With 7 critically acclaimed CDs and 3 Grammy nominations,vocalist Kate McGarry has become recognized as a jazz artist who brings authenticity and vitality to every song regardless of genre. The Wall St. Journal calls her music, "Austere and elegant, an exceptionally appealing blend of folk and jazz" The New York Times pronounced it, “astute and sensitive". She has toured and recorded with jazz illuminati such as Fred Hersch, Kurt Elling, Maria Schneider, John Hollenbeck, Billy Childs, Luciana Souza,Theo Bleckmann and Tony Winner Jason Robert Brown. During her decade in NYC McGarry served as a Lincoln Center Teaching Artist, a U.S. State Department Jazz Ambassador, and as a Jazz Arts faculty member at The Manhattan School of Music. 2016 Downbeat Critics Poll named McGarry #1 Rising Star Female Vocalist. She has been featured on NPR's Jazz Set w/DeeDee Bridgwater, Piano Jazz w/Marion McPartland, All Things Considered, and a host of nationally syndicated radio shows. She lives in Durham NC, with her husband and musical partner of 17 years, guitarist Keith Ganz..
I met Kate McGarry years ago, an angel in NYC, somewhere singing at a club. She captivated me! She ended up singing with a big band of mine, and I’d come see her collaborations and marvel at how pure her voice sounded.
I hope this conversation about, among other things, the relationship between poetry and music, delights you as much as it delighted me!
Find Kate:
Songs:
Losing Strategy Number 4 (Kate McGarry)
Kate McGarry, vocals/piano. Gary Versace, accordion
It Happens All the Time in Heaven (words by Hafiz/music by Kate McGarry. Release date: August 2021) Kate McGarry, vocals. Gary Versace, organ. Keith Ganz, guitar. Sean Smith, bass. Clarence Penn, drums.
I Carry Your Heart (words by e.e.cummings/music by Kate McGarry. Performed by MOSS) MOSS is Kate McGarry/Luciana Souza/Theo Bleckmann/Lauren Kinhan/Peter Elridge, vocals.
