Monday, June 4, 2012

Kate McGarry – “Smoking My Sad Cigarette”


© -Steven Cerra, copyright protected; all rights reserved.


 “The positive and lightly quavering sound of Kate McGarry’s voice doesn’t send up any flares identifying her as a Jazz singer. But she certainly deserves that distinction ….”
- Nat Chinen, The New York Times

"...evocative lyricism, superb control and ample vocal and emotive range. Her voice would be iconic in any genre."
- Gary Fukushima – L.A. Weekly

“She is developing into one of the most dependable and refreshing singers in jazz"
- Bob Karlovits, The Pittsburgh Tribune

Someone should tell vocalists today—at least the ones we see on those TV talent hunts—that singing doesn't have to be some exercise in screaming self-annihilation, that beauty and style is more about composure and command. You could tell them, or you can hip them to … Kate McGarry.
- Mark Corroto, Allaboutjazz

If you are not familiar with Kate McGarry’s brilliant Jazz vocalizations, her singing on the following video will serve as a proper introduction.

On it, Kate sings Smoking My Sad Cigarette which was arranged by Gil Evans in 1957 and has never been previously recorded. She is joined by The Gil Evans Centennial Project Orchestra under the direction of Ryan Truesdell.

You can find out more about Kate and her forthcoming appearances on her website: http://www.katemcgarry.com/