AWARD-WINNING KATHERINE FARNHAM WINS “BEST LATIN JAZZ ALBUM” HONOR

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Grammy U Mentor, Billboard-charting, internationally acclaimed and 13-Time Global Music Award Winner Katherine Farnham has received a "Best Latin Jazz Album" award from the Nashville Music Showcase Series. Her latest record "ALQUIMIA" features lush, beautiful original songs and well-known standards in Spanish and Portuguese. The album features esteemed Guest Artists Latin Grammy Winner and virtuoso flutist Nestor Torres, Four-Time Grammy Nominee and acclaimed guitarist Denny Jiosa and beloved, award-winning Brazilian artist Guinga.

Katherine has performed on stages with Latin jazz greats Celia Cruz and Tito Puente Jr. She has recorded with renowned musicians including Grammy winner and legendary saxophonist Kirk Whalum, Blues Hall of Fame and Grammy Winning trumpeter Darrell Leonard, Grammy Nominated saxophonist Mindi Abair and others. She has appeared on Good Morning America, NBC 6, and Telemundo and toured throughout the US and abroad with her longtime band.

Musical Memoirs Jazz raved, "WOMEN WHO ARE CHANGING THE FACE OF JAZZ...powerful vocals, multi-talented woman...the piano line is a surprise and supportive of her voice in this refreshed arrangement (Besame Mucho). Katherine Farnham has deep roots and early training in music…her band is plush with excellence and energy." Take Effect Reviews raved "graceful keys, poetic singing...precise musicianship...stirring, eloquent demeanor...she'll make anyone a fan who is willing to listen to these passionate, adventurous and timeless interpretations." Jazz Weekly exclaimed, "Well, Katherine Farnham knows how to belt it out for sure! No hiding in the corner on this one."

Farnham says, " 'ALQUIMIA' represents the culmination of many years of work. The concept is spiritual, describing the work of perfecting the soul. Since college, I had close friends who spoke Spanish or Portuguese as their first language. Then while completing the 'LOVE PHILOSOPHY' album, I was going through songs and realized that I had enough to do a complete Latin jazz album. So that project led nicely into this one. Rather than being about a specific relationship, the songs are conceptual. The album also reminds listeners not to lose passion for living, even during challenging times."

So far the album earned Farnham a Global Music Award recognition for "Female Vocalist" plus another for one of the album singles, her elegant version of "Besame Mucho" featuring Guest Artist Four-Time Grammy Nominee Denny Jiosa. She also received a nomination from Mexico's HG Radio Awards for "Cantante Femenina del Año".

On "ALQUIMIA", Farnham recorded her first duet "A Vox do Mundo". It features Farnham on lead vocals and piano and Guinga singing and adding Brazilian acoustic guitar. The song is a tribute to her friend, the late Brazilian journalist, radio host, and producer Toninho Spessoto. The song is a moving tribute to a man who tirelessly supported both Brazilian and American jazz.

Guinga is a beloved artist from Rio de Janeiro who has penned songs for famed singer Elis Regina as well as Michel Legrand and others. When he was 13, Guinga taught himself to play guitar. Later, he studied music, including five years of classical guitar lessons with the renowned Jodacil Damasceno. Guinga began composing music when he was 16 and by 17 he had already qualified one of his compositions for the Festival Internacional da Canção (International Festival of Song). By the time he became a professional, Guinga was already accompanying famous Brazilian artists such as Clara Nunes, Beth Carvalho, Alaíde Costa, Cartola, and João Nogueira, among others. His songs have been recorded by Elis Regina, Michel Legrand, Sérgio Mendes, Leila Pinheiro, Chico Buarque, Clara Nunes, and Ivan Lins.

The recipient of the Rotary Outstanding Service Award, Katherine organized and sponsored six benefits in Miami and Los Angeles supporting music education and ethnic unity. She has also served as Guest Lecturer/Performer for national organizations such as the National Federation of Music Clubs, The Rotary Club and others.

Katherine earned her BM with highest honors from Berklee College of Music, and her MM from University of Miami.

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