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| Kate McGarry - ’The Target’ On The Target, her third Palmetto Records release, Kate McGarry delivers. With a set of original tunes and arrangements, along with personal renditions from an eclectic repertoire of standard and not-so-standard fare, Kate redefines the realm of vocal jazz. Listen casually and you'll hear Kate's elastic contralto and inventive phrasing enveloped in a lush tapestry of engaging instrumentals. But listen more intently and catch the nuances evolved from a childhood of Irish folk melodies, a study of African rhythms and avant garde experiments, spiritual reflection, and an unwavering mission to infuse each song with new meaning. The first (and still only) vocalist on the Palmetto label, Kate's 2003 debut Show Me prompted C. Michael Bailey (All About Jazz) to write, "She scats like a dream without caricature." Showing her folk and pop roots, Kate next released Mercy Streets in 2005, dubbed by All About Jazz as "one of the most important vocal albums of the year." Now on The Target, using the instrumentation of organ, guitar, bass, drums and sax, Kate returns to a sound solidly in the jazz tradition. As for the playlist, each tune was chosen on its own merits, yet all "are inextricably connected to each other, " notes Kate. "Each song is an attempt to connect and interact with the musicians in a way that is organic to that tune. Most are deliberately arranged to allow an unfolding or an exploration to take place." What unfolds is pure magic, from the opening Bobby Troup classic turned on its ear, "The Meaning of the Blues, " to the short-and-sweet closing, "New Love Song, " written for Kate by husband/guitarist Keith Ganz. In between Kate explores a diverse palette: Luciana Souza's "No Wonder" (spiced by Kate's vocal gymnastics); a very swinging trio rendition of the Betty Carter classic, "Do Something;" Brigadoon's "Heather on the Hill" (reshaped by Kate and pianist Gary Versace as a 21st century Celtic ballad); a noir-ish take on Sting's "Sister Moon" (further haunted by Versace's accordion); great standards like the Hammerstein and Kern gem, "Nobody Else But Me" (note Keith Ganz acrobatic guitar); "It Might As Well Be Spring" (revel in Kate's exquisite phrasing and the gold-threaded lyricism of Ganz and Versace) and "The Lamp Is Low" (reinvented by Keith Ganz' arrangement, reinvigorated with Donny McCaslin's wailing tenor). The Target also bears the unmistakable imprint of Kate McGarry as composer and lyricist. The title track is based on a poem from her days at the ashram searching for a deeper understanding of God, "a contemplation of who actually does the searching and who does the finding." With Gary Versace adding an ethereal touch to Kate's original lyrics, the Evans/Davis classic "Blue in Green" conjures the eternal wanderer, seeking truth. Guitarist Steve Cardenas' "She Always Will" glows not only from Kate's introspective lyrics but also from the plaintive bass lines of Reuben Rogers and shimmering cymbals from Greg Hutchinson. The Target reflects an eclectic weaving of old and new, swing and contemplation, searching and finding, Kate McGarry's most definitive artistic statement to date. Following its April 17, 2007, release, Kate will be touring throughout the U.S. and Europe to promote The Target. Kate McGarry will celebrate the release of The Target with four nights at Jazz Standard, May 10-13. Singer Kate McGarry began developing her organic vocal style in her early training in jazz performance with legendary saxophonist, Archie Shepp. Her time studying at a meditation ashram and her studies in Celtic, Brazilian, and Indian music has allowed Kate to evolve into an uncompromised, deeply compelling vocalist and composer. She is the first and only vocalist signed to the Palmetto Records label. Growing up in Hyannis, Massachusetts, Kate was one of 10 children in a musical family with whom she spent many nights singing. She attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she studied with Dr. Horace Boyer, receiving her Bachelor's degree in African American Music and Jazz. Upon graduating, Kate moved to Los Angeles where she continued honing her craft in L.A.'s jazz rooms. Her first recording, entitled Easy To Love (Vital Music) was eagerly received by critics and audiences alike. Music Magazine called her, "...a strong improviser who shows taste and restraint worthy of the most mature jazz singer." In 1996 Kate continued her study of music in a meditation ashram, where she also taught music classes in harmonium and voice. In 1999 she relocated to New York and independently produced Show Me which was picked up by Palmetto Records in 2003 and went to #15 on the Jazz Week charts, giving Kate a place as a vibrant new voice on the New York music scene. Jazziz magazine beamed "…with this near flawless album, she has arrived." in 2005 Palmetto records released Mercy Streets to great public and critical acclaim. All About Jazz called it "One of the most important vocal albums of the year." Kate has collaborated with Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, the vocal group MOSS, the Jazz Tap Ensemble, Fred Hersch's LEAVES OF GRASS, and the Lincoln Center Institute. She tours the country, singing at festivals, performing arts centers and clubs, and also offers clinics in "The Art of the Duo" with husband guitarist Keith Ganz at USC, Cal Arts, Jazz School at Berkley CA, and other institutions. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |