Getting to know Caity Gyorgy

I feel fortunate to have had some wonderful experiences and to have made new musical discoveries during this challenging time of pandemic. Globally many musicians and arts societies continued to present live streamed music and I listened and watched several artists both familiar and some new to me. One of those new artists this past year was vocalist Caity Gyorgy.

photo of Caity by Jacob Wutzke

I became a fan of Caity after I watched a few of her “live from home” livestream concerts that she performed with her partner drummer Jacob Wutzke and I also watched several of her “lift a day” videos where she sings her transcriptions of instrumental solos. I watched her livestreamed University graduation recital and I ordered her “No Bounds” album which I listened to repeatedly. I appreciate every aspect of what this talented vocalist, pianist, composer and arranger can do!

cover of Caity’s “No Bounds” album

Caity’s voice has a breezy relaxed quality, and she always sounds effortless and free while she is singing. Her improvisations are exceptional and in her own compositions her music and lyrics and arrangements are sophisticated and complete. She possesses confidence and poise that I am drawn to, and I appreciate her attention to detail in everything she puts forwards in her career. Caity is articulate and bright and yes, I am a super fan!

Caity Gyorgy is making her Vancouver debut on August 8^th at Frankie’s Jazz club featured in a quartet led by Ilhan Saferali. The following day after we will present Caity in a duo concert with pianist Miles Black in an intimate “Jazz in the Garden” presentation in our garden in Vancouver.

Since I have not yet met Caity in person I thought it would be fun to do a little Q & A with her to get to know a little more about her. The following is the Q & A with Caity.

Getting to know jazz vocalist/composer Caity Gyorgy Q & A with Karin Plato

Q. Where did you first study music and which instruments do you play?

A. I grew up in Calgary so a lot of my formative music moments happened there! My mum put me in music lessons when I was about 9 or 10. I was mostly singing pop music, I really liked Lady Gaga at the time. I had a wonderful teacher named Alia Hoppenbrouwers and she was so encouraging and supported me through all of my musical phases including my Beatles phase, Blues/Aretha Franklin phase, Motown phase and finally Jazz phase! I went to an arts school for junior high where I took band and taught myself how to play the flute as I wasn’t taught by the director. I unfortunately developed very bad technique that was never corrected for the 3 years that I was at that school, so now my flute playing isn’t very good, but I still have a flute and I like to practice sight reading with it! In high school I was very fortunate to be accepted into the Performing and Visual Arts program at Central Memorial High School where I took Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz Choir, and music theory. After high school I went to Humber College in Toronto, Ontario to study vocal jazz. Over the last couple of years, I’ve been able to get my piano chops up too, which has been extremely helpful during the pandemic as I’ve had no other harmonic instruments to accompany me. I’m now at McGill pursuing a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance specializing in voice

Q. Who are some of your influential teachers who have inspired you?

A. Alia Hoppenbrouwers was my first private teacher who made learning music and singing so much fun. She was so incredibly supportive of whatever music I wanted to sing, and I’m extremely grateful for that. She would let me try to sing any song I wanted, and I think that explorative approach to learning different styles of music was instrumental (no pun intended) to helping me discover my passion for swing and Bebop music!

In high school, my choir director Anne Gray was incredibly inspiring. She’s an incredible director and so professional and on top of everything. I learned a lot from her “zero tolerance policy” (Don’t be late, learn your music, ‘leave your diva at the door’). In her choirs I learned the importance of learning and memorizing music as well as helpful techniques to memorize music. She also put an emphasis on sight-singing at the beginning of most classes which helped me to really develop my reading chops, which was amazing for college. Her dedication to the music and to masterful performances of repertoire helped to shape me into the musician I am today

At Humber College I studied with Lisa Martinelli for three out of my four years. Lisa means so much to me and she has helped me so much as a singer and musician. I credit her to the development of my upper register and mixed voice. Lisa would always give me recommendations of what and who to listen to. She introduced me to Nancy Wilson, Carmen McRae, Norma Winstone and so many more wonderful musicians. Her first-year vocal masterclass provided me with necessary skills that have made me into a professional. She had fantastic assignments that some teachers gloss over; creating a setlist, creating a gig poster, making charts, analyzing lyrics etc. Each unit, (whether that be swing, scatting, ballad, Bossa) would come with a performance and for that performance each singer would have to create a hand written chart which we would be graded on. She hired a house band to come and play for us, so if our charts were in any way confusing, we found out while we were performing! We needed to have the appropriate key signature, time signature, tempo marking, BPM, composer, lyricist, four bars per system, Codas, intro, ending, the works! Lisa’s mentorship and guidance helped to turn me into the professional I am today. She means so much to me!

Now, in my Master’s Degree at McGill I am very fortunate to have had two wonderful teachers who made pandemic learning worth it! Ranee Lee and Christine Jensen. Both are fantastic musicians who I look up to immensely. Ranee was incredibly supportive as I was managing the world of record deals this past year. Christine was my ensemble leader and gave great advice throughout the year. I’m excited to be studying with her this coming up year. She also just recorded on my new album!

Of course, there are so many more teachers and mentors that I’ve been lucky to learn from. Big thank you to Jocelyn Gould, Pat LaBarbera, Mike Downes, and Dave Neill.

Q. What is it about jazz-based music that you are drawn to?

A. I love the improvisatory element of it. It’s challenging and I love a challenge. I also love the idea of a standard repertoire. I think it’s so fun to interpret songs in so many different ways. Of course, I love the swing feel, and there’s nothing better than when the whole band is locked in and swingin’ hard! Over the last few years, I have loved learning the language of straight ahead and bebop music. It’s incredibly satisfying to solo over changes and make each one of them!

Q. Are there particular instruments that you are especially fond of?

A. I really love tenor saxophone, especially when Hank Mobley plays it. I love alto when Bird and Stitt play. I love the upright bass in general, it’s such a beautiful instrument. So rich and welcoming

Q. When you are composing songs do you create the melody and the lyrics simultaneously or separately? Do you do this at the piano or away from an instrument?

A. It really depends. My composing changes all the time. Sometimes I’ll start with a lyrical idea and go from there. Sometimes the chords, melody and lyrics come all at once. Sometimes lyrics first, sometimes melody first. Sometimes (but not as often) chords first. I love using my iPhone voice memos app and I’ll often sing into it if I think of a melody I like. The same goes for my note’s app, I have lots of one sentence lyric ideas on my phone just waiting to be developed. I prefer composing at the piano, the only issue with that is that my piano skills are not up to the same level of my ears yet, so it can be a challenge to figure out the kind of chord I’m hearing in my head.

Q. Do you believe that one of the following is the most important aspect of being a good musician? 1. Groove 2. Melody 3. Harmony 4. Other

A. I think groove is probably the most important. If the time doesn’t feel good, I don’t think anything else will. When the time isn’t locked it, everything is unstable and people get nervous. Not to be cliché but it really doesn’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing haha!

Q. Do you have favourite composers of jazz standards whose songs you are influenced or inspired by?

A. I really like the lyricism of Dorothy Fields. She combines humor, wit and passion into all of her lyrics. I love her writing, especially on the tunes she wrote with Jerome Kern like “A Fine Romance” and “The Way You Look Tonight”.

I also love the composition of Hoagy Carmichael, Rodgers and Hart, Billy Strayhorn, and Thelonious Monk.

Q. Are there other young jazz artists such as yourself that you believe we should be aware of these days? Perhaps someone you know about that is not yet a household name?

A. Yes!! I’m sure some of these names are already very well-known but I’d love to talk about some of my friends!
– Laura Anglade is a phenomenal singer out of Toronto and Montréal. I’m very lucky that she recorded a duet with me for my next album!
– Kalya Ramu is another incredible singer out of Toronto, she just released a duo album that I LOVE.
– Olivia Van Goor is a wonderful singer out of Michigan, she’s releasing an EP soon so look out for that!
– Virginia MacDonald is a fantastic clarinet player out of Toronto. She’s also featured on my upcoming album!

Q. Where do you look or go for inspiration outside of music?

A. love love LOVE to bird watch. I find that it gives me a necessary reset. My phone has to be on silent or else I could scare the birds away. It’s very immersive, I have to be in touch with all lot of my senses. Listening for calls, looking for sudden movement, feeling the ground and earth around me to make sure I’m not being too loud and I’m not stepping on something I shouldn’t be, tasting the iced tea I bring to the park (LOL). I have a canon camera that I bring with me to take pictures of the birds I see. This year’s highlights have been a green heron, a pileated woodpecker and an eastern screech owl!

Q. Do you have any special advice for young aspiring jazz musicians?

A. You have to have confidence in yourself or else nobody else is going to have confidence in you. I wouldn’t hire an electrician who doesn’t believe they can do a good job at electrical work, it’s the same thing for music. Also, self-deprecating comments aren’t funny! Frankly they’re a little worrying! You have to believe in yourself or else this isn’t going to work!

Also, more of a musician thing, but TRANSCRIBE as much as you can! Learn the language, learn the roots of this music. Understand where everything came from. The people that you admire most likely did the work and learned the history and lineage of this music. When you’re truly a professional, you don’t cut corners and you don’t take shortcuts. It’s a lifelong process, but that’s what makes it so exciting and rewarding.

Thank you Caity!! Here’s to you and to a wonderful career that you’ve only just begun.

Karin

photo of Caity by Cynthia Fay

Summer days are here again

The stage setting for Jazz in the Garden concert July 18th 2021 – KP on keys/voice + Tom Keenlyside on sax, flute, clarinet & melodica

We are half way through July 2021 and here in Vancouver many of us feel fortunate to have received our vaccinations and, we are beginning to do things certain things we haven’t done in well over a year. The pandemic is still hovering and the concern is not entirely gone but somehow many of us have been able to manage. My husband and I are being ever so cautious but we remain hopeful about the days and months ahead as more and more people become vaccinated.

Throughout this past year I have continued to work on my craft of music and happily I have been able to compose several new songs during this time. The pandemic cannot stop the creative muses and I am thankful for that fact! I spent a lot of time at my piano, perhaps more than I did in the past. I taught and continue to teach via ZOOM and yes, that has been a challenge on many levels regarding the technology and, the fact that one does this screen to screen. That does take some getting used to. I still have not taught any in person lessons in my studio however, I will be returning to in person lessons in the fall.

Regarding the online virtual platform and performances… With nerves twitching within me, I somehow managed to perform my first ever solo concert via facebook livestream concert for Jazz in Toronto. I was delighted about being able to raise money for 2 important organizations: Atira in Vancouver and Nellie’s Shelter in Toronto. Earlier on in the New Year I had the notion to produce an online Valentine’s Day concert featuring 24 Canadian jazz vocalists performing from their homes as a fundraiser for Food Banks Canada. In many ways that was far less nerve wracking than playing a solo show, even though it did require a great deal of organization. My friend Zarina co-hosted the concert with me. It was a wonderful concert and we were able to raise a substantial amount of money for Food Banks Canada.

Preparing for my first ever solo concert via Facebook Live for Jazz in Toronto – KP silly but true captions

Now I am in final preparation mode to perform a Jazz in the Garden Concert with my talented colleague Tom Keenlyside. Tom plays sax, flute, clarinet and melodica extremely well. He is an award winning producer and recording artist. I am NOT really a trained jazz pianist and Tom knows this. He knows I AM a jazz vocalist who is able to accompany myself on several swing standards and bossa novas and ballads and of course on my original songs and I am able to listen and hopefully support what Tom will play. One of the great things about playing with someone like Tom is that he is energetic and ever positive. He is big joy!

I am wishing everyone a wonderful summer! May your days be filled with lovely experiences and may you be able to get together with your family and your friends once again. That is something I am looking forward to after all this time. I am also hoping for some days of leisure and lazing around in my hammock as well. Sometimes it is hard for me to decide to just stay still and do….nothing…like in the lyric of my song July: “I’m doing nothin’ ’cause it’s July…”

KP lazing in the hammock daydreaming of the next adventure

Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021

Happy New Year everyone!

2020 has been a doozy and for me personally, I must confess that although it was not an ideal year, there were still many positive experiences that I am truly thankful for. I was able to maintain many of my vocal and piano students via the ZOOM platform online and that meant some swift learning (for me) as I became adjusted to the technology involved.

The only live performances I did were within our own garden setting and those were carefully curated so that concert attendees could also remain safe. The artists performed on the deck while the audience was seated below in carefully positioned chairs to maintain safe distances. We had other safety protocols in place as well.

I did two shows with pianist Chris Gestrin in late summer. Then, I did another two early autumn concerts with ukulele player/guitarist Guido Heistek. We had to cancel the last two concert that had been scheduled with guitarist/vocalist Adam Thomas when the rules and safety regulations suddenly changed in early November. That was disappointing for everyone involved but we are hopeful that in 2021 we may revisit the Jazz in the Garden series of concerts and present the “Bundle Up Beatles, Blues & Bossas in the Garden” with Adam.

*The photo in our garden features some Beatles decorations made for me by my husband Gorm. I placed some toques/hats on the Beatles in preparation for a chilly outside concert. Perhaps in the spring we’ll do the same?

In early December I performed one special livestream concert with my friend and musical colleague Guido Heistek. We have a duo together and, to maintain safety in the many weeks leading up to our concert we rehearsed outside on the deck no matter how cold it was. Guido is a trouper! In the last two weeks before the concert we rehearsed inside with windows open and with a large plexiglass divider separating us so that we could get used to the sound and the scenario of performing towards a camera rather than to a physical audience.

We did not know what to expect regarding an audience for our livestream concert and we were thrilled to have well over a hundred people sitting safely in their own homes who had purchased tickets to watch our show. We really wanted the sound and visual to be of a high quality, so we booked engineer Sheldon Zaharko to be our tech expert for the show. Sheldon wore a mask for the duration while Guido and I were separated by a large plexiglass panel and, we had the windows open for ventilation as well.

*This photo was taken by Sheldon from his vantage point behind all his equipment during our livestream.

The music camps I usually teach at in the summers were cancelled and therefore I created two online “Song Camps” which were successful and fun, one in July and one in October. Once again, the ZOOM platform became essential. Teaching these online camps was very different than being together in person however, it was still possible to connect and to share and to delight in the power of music.

Thank goodness for technology to get us through this pandemic! My motto for 2020 has been adapt, modify and be flexible.

Wishing everyone a safe entry into the New Year. Let’s all get through this with patience and care.

Cheers!

Karin

Jazz in the Garden

Summer 2020 has been a very different summer than most! (I know that is the case for everyone) This is the first summer in so many years that I have been home in Vancouver for the entire summer. Typically, I am away teaching at various music camps during the summer months. Since I have been at home, I have been able to devote some time to gardening. It is a small and what I would call “humble” garden. It contains mostly flowers and herbs and one large breezy Japanese Maple.

This summer I have been able to watch the sweet pea seeds that I have sown have an entire lifespan before my eyes. My coaxing and nurturing (and the sun!) have enabled those sweet peas to flourish and bloom, bloom, bloom.  I adore their gorgeous scent and silky colourful flowers. Now, I am still watching and coaxing 4 sunflowers that I started in early June. They are tall and the flowers are just beginning to form. They are late bloomers around here because I see many sunflowers around the city that have reached their peak and are already hanging their heavy heads.

I noticed something else in my gardening activity this year. It is a silent activity. **Note. I tend to be a loud person who (accidentally) uses too many decibels when I speak.  My husband will gently say “I am right here” not in an admonishing way but rather reminding me that I will still be heard at a slightly lesser decibel level. I get excited and my decibel level goes up and so does my tempo. Still, I do need and appreciate and crave silence in my life as well. So much happens within silence! Creative thoughts. Problems solved. Relaxation achieved. Observations. Awareness. New ideas.

The only sounds I hear as I am out in the garden on most days are the chickadees, the hummingbirds, and the bumblebees if I am lucky. I may hear the neighbor’s children playing on the other side of the fence and that is a pleasant sound as well. Yes, there is the sound of city traffic just a block away but when I am “involved” with the plants and the soil that almost disappears. Mostly, I am listening and observing, and I am not the one making sound.

This is interesting to me since I am a musician and (I think) that part of our job as musicians is the making of sound while the other important aspect of our job is to maintain an active silence. I know this to be true, but gardening is another reminder.

Speaking of the garden and music, since all my gigs were cancelled due to the pandemic, in August I decided to perform a small Jazz in the Garden concert with brilliant pianist Chris Gestrin. The back deck became a stage and the audience sat down below within the garden, safely distanced apart from each other. This was a wonderful experience for me, (hopefully for Chris too) and I think the audience enjoyed themselves as well. For some attendees this was the first live performance they attended since the pandemic began. For me, it was my first gig since February. Yes!

*photo of Karin and Chris on “stage” by Vincent Lim

At the end of September, I am going to do another “Jazz in the Garden” concert. In fact, I will be doing two concerts with exceptional ukulele player/guitarist/vocalist Guido Heistek. I am hoping that some of my autumn blooming flowers will hang in there for that concert and of course I am hoping for a sunny and warm September afternoon. I am fortunate to be able to perform in this personal way right within our own garden to a purposefully small physically distanced audience.

Good night garden. Good night everyone. Have a wonderful September!

Karin

Sing a Song of Summer 2020

Summer 2020 is officially here! I love this season: the endless flowers, the long days, the sun’s heat and, often there are camping trips and garden party get-togethers with friends.  This will be a very different kind of summer for everyone due to the current pandemic. Typically this month, I am preparing music for various  music camps that I teach at each summer season however,  all those camps are cancelled for this year.

Since the very beginning of the pandemic I have been able to shift most of my voice and piano students to an online platform. There certainly have been some major challenges along the way and, this method of teaching has required a great deal more work and preparation and flexibility however, I do appreciate the fact that in this current world, I am able to connect with my students and remain safe and distanced and yet still share the beauty, creativity and joy of music making and learning.

“adapt, modify, be positive”– those have been my key words in teaching online music to people of all ages.

I am aware that there are many people who are missing the experience of singing with others or, they are missing the in-person experience of sharing music in a lesson. Some people (perhaps especially the ones who are living alone?) are missing their social circles and have expressed a sensation of feeling anxious, sad, and frustrated with this current and continuing reality.

Over the past month or so I have designed a virtual song camp that I will offer online this coming July called “Sing A Song of Summer” I am really hoping that this song camp will bring some much-needed joy and connection to people who love to sing. I have been researching music that was made popular in the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Some of the songs that were pop hits in the day are recognized as jazz standards while others were blues or country hits.  I have gathered “famous, familiar and perhaps forgotten” songs that have lovely melodies to sing and a potential for easy harmony parts.

Through the magic of the internet I will invite interested participants into my music studio each morning in this virtual song camp. One fact that has come to mind and which makes me rather excited is that people from various Provinces and States and, even those living in other countries could feasibly attend this song camp. Although my studio is located in Vancouver, BC you can live anywhere in the world and it may be possible that you can participate.

In my mind the type of person who might enjoy this song camp would be someone who longs to sing but wishes they could do so with accompaniment; a vocalist wishing to extend a current repertoire or someone who considers themselves a poor singer. One fact about this online camp is that people will see and hear me on the screen (piano and voice) and they will SEE others on the screen but not hear anyone else. So, you could feasibly sing your heart out and no one will be able to criticize how you sing! This is not a technique camp but rather a sing ’cause you love to sing camp.

I’ve got a lot more to say about the 2020 virtual song camp, but this blog is already longish. People interested can email me directly about the cost and other specifics: karinplato@shaw.ca

Have a safe summer everyone! K

What do you know! ‘Tis AUTUMN

I am somewhat surprised and yet willing to accept the fact that Autumn has indeed arrived. Summer was wonderful and filled with music and vacation time too.

I’m back to teaching in my music studio and I certainly do have some interesting piano and voice students ranging from very young to much older. Some like jazz. Some like classical music. Some are pop singer-songwriters. Some are absolute beginners. My task? To help teach and guide and motivate and cultivate the joy of music no matter what genre my students are interested in studying.

I still have space for new students in case someone out there is considering lessons. Note: typically, my music room is far more cluttered than this photo indicates and that is a fact! Often song books and piano books begin to pile up during the week. There is table for that specific purpose and every once in awhile I decide to place books back on the shelf in an attempt to keep things tidy, at least for a day or so. Ha!

Aside from my teaching I have some lovely opportunities to perform coming up, here in Vancouver and also in Toronto and I am certainly excited about the month of October.

Soon, I’ll be singing at Vancouver’s premiere jazz club: October 11th at Frankie’s!  I’m delighted about sharing some of the music I’ve been working on this past September. I’ll be singing lots of jazz standards, some are new to me and others I have revised after many years of neglecting or “resting” them. I have one new original that I will debut that evening with my band mates. Reservations can be made here: Frankie’s Jazz Club

Just a week later I will be heading to Toronto to attend the Audio Festival and the Vinyl Festival and, even more exciting to me, I’ll be singing two exclusive concerts with the acclaimed Mark Eisenman Trio. The one of a kind “Jazz In The Kitchen” concert series is where these performances will take place and tickets are available here: Jazz In The Kitchen

Last but certainly not least it’s time for the new Joy of Jazz Concert season to kick off and Sunday October 27 will be a doozy! Kate Hammett-Vaughan and I will be joined by Miles Black and Conrad Good and the evening will be a Cole Porter celebration.

Many years ago Kate performed Porter themed concerts entitled “Kate Loves Cole”. We both love Cole! So, our concert is entitled “Let’s Do It” and we’ll definitely include that song as well as many others. Further information at the website: Joy of Jazz Concerts

Enjoy your Autumn days everyone!

Karin

What’s Your Story Morning Glory?

August greetings everyone! Here in my Vancouver garden the flowers seems content with today’s refreshing rain. Moments before the rain really kicked in, I ran outside to take a photo of my Morning Glory flowers. I love this blue! It’s a good day for me to write a blog about some of the music related projects in my life right now.

I have a new recording which will be officially released in December. It’s called “I’ll Send This Dream” and it is dedicated to the memory of Nancy Thorwardson, a musician who really made an impact on many people with her songs, her sense of humour and her engaging personality. She is dearly missed. Check out more about Nancy at her website: https://www.nancythorwardson.com/

I consider myself lucky to make music with and record with mandolin star John Reischman and incredible guitarist John Miller.  I admire and respect the musicality of both these men so much! Recording engineer Marc L’Esperance  was able to record us “live off the floor” here in our dining room and I am very happy with the end result. It’s natural and unadorned and just the way we like it! We recorded some beautiful jazz standards and we also included some original songs. We’ll be performing a CD release concert later in the year. Thank you to Paul Norton for the graphic design:

I’ve been putting the finishing touches on the next Joy of Jazz Concert Series for 2019-2020. These concerts take place at Hood 29 on Main Street and this year we’re presenting the concerts on Sunday evenings: October 27, December 15, February 23 and April 26. These are early evening concerts starting at 7:30 PM so even people who are working the next morning will (hopefully) consider attending. This is my labour of love series! I am part of each concert however some of my personal pleasure comes from hearing my fellow musicians in performance together and in solo presentations as well. Web-Meister Paul Norton will have the new website up and running soon. Here’s a link to last year’s series: www.joyofjazzconcerts.com 

Take a look at who is involved in the 2019/2020 series!! Yeah, it’s going to be a doozy…

There may be one more “Plato Pop Up Performance” which will be part of this series in 2020. I’m still scheming…

Enjoy the rest of your summer days everyone and thanks for reading my blog.

Karin

She Can Bloom

March is the month that signifies the beginning of a new season. It’s also the month when I’m involved in assisting with and performing as part of the Strong Women Strong Music concerts. These fund raising events specifically help Enterprising Women Making Art (EWMA), a program of Atira Women’s Resource Society based in Vancouver. This will be the 13th year we’ve presented women in jazz performing these concerts.

This year, since the SWSM concerts take place March 5-7 and, because International Women’s Day is actually Friday March 8th, I decided I’d like to produce another special event celebrating creative women artists. She Can Bloom will be an intimate community event which will take place on the Hood 29 Stage in East Vancouver. Hood 29 is a local Bistro with a warm and inviting atmosphere with a good stage and room to seat 100 people max. Expect spontaneous laughter, tears, joy and appreciation when these artists take to the stage with songs, poems, prose and thought provoking themes with wide ranging appeal. All are welcome to attend! Consider this a Dinner + Show event with the show starting at 8 PM, doors open for dinner by 6:30 PM.

Five creative, intrepid & inspiring artists in collaborative and solo works:

Kristina Olsen -American based song-writer/multi-instrumentalist

Jodi Proznick – Juno Award winning bassist/composer/educator

Shauna Johannesen- Leo Award winning actor/writer/film maker

Kate Braid – Acclaimed Canadian poet/writer

Karin Plato – Juno nominated vocalist/composer

I am absolutely thrilled that these extraordinary women have agreed to perform for the ‘She Can Bloom’ project. These are women I have watched and listened to, have been inspired and deeply moved by. I have cried, I have laughed, I have cheered for these talented artists. I have read the poems, books and songs that they have written. I have watched their films and plays. I have listened to their recordings and in some cases I have been able to share the stage with them. Now, the Vancouver audience will be able to attend an evening featuring each of these creative women in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Advance tickets are available through eventbrite.ca (She Can Bloom) Here’s the link:

She Can Bloom Tix

She Can Bloom – Friday, March 8th – 8 PM at Hood 29 – 4470 Main Street Vancouver 

Q&A with vocalist Kate McGarry

It’s no secret that I am a big fan of vocalist Kate McGarry! I am just one of legions of fans that she has around the world. Kate is like a quiet star gently ascending without a big production or fanfare. Perhaps you know what I mean when I say this or maybe you’ll discover this to be true as you listen to Kate for the first time. Recording after recording and concert after concert there is a steady and persuasive climb up through the many vocal jazz artists in the world. Year after year more people discover the true artistry of Kate McGarry.

She’s a composer, a song stylist and a vocal improviser. She has a pure and direct voice that can burn a blues while at other times coax and caress a tender melody that leaves you breathless or teary-eyed. She can sing truly difficult compositions with ease and grace. She can turn something simple and seemingly straightforward into a work of art.

2019 marks Kate McGarry’s second Grammy nomination, this time for “The Subject Tonight Is Love” recorded with guitarist/husband Keith Ganz and pianist/organist Gary Versace.

The fact is that many acclaimed artists have included Kate in their own recording or concert projects or, have appeared as guests on Kate’s own projects. People like acclaimed pianist Fred Hersh, vocalist Kurt Elling, arranger/composer John Hollenbeck, vocalist Theo Bleckmann, vocalist Tierney Sutton, composer/arranger Jeremy Fox and others have played, performed and recorded with Kate.

Here is my recent Q&A interview with Kate in advance of the January 10 Vancouver Pyatt Hall concert presented by Joy of Jazz Concerts. (www.joyofjazzconcerts.com)

1. Kate, could you name for us some specific musical influences you have had over the years?

My influences ranged from the singer songwriters of the 70’s such as Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, to Irish folk singers like the Chieftains to jazz singers such as Carmen McRae, Anita O’Day, Betty Carter, Shirley Horn, John Hendricks, and of course Sarah Vaughan and Ella. During the 80’s and 90’s I fell in love with Milton Nascimento, Tom Jobim, Toninho Horta, Elis Regina.

2. What are some of the reasons that these artists were/are influential to you?

I tend to be most affected by the storytellers and how intimately they’re able to get across the point to you. This may happen through a lyric, ability, or certain kinds of rhythms. All these things made a mark on me. Whatever methods the artist used to tell their story was what influenced me.

3. Along with jazz-based music what other specific styles of music you currently listen to or enjoy singing?

I am enjoying some of the jazz vocalists of today- Jazzmeia Horn, René Marie are some of my favorites.

4. We are delighted for you, Keith and Gary about being nominated for a Grammy Award for “The Subject TonightIs Love”. What does this nomination mean to the three of you?

For me this nomination represents the fact that an artist can follow your instincts and make a body of work that truly reflects how they feel without pandering or worrying about how it will be received-and strangely enough, find that the work is received at the highest level from their community of colleagues. There are a few things as satisfying as this. To feel heard and valued as an artist by your community and to be honored in this way-I don’t really have language for it but it satisfies me at a very very deep level.

I am also filled with gratitude for all of the people who helped us make this record! This was our very first fan funded project and that is even more of an exhilarating surprise to know that you don’t have to be on a big label and have machinery behind you to you have your work recognized.

5. When you were working on “The SubjectTonightIs Love” how did you go about selecting the songs?

Our approach was to gather as a trio for about four days and play through our repertoire – try different instrument combinations and arrangement ideas. We went into the studio with way too much material. As we recorded themes began to become apparent.

6. Where do you turn if you find yourself in need of fresh inspiration creatively speaking?

Mother Nature is my nurturer. Also, I find if I unplug and take time to sit and contemplate and “do nothing “I am at first exhausted and usually fall asleep, but pretty soon after start to be filled with energy again and new ideas.

7. Do you enjoy being on stage performing concerts and going on tour?

I have to be honest here-the experience of performing and being on stage ranges from sublime to excruciating-depending upon the sound quality and the vibe and my own mental state and how connected or disconnected I feel from my bandmates. When it’s good it’s the best! And so far, after 36 years, I can still say it is worth it. It is a journey I am always willing to take and feel I constantly grow from

8. What is the most challenging and perhaps disheartening aspect to your existence as a jazz musician?

That’s tough-I think the thing that is hardest is the many ways that the profit motive   Makes creating music harder and harder. The more our culture and society is focused on the bottom line and on making the highest amount of profit from each interaction, the harder it is to create artistic and creative spaces that are free from the desire for profit. These two intentions usually don’t align or produce the same results.

9. While composing your own material do you use the piano, voice alone or, another instrument in your process?

I use the piano, although sometimes a melody or an idea just comes to me when I am walking out in nature.

10. In your opinion what is the most important in playing music: pitch accuracy, phrasing, time feel, expression, other?

Yes! I have gone through phases where each of those skills are important to me. At different times in my life I need to focus on one skill but later on I’m interested in exploring another. They are all important parts of being able to express oneself. I guess most important is to follow what you are authentically interested in, and to stay engaged in an artistic process of some kind despite all the crazy roadblocks that life throws up each day.

Thank you Kate!

Karin

Bye Aug! Hi Sept news & reviews

One more day of August remains as I write this and I know many people are making plans for what is typically a final long weekend away before heading back to school and university when autumn kicks in with earnest. I do love this change of season so very much! The colours in flowerbeds boast the bold yellows and oranges and other shades that beckon my eyes to stay, to remain transfixed in appreciation. Ah but, indoor music work is what is beckoning me too and, right now the inside work especially NEEDS me.

There are many “to do” lists and I’m trying to keep on top of it. How to keep things in balance? That is another skill!  I am trying to make the time to go on bike rides and long walks when I am able to so that I don’t miss the spectacular seasonal shift.

Whereby there’s only one day left in August, there are 11 days remaining in my indiegogo campaign. You can pre-order the CD, VINYL or other items related to this recording or, simply help spread the word about the campaign to others. I’m currently at 25 % of my goal. Thank you everyone who has come on board already!!!

Here’s the link:     Karin’s indiegogo campaign

In advance of the official release of my new recording I sent just a few advance copies to people in the industry who have supported and taken an interest in my career over the years to see what they might have to say about “This Could Be The One”.

I’d like to share a review that CKUA Radio host and producer Dianne Donovan wrote regarding my new recording. Dianne has supported my musical efforts for many years now and I’m grateful that she took the time to listen and to share her comments in the form of this review which you’ll see below.

On Karin Plato’s-This Could Be The One

For two and a half decades, B.C.-based jazz vocalist,  Karin Plato, has been carving her own place on the Canadian jazz scene. Her vocals are often beautifully understated, yet, with such an expert control of her instrument, she brings fresh readings of old standards and crafts her own intricate tunes with a delivery that sounds effortless.

Her new release, This Could Be The One, just may be the most fully realized Karin Plato album yet! The majority of the tunes are by Plato herself. A fine composer, she writes some lines that a lesser singer would not be able to execute. Yes, there’s the delicate voice that seems caress each note but on this release, she is also singing OUT!

The CD kicks off with the strong title track, This Could Be The One, a breezy tune with deft phrasing and some lovely interplay with the rhythm section, accentuated by clarinetist, James Danderfer.

The mood shifts with the gentle, Sweet Summer, and we slip into bluesy suspended-animation with, July, wherein we hear the full range of Plato’s vocal range, and colour. Ms. Plato’s use of dynamics (an oft-neglected skill) has always been a long suit of hers, Jwith which, she continues to surprise, delight and “bring the listener in”.

Her take on Hank Williams, I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, would even make the cynic tear-up.

On her tune, Insomnia, Plato turns a “condition” into a haunting companion.

This Could Be The One, is a stunningly beautiful, intimate release. Karin Plato, is a singer’s singer but she is so much MORE! She is a a revelation for anyone with ears, feelings and heart.

Dianne Donovan/vocalist

Producer/Host

Voices in Jazz

CKUA Radio Network

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SEPTEMBER ~ Karin’s album release concerts:

Sept 7 at PYATT HALL (Vancouver)

with special guest vocalist Marcus Mosley

TIX here:

Pyatt Hall concert

Sept 14 at BLUE FROG STUDIOS (White Rock)

with special guest vocalist Rebecca Shoichet

TIX here:

Blue Frog concert