Standards Live
Videos:
Reviews:
From novelty tunes to Broadway theatre standards and cabaret classics, singer-producer Cecily Kate delivers an array of ambient jazz-inspired melodies on her debut CD Standards. Music that puts audiences in the mood like Eddie Cooley and Otis Blackwell's "Fever" and Vernon Duke's "Autumn in New York" are revisited with Cecily's emotive vocal flare to accentuate the sensual and mollify the melancholic. Her interpretations have a light prance which induces an underlying feel of optimism through the tracks hinging a prevailing outlook that life is happy. Cecily Kate's Standards awakens a side of theatrical jazz that appeals to people who are new to singalong showtunes and classics from the American Songbook. She gives the songs poise and polish, and relevance to a burgeoning generation of music fans.
~Susan Frances, Yahoo – Full review…click here
Kate's wheelhouse is definitely the 40's, Broadway and some carefully chosen jazz standards. Where most singers that work the musical theatre side of the street are blessed or in some cases cursed with a set of pipes that can pin the ears back of the folks sitting in the last row, Kate exhibits remarkable control, a keen sense of phrasing and a nice sense of melody.
~Brent Black, Critical Jazz – Full review…click here
At times, Kate reminds me a bit of Jane Krakowski where she is able to touch on her jazz and pop influences, but also show hints of doing cartoon work, where you’ll hear them move out of that and totally blow people away with what makes people want to listen to in the first place. Broadway, show tunes, vocal groups: Kate has the voice to do each and all, and one wonders where she’ll take her talents next. Before next, begin here.
~John Book, This is Books Music – Full review…click here
A well-traveled vocalist that has paid her dues is currently focusing on the 40s and she brings the right cabaret punch to the ring. Knowing and showing a thing or two that talent show contestants could learn from so they can tell the difference between emoting and screeching, Kate has her well-honed chops front and center making a fitting treat for jazz vocal fans that want to take another tiptoe through some well-worn tulips that have just been refreshed. Nice set.
~Chris Spector, Midwest Record
After listening to "Standards", the first CD from multi-talented Cecily Kate, I still wondered how this could be her first CD. Cecily is a pleasure for all of us who love standards from the "Great American Songbook". It's great that we have such a gifted young singer who understands the value that these songs still hold for the current generation. Thank you Cecily for your voice, your inspiration, your vigor and insights into the world of great American standards! Cecily has worked hard to place her own unique stamp on each of the standards listed below, molding the songs through years of performing. The results are outstanding giving these "evergreens" new life and making them truly her own. To quote Peter Allen, "Everything Old Is New Again". The supporting musicians Cecily asked to join her on this CD are all highly talented sidemen. Brand Ross on Piano,Chris Bonner on Double Bass and Brian Pareschi on Trumpet. Finally, all the songs were produced by Cecily Kate adding to her list of brilliant talents.
~Robert Nicosia, Music Man
Cecily has a youthful voice and forward style. She sings nine Standards backed by a solid trio with bassist Chris Bonner, Brian Pareschi (t) and pianist Brad Ross. Ross does all of the arrangements and they are quite unique. The absence of a drummer leaves Bonner anchoring the tunes with lots of room to enjoy Kate and the support. She does a good job on "It's All Right With Me" and "Long And Far Away".
~D. Oscar Groomes, O’s Place Jazz Magazine
Overall, the nice sense of melody underlying the tracks definitely leaves you feeling optimistic after listening to this record. Of course, I can’t forget to mention the brilliant musicians who play (no pun intended) a big part in this: Brad Ross on piano, Brian Pareschi on trumpet and Chris Bonner on bass. She demonstrates great range and flexibility by tackling everything from “How Are Things in Glocca Morra” to “Where the Boys Are.” Well-recognized tunes like “My Funny Valentine,” “Autumn in New York” and “Fever” highlight her remarkable control and impeccable phrasing.
~ Maria Miaoulis, Celebrity Cafe