Katherine Farnham - Vintage (2015)

Internationally-acclaimed artist and humanitarian KATHERINE FARNHAM, aka 'KOOL KAT' - has just released a stunning and smoking-hot collection of songs on her new LP “Vintage”. Featuring Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum (“The Gospel According To Jazz”), Latin Grammy winning flutist Nestor Torres and four-time Grammy-Nominated guitarist Denny Jiosa, "Vintage" also has a world-class production team that has worked with some of the biggest musical legends around. “I feel deeply humbled and blessed to have the opportunity to work with such incredible musicians. Nestor’s lines are insanely accurate and exploding with passion. Denny’s guitar danced, sang and cried and said a thousand words all in the name of peace. And truly I’m still pinching myself that Kirk came in person to record for this. What a human being. He embodies the qualities of focus, greatness and cool and somehow manages to make it all look easy.” The singer-songwriter-pianist has channelled her intense passion into an album combining elements of jazz, R&B, Latin jazz and adult contemporary, "VINTAGE" hits CDBaby this week (Sept 14) and ITunes later this month.
Kool Kat's sizzling single “Necessary Groove” features powerful vocals, strong songwriting and impressive piano playing. The lyrics place the need for music right along with necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. “I went through several years where I lived through the kind of epic experiences (good and bad) that most of my friends only saw on tv. Suddenly, making music wasn’t even remotely optional anymore. It was everything. We cut music programs in our schools at our peril. As an universal language, it unites humanity.”
With equal doses class and angst, rave reviews in three languages and a well-crafted portfolio of original material, the classically-trained artist creates music expressing deep longing, passion, adventure and a sense of mystery. Combining a multi-octave voice with world-class musicianship and a poet’s heart, Kool Kat possesses both charisma and substance. A deep sense of humanity flows into “My Shoes Are Leaking”, a soaring ballad and Veterans Tribute. With gorgeous vocals and heartfelt lyrics of a couple separated by military deployment, the track features a engaging swing feel that effortlessly merges the classic with the contemporary.
Other tracks like “Epic Love”, ”Round the World in a Jukebox", "Mermaid", "My Funky Valentine", and "Peace On Earth, Goodwill to Men" make this an exciting collection that is inspiring, entertaining and thought-provoking.
Named 2014 Los Angeles Music Awards “Female Singer/Songwriter of the Year”, Kool Kat has been compared to Barbra Streisand, Norah Jones, and Joni Mitchell. At the forefront of the jazz singer/songwriter movement, she’s appeared on Good Morning America, NBC 6, and Telemundo and toured throughout the US and abroad. She has performed with Latin jazz greats Tito Puente Jr and Celia Cruz and inspired audiences at national athletic events, including The Ericsson Open (the only female artist), The Miami Marathon and NASCAR Las Vegas, Dallas and Loudon.
A precocious child, Kool Kat began performing at the age of five. A third-generation musician, her mother was a concert pianist and Director of New England Conservatory’s Wellesley Branch. Her father toured with The Boston Pops and played under musical legends Stravinsky and Hindemith. After conservatory study, she received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. In Boston, Kat earned a following in local clubs and acclaim for her debut EP. International press and commercial airplay followed, including a MIDEM prediction that she was in fact “The New Voice of the World.” - Toninho S., Latin Grammy Consultant, Journalist, Radio Host, Sao Paulo
An active humanitarian, Kool Kat has overcome challenges to reinvent herself time and time again. She has been active in encouraging music's role in improving inter-cultural relations and tolerance by creating Music for Peace International. “One of the greatest joys of my life is helping to ease the pain of others.” She mentored Los Angeles inner-city youth and served for two consecutive years as Celebrity Judge for the Los Angeles Music Center's Annual Spotlight Awards. Finally, she organized and sponsored six concerts benefiting music education and ethnic unity. Her courage and abounding love for music have set the bar, inspiring fans and fellow artists alike.
Where will Katherine Farnham go from here? At the very least, she’ll have some exciting options for her career. She’s without a doubt a gutsy artist with a sunny future just like the laugh she’s known for. Kool Kat is taking her ‘Necessary Groove’ all the way.