to my studio to do some demo recordings. She later recorded much of her David Frishberg album at my place. It was an honor and a total gas to have the opportunity to hear her work with Frishberg, and an honor to have him there playing my piano. Thank you, Pam, for allowing me to be a part of that. I got her on sessions with a producer I used to do a lot of work for - usually schmaltzy, silly jingles and corporate anthems. She was always the one (out of five or six singers) who had her part perfectly the first pass. It always amazed me that an artist of her magnitude could approach a gig like that with as much concentration and craft as anything else she did.

I remember when she sang "Anjo Do Amor" for Al Williams' "Never Too Late" CD. She might have done two takes, but she only needed one. When she came in the control room Andy Hamburger said "Pam - You da Man!". She gave him a puzzled look and said "Why, Andy... How could I possibly be?" If you haven't heard it, please find that CD. She made the the song all hers....

Judy and I went to see her at Phantasmagoria in Wheaton. She sang her heart out for a handful of people. It didn't matter to her. She was music and light. She was as beautiful and gentle a soul as I have ever known. The world seems like a different place without her. My heart goes out to her family and friends. We'll all miss her.

Pam was my voice teacher, mentor and friend. I first heard her at an event at Union Station. I heard this wonderful voice from another room, so I had to go find out who it was. Through the crowd I managed to find her singing with a band, but didn't know her name - just wandered up to listen more closely. Later that day, a friend told me "You should go hear Pam Bricker at Utopia." I did, and to my surprise it was the same woman I'd just heard at Union Station. She was phenomenal. I had the privilege of getting to know her and of having voice lessons with her, which thankfully are on tape. She was such a talent and inspiration, and such a supportive, warm and feeling human being. We will miss all you so much, Pam!

I had the pleasure of seeing Pam perform at a tiny Thai restaurant in Arlington. My best friend and fellow singer, Miriamm Wright was with me and neither of us could get over how this dazzling vocal and guitar ability had not yet been discovered...and in fact...was being covered by the sound of a vacuum cleaner wrapping up the evening. We had been told by several musicians to go and hear her live...and I am so glad we did. Pam, the angels will listen and appreciate the beauty of your gifts. Sing for them.

I have heard Pam on a few tracks without really knowing who she was (Thievery Corp. etc) whilst driving and at home with the lights down and thought Wow what a beautiful voice. I came across her website tonight almost by accident, but I don't think these things happen by accident really. I am so sorry to hear she is no longer here and gutted to know now I have found the owner of such a beautiful voice there is a limit to how much more of her work I can discover. A sad loss.

My favorite memory of Pam is from a party a few years back, listening to her play the acoustic guitar and sing. Her versions of the Radiohead classic "Creep" sung back-to-back with PJ Harvey's "50 ft. Queenie" are forever burned into my brain as being much better than the original versions. Hard to believe, but she was THAT good. And she will be greatly missed.

This is Gareth, Pam's ex-husband. First of all, I want to thank everyone for the tremendous outpouring of love and support that my son and I have been receiving. It means a lot. And it really helps in this terrible time.

Anybody who ever spent time with Pam knows what a uniquely beautiful human being she was. She had such a generosity of spirit. She was a shy person, but her love of people and her desire to express herself in music allowed her to overcome that shyness. Like many performers, it was onstage where she was truly at home and where she let us all see what was going on inside, and wow, what an internal world we found there: the joys, heartaches, loves, lusts, losses of being human, all so beautifully and lovingly expressed in her music.

We were together for 22 years, and every time I heard her sing, it would blow my mind and inspire me. I just couldn't get over the fact that she (that anyone) could be THAT good, that comfortable *inside* of music. That confidence she had, the control over what she wanted to do vocally, her understanding of the jazz idiom and how she always so tastefully served that. Sadly, I had not been able to listen to Pam's music since we separated over two years ago. Hearing "Up from the Skies" the track that Max so thoughtfully posted on this guestbook, is the first I've heard of her in that time, and my lord, my sweet lord. Listen to it! That's Pam on SO many levels, it ought to serve as a musical hologram of her.

There will never be another like you, Pammy. The tragedy of your loss is incomprehensible to all of us.

Max, thanks for putting this together. I haven't seen Pam for a few years. This is really sad and I am sorry her life ended so tragically. Respectfully, ROB

Welcome to Pam Bricker's long-overdue guestbook. I have been managing her website for the past few years and wish I had set this up earlier. She would have been able to read messages posted by family, friends & fans - messages telling her how much she meant to us as an artist & friend. This is such a tragic loss. She will be missed terribly. Undoubtedly she will also be celebrated loudly! Please, share your thoughts and stories about Pam, as we grieve together.