Thankfully she is perfect for it, a blend of old-school soul diva and a more modern, classic pop singer. But whereas many of the chart-bothers of today seem only to be appropriating such classic sounds, Ingraham is the real deal. Timeless, restrained and perfectly poised.
Even as the song builds, as beats slowly come into ear-shot and rhythms gather some weight, it is still just a gentle vehicle for a voice which remains front and centre of the whole affair. In a word…gorgeous.
In two… breathtakingly gorgeous! Kathy Ingraham – Cherish Dec 6 2019 Andrea Caccese
Kathy Ingraham is an artist and performer who approaches music with creativity, passion, and commitment to quality. Her sound could be described as a very personal blend of indie music and experimental sounds, tipping the hat off to influential artists like Bjork, Jeff Buckley, and Fleetwood Mac, only to mention but a few.
Recently, Kathy set out to release a brand new single named “Cherish.”
This release encapsulates the artist’s unique production aesthetics, with a lush, spontaneous sound that feels textural and multi-dimensional.
The instrumentals are powerful and balanced, while the vocal melody is present ad crisp, soaring atop the arrangement while still remaining firmly anchored to the mix! Everything is quite balanced, with just the right amount of spice and excitement to do something amazing. I love the instrumental solos, ad how they seamlessly interact with Kathy’s beautiful and powerful voice.
At the end of the day, Kathy stands out for her distinctive character, and this release is a true treat for any music fans who enjoy songs that are made with passion and enthusiasm for creativity, rather than just piggybacking on the sound of other established artists! If you look for unique music with a strong identity, this one is the right pick for you!
Find out more about Kathy, and check out “Cherish,” which is currently available online for your listening pleasure:
“Cherish”, new single by Kathy Ingraham
By the-further / décembre 4, 2019
New York-based singer-songwriter Kathy Ingraham is our special of the day. Kathy Ingraham released many songs and projects and the single “Cherish” is one of her outstanding pieces.
At the-further, we are in love with her voice. Kathy Ingraham has something similar to singers like Björk and Kate Bush, to name a few, but it is not possible to compare her to other singers: she just sounds unique.
In “Cherish” her voice and the instruments create a splendid, smooth and melodious world. A pure moment of music. Don’t waste one second, and listen to “Cherish” now :
Kathy Ingraham impresses all over again with her most expressive singing in her recent single ‘Cherish’
Daily Music Roll 12/4/2019
Kathy Ingraham, a singer-songwriter from the United States, creates a sensuous and sentimental new song that talks about her journey, love, and loss by using the most heartfelt words to describe her genuinity. The song shows her potency as a phenomenal singer that provides enough hooks to the listener to dive into. On her recent single ‘Cherish’ the talented singer has used a lot of acoustic instrumentals and harmonicas to attract the listener’s attraction by using hints of melodic strings. Her voice is so ethereal and powerful that it radiates a hypnotic aura at every moment. The production is fully subtle, creating a suitable ambiance for the song.
Kathy Ingraham is an experienced vocalist who has rightfully earned her popularity by singing on various TV commercials for reputed organizations like McDonald’s, Coke, and Pepsi, etc. The young artist had started her recording as an indie artist back in 2014 and since then has released several impressive compositions by working with skillful composers. Her latest release ‘Cherish’ features renowned guitarist Elliot Randall and jazz icon Pete Levin alongside Joel Rosenblatt on the drums. Her melodies are extremely inviting and take no time to slip into the listener’s memory. Listen to the song on Soundcloud now.
Staticdive.com
October 26th 2019
By Bob Smith
Kathy Ingraham is a singer-songwriter who cut her teeth working on TV and radio commercials. For the last five years she has been releasing a steady stream of solo projects.. Her song “Little Things” was featured in the 2018 Johnny Depp movie, “The Professor.” Her latest release is the jazzy single, “Cherish.” On it she showcases her impressive vocal abilities and an all-star band.
“Cherish” is a slow, low, and cool 1970’s style Jazz tune. An upright bass sits at the center of the track. It holds down the chord progression as all of the other instruments circle in orbit. A very smooth electric piano whispers through a mellow tremolo. Loose freestyle drums are one part solo instrument and one part rhythm section. Flourishes of guitar and flute add such a cool Sunday afternoon vibe to the tune.
The star of the song is of Ms. Ingraham herself. She is obviously a skilled and studied singer. However, the soul in her singing is something that can’t be taught. Her emotional and breathy vocals remind me of Nina Simone. And the subject matter of the lyrics fit that tone perfectly. Kathy sings of building emotional walls to protect herself from once again being burned by love. She looks back longingly at better times when “Cherish was the word, before.”
The singer has assembled an allstar cast for Cherish. Guitarist Elliott Randall played on the Steely Dan classic, “Reelin In The Years.” His solo on that song is considered one of the greatest of all time. On keys is the Jazz legend Pete Levin, who has played with everyone from Gil Evans to Jaco Pastorius. On drums is Joel Rosenblatt from the pioneering fusion band, Spyro Gyra.
Check out “Cherish” and follow the links below to connect with Kathy.
Sound Looks The Music Journal
Kathy Ingraham – “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do” – sultry tones and piquant timbres!
By Jeena JohnsonOn October 6, 2019
Kathy Ingraham is an experienced vocalist who has sung on TV and radio commercials for organizations such as McDonald’s, Chrysler, ABC Network, Coke, Pepsi, and many more. Kathy launched her artistic career in 2014 and has since completed several solo projects and singles, working with an impressive roster of artists and composers, including Grammy-winning composer Henri Krieger, Luther Vandross, Meatloaf, Marc Cohn, Michael Bolton, Richie Havens, Michael Kamen, and several more. Her latest single “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do”, is an original jazz track that features the legendary Pete Levin on piano.
Kathy Ingraham is clearly surrounded by outstanding musicians here, as witnessed in the nearly 3 minute instrumental. Kathy is a fantastic talent, with an amazing voice, and a very versatile style. And I must admit she exceeded even my high expectations on this track. The other great thing is that this is a very minimalistic, trio-styled track, just Kathy’s fantastic voice with very little instrumentation, which makes this even more special, and a very intimate experience.
Stylistically, she fuses the naked, febrile emotion of a Parisian-styled chanteuse with the coquettish artifice of an American blues singer and comes up with a unique sound defined by a hushed, torch-song-like delivery complete with a tremulous vibrato.
Her approach is decidedly smooth, but it’s also high on emotion. Kathy Ingraham gift for conveying intimacy is beautiful expressed on “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do”, where her sonorous voice floats over a skeletal but telling arrangement.
Kathy serves up sultry tones and piquant timbres, commanding the microphone while her voice communes intimately with our hearts and souls. Her performance is polished and the overall sound quality is superb. Throughout, her subtle, effortless vocals prove an ideal fit for this particular Jazz style.
Far from sounding forced or affected, Kathy Ingraham sounds laidback, natural and very much in her element on “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do”, as if she was simply born to do this. Kathy takes a refined, highly accomplished approach here, placing her focus more in the nuance of the phrasing than ornamental runs and vocal flourishes that ultimately would add little substance to the song.
Like the greatest vocal practitioners of Jazz, she relies more on an innate knowledge of her craft and a masterful ability to convey emotions with the least amount of unnecessary vocal embellishments. “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do” perfectly conveys this dichotomy, with Kathy Ingraham restraining her voice where needed, pushing it when necessary, and displaying masterful control of the softer, more intimate parts of her range throughout.
It’s yet another indication of Kathy’s sense of knowing her way around a song, allowing her voice to rise in conjuncture with the arrangement, and remaining atop the other instruments. Her performance is intended for adjectives like “smoldering” and “sultry”. After listening to “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do”, I have the distinct feeling that anything she does is worthy of attention.
Music Crowns Cherish
Oct 29, 2019 www.musiccrowns.org https://www.musiccrowns.org/new-music/kathy-ingrahams-haunting-cherish-is-spectacular/
With a resume that already boasts songs for radio commercials and organizations like ABC, McDonalds, Coke, Pepsi and more, not to mention having her retro pop-rock song ‘Little Things’ being featured in the new Johnny Depp movie, ‘The Professor’, Kathy Ingraham is seemingly on a winning streak.
Following suit, her latest single “Cherish” is nothing short of spectacular. Jazzy, haunting, raw and authentic all describe the track, which begins with a stripped-down arrangement consisting of lush keys and passionate vocals. Combining multiple genres, the track begins as a somber acoustic track and as new elements begin to materialize, slowly transforms into a Bluesy tune. Guitars wail in and out as the song unfolds, building through a crescendo into a full onslaught of Soul and Jazz. A melting pot of David Bowie, Cream and Steely Dan, the works strong musical influences are vast and impressive, making ‘Cherish’ a song worthy of your attention.
SoundDirect is an online PR company and music promo agency dedicated to sharing great music and making your music make waves.
NovaMusic October 6, 2019
Kathy Ingraham // Cherish
Sensual and melodious, with a retro vein and a contemporary flavor. Kathy Ingraham’s voice enraptures and astounds like few others.
Kathy Ingraham // Cherish – artwork
After “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do“, talented singer and songwriter Kathy Ingraham returns with a new single titled “Cherish“, a sublime synergy between singing and music.
Characterized by an intimate and engaging atmosphere, this composition slips away like a sweet caress on the cheek, towards a pulsating groove and a smooth swing. Every single element of the song is perfectly defined and masterfully placed within the mix. The coherence that links them makes the message clear and intelligible.
Kathy’s vocal performance comes as a breath of fresh air, splendidly rich in nuance and dynamics, capable of transmitting a range of sensations that seems to be boundless. Next to that of Ingraham, stand out the performances by guitarist Elliott Randall and jazz icon Pete Levin, along with the drums of Joel Rosenblatt of SpyroGyra.
“Cherish” is a glimpse into the vastness of the creative universe that Ingraham is capable of.
Perfectly able to gravitate between Jazz and Blues, Ingraham can steer with peculiar minimalism towards Pop, Folk, Rock, giving us the feeling she might move into whatever genre she wants.
With this new release, Kathy Ingraham shows off again her experience as a singer and songwriter. She has sung in television and radio commercials for organizations such as McDonald’s, Chrysler, ABC Network, Coke, Pepsi and many others. In 2014 she took her first step as an independent artist and since then has published numerous pieces, working with an impressive list of artists and composers.
This single shows a range of tenderness and passion, guided by an emotional, relaxing and passionate voice.
Posted date: August 10, 2019in:
Kathy Ingraham: “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do” – Its sweet caress will win you over! Rick Jamm
Kathy Ingraham is an experienced vocalist who has sung on TV and radio commercials for organizations such as McDonald’s, Chrysler, ABC Network, Coke, Pepsi, and many more. Kathy launched her artistic career in 2014 and has since completed several solo projects and singles, working with an impressive roster of artists and composers, including Grammy-winning composer Henri Krieger, Luther Vandross, Meatloaf, Marc Cohn, Michael Bolton, Richie Havens, Michael Kamen, and several more. Her latest single “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do”, is an original jazz track that features the legendary Pete Levin on piano.
Kathy Ingraham in my humble opinion is one of the most sensual singer-songwriters that I have had the pleasure of discovering. She has a hauntingly beautiful voice and she sure knows how to express her work in the most melodious way, her style of voice is a t home singing Pop, Folk, Jazz, Blues, Rock, and just about anything else she sets her mind to.
She gravitates towards Jazz and Blues and comes through like a breath of fresh air in the world of polluted music. On this single there is a perfect synergy between her singing and the music accompanying her voice, it could not have been better.
The choice of instruments, the minimal arrangement, and the smooth piano make this a very pleasurable and swinging experience, while the quality of recording is exemplary too. Not only is Ingraham a great singer, she has a very expressive voice, and the distinctive nature of this track, besides the swing, is the mood.
Every note, every chord, every phrase goes to create a mood and an atmosphere. Her voice – pure, moody, and sensual – is absolutely spectacular. When you listen to “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do” you open a doorway to a new world of experience. And the music is wonder inspiring.
If you’re like me you might imagine yourself down in the basement of a club, as you walk through the door there’s a sultry singer on the stage, you hear the subtle throb of the bass, the brushing sound of the drums, the eloquent shimmer of ivory keys, and you sit rooted to the spot as the melody washes over you, and the mood takes you wherever it wants to take you.
You have just entered the world of Kathy Ingraham. Her voice is soothing, passionate, and speaks of another time long ago, of smoky jazz bars, berets and bobbing heads. Its sweet caress will win you over. You’ll feel her connection to the music.
Showing a range of tenderness, and unrestrained, unvarnished romanticism, guided by a beautiful, emotional voice, is what sets this record above all the rest. If a modern day wizard could cast a spell on a songbird and turn her into human form, Ingraham would be the perfect incarnation of that transformation.
“That’s What Crazy Lovers Do” is my kind of rhythm, joy, and delight. I just hope Kathy Ingraham keeps coming with more like this. But if not, I can savor this one forever!
That’s What Crazy Lovers Do is a new, original jazz standard single from vocalist Kathy Ingraham. The song also features critically acclaimed jazz icon Pete Levin on piano, and he does deliver. The mix is fairly minimalist, with mostly just piano, percussion and vocals, but this is definitely a case where quality is better than quantity. Kathy’s an established singer, and her voices carries the song effortlessly. She’s so good, she makes it look easy. The track has a very lounge-like feel to it. It’s swingin’ but more mellow and romantic than the more fast paced swing revival stuff which was popular in the 90s. This is more classy and elegant. Another interesting thing about this song is that it has a narrative. While Kathy sings she occasionally breaks into more casual, conversational story telling before diving deeply back into the music. This type of interlude heightens the climactic moments of the song. That’s What Crazy Lovers Do is cool and professional and may even win some awards.
broken8records Review: Kathy Ingraham – ‘That’s What Crazy Lovers Do’
If you’ve glanced at a television or heard even a few minutes of radio in the last few months, you’ve likely already heard Kathy Ingraham sing and not really known it. An experienced vocalist, she has become the chosen voice for major corporations such as McDonald’s, Chrysler, the ABC Network, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and many more. After tapping into her artistic streak in 2014, Kathy has gone from strength to strength, releasing numerous solo projects and singles alongside an impressive roster of artist and composers.
The next bold step in her career, ‘That’s What Crazy Lovers Do’ is her latest original cut that flows with an authentic jazz twist, combining her soulful vocals with a timeless sound to great effect. Features the legendary Pete Levin on piano, the new single is a textured composition straight from the golden age of smoky jazz bars and sultry, leading ladies. With subdued, tempered percussion, the rolling tone of the double bass, and of course Levin’s original piano melody, the music sets a brilliant platform for Kathy’s vocals, capturing an emotive, nostalgic quality that seems a world away from the music of today.
With the spotlight firmly on her vocals, you can easily see why Kathy has become the chosen sounds for some of the biggest companies in the world, and her range and textured style on ‘That’s What Crazy Lovers Do’ leaves you starstruck, brushing aside any possible doubts as to her talents. A true ode to the jazz greats, ‘That’s What Crazy Lovers Do’ brings with it a wave of nuanced, delicately built and wonderfully performed sounds, piecing them together to create a song that jazz fans of all styles and ages can enjoy.
Honest Reviews Of Your Favorite Indie, Underground & Mainstream Music.
Kathy Ingraham Kicks It Old School With “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do”
Kathy Ingraham blesses us with a timeless hit!
If you’ve been watching television or listening to the radio these last couple of years, you’ve probably heard Kathy Ingraham sing. Throughout her career, she’s sung for companies such as McDonald’s, Chrysler, ABC Network, Coke, Pepsi, and many more. In 2014, Kathy decided to dabble in music-making, collaborating with legends such as Henri Krieger, Meatloaf, Marc Cohn, Michael Bolton and Richie Havens (To name a few). One of her latest creations, “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do,” is one of Kathy’s finest pieces of work, as it features a wonderful vocal performance, wise words revolving around everlasting love, and most importantly, Kathy’s unique and innovative sass and glow. To call what you hear on this song classic/timeless would be an understatement.
Make sure you listen to Kathy Ingraham’s “That’s What Crazy Lovers Do” at the top of the page! Also, be sure to follow her music journey at the following links below:
Kathy Ingraham channels a spirited rock blend driven by intricate underlying themes, while channeling a slew of influences even as the song exists in a space of its own. The song is lovingly performed as it begins to steadily rise in enthusiasm and exhilaration.
“America Rise Up” is an ambitious record that’s crisper and clear-cut with its twinkling fuzzy guitars. Kathy Ingraham shows love for humanity insisting that you’ll gain so much more appreciation by other people in your life by simply doing it in the first place. And most people are grateful, especially when it comes in the form of a surprise and becomes something that helps them or makes their life a little bit easier, even if just for a minute.
The song does as much as to direct its energy outward and tries to plant a surprise seed of optimism. With its crashing army of chords, the song turns itself into a sunbeam that diffuses an otherwise gloomy outlook on life. And rather than let sorrow to turn to despair, Kathy Ingraham grounds the song’s emotional rhythm with a lively and vibrant intensity.
As the song nears the end Kathy Ingraham ultimately homes in on the cohesive, propulsive sound she’s been trying to achieve all along. And the more you get to listen to “America Rise Up,” the more you come to appreciate the artist and her compelling performance. She blasts through the tune like a cannon packed with melodic riffs, and it becomes more likely that she will hit some of your sweet spots
You’ve probably heard Kathy Ingraham sing before. An experienced vocalist who has sung on TV and radio commercials for organizations such as McDonald’s, Chrysler, ABC Network, Coke, Pepsi, and many more, Kathy broke into her artistic side in 2014 and has since several solo projects and singles, working with an impressive roster of artists and composers including Grammy-winning composer Henri Krieger, Luther Vandross, Meatloaf, Marc Cohn, Michael Bolton, Richie Havens, Michael Kamen, and several more. Her upcoming single, rock anthem “America Rise Up,” is what she refers to as her “contribution of hope” for the U.S. in 2020.
Using the kind of slap-back delay that John Lennon favoured for his vocal, Kathy Ingraham delivers an impassioned performance that’s reminiscent of Linda Perry circa 4 Non-Blondes’ ubiquitous hit What’s Up? In fact, when you get to the chorus, you might be tempted to sing out the ‘hey-ey-ey…’ line yourself. If that’s implying that the song has stolen something, it’s not meant to. This is a call to arms that is all about unity; standing together – the last thing it’s about is apathy or confusion.
Although the song is called America Rise Up, the word ‘America’ never features in the lyrics. If there’s a political statement lurking behind this piece, it’s too oblique for me to pick up on. It sounds like an intentional anthem to me: full of aspirational language, flourishes of gospel ad-libbing and a choir of supporting voices adding warming colours that bloom into the arrangement as the piece progresses.
We then get an extensive American-sounding guitar solo about two-thirds of the way through, adding some space and expression before the song climbs out on a final euphoric chorus…..a classic piece of songwriting. Come on, America – you’d better do as it says.
This is a very patriotic composition. In the vocals, you can hear a sense of pride for standing up for what you believe in and making a change. The instrumental in this composition is inspiring, how it combines drums with the acoustic and electric guitar in order to develop and sustain an uplifting rhythm. This is a highly recommended track and we are looking forward to future projects from this very promising artist. Kathy broke into her artistic side in 2014 and has since several solo projects and singles, working with an impressive roster of artists and composers including Grammy-winning composer Henri Krieger, Luther Vandross, Meatloaf, Marc Cohn, Michael Bolton, Richie Havens, Michael Kamen, and several more. Her upcoming single, rock anthem “America Rise Up,” is what she refers to as her “contribution of hope” for the U.S. in 2020
BILLBOARD MAGAZINE 2018 Grammy® Preview
Jazz Weekly Creative Music and other forms of Avant Garde Kathy Ingraham: Cool Night by George W. Harris • June 5, 2017
Here’s a clever way to present an album: vocalist Kathy Ingraham puts her songs in a book form, almost like a children’s night read, with the lyrics to be read to accompany the cd of alluring originals. She teams up with a variety of artists and moods, ranging from the torchy “Prelude to Your Kiss” with Pete Livin/p, Will Lee/b, Joel Rosenblatt/dr and horns by Michael Leonhart &Chris Pasin/tp to a bluesy “Cool Night” with Erik Lawrence/ts and Bob Telson’s keyboard driven by Lee and Rosenblatt. The pictures make for intriguing comparison with the mood, as rich blues contrast with the dark and harrowing “Ceyx and Alcyone” and the autumnal framed painting contrasts with a dramatic “Forgiveness.” Intriguing on a plethora of levels, succeeding in visual and auditory forms.
C. Michael Bailey All About Jazz
Kathy Ingraham Cool Night Peirdon Production Corporation 2017
Vocalist Kathy Ingraham has released her debut recording Cool Night after floating several singles. Her debut is a collection of 10 original recordings that are supported nominally by a jazz piano trio made up of pianist Pete Levin, bassist Will Lee, and drummer Joel Rosenblatt with several notable soloists. But this is a hybrid of jazz and popular music. The opener, “Prelude to Your Kiss,” is a pristine and soulful but of modern R&B augmented with properly arranged background vocals and a muted bell blown through expertly by Michael Leonhart and Chris Pasin. “Sail Away Tropea” smacks of a much more convention adult contemporary sound on the back of Levin’s electric piano. The title song is dark and almost bluesy was it not for contemporary feel pushed over Eric Lawrence’s baritone saxophone. Hook-filled and foot-tapping, this is very fine and swinging music. Ingraham’s voice is pliable and obedient and the singer knows well how to use it. Originally composed jazz vocals is a hard crowd, but Ingraham assembles an altogether satisfying and enjoyable recital in Cool Night
THE INDEPENDENT JOURNAL OF CREATIVE IMPROVISED MUSIC 147 | CadenCe Magazine | April May June 2017 Papatamus Robert Rusch
KATHY INGRAHAM’s debut release also comes packaged as a hardcover book/CD [8” X 8” 24 pages] called COOL NIGHT [Peirdon Production 0028672 376667]. The 10 tunes [39:19 are Ingraham originals. The lyrics for all the tunes are printed in the book. The graphics are by Richard Del Rosso. Backing comes from many and includes Danny Flam [tbn], Pete Levin [keys], Will Lee [b], John Tropea [gtr], Clifford Carter [p], Don Harris [tpt], Eric Lawrence [sax/flt]. Ingraham’s “stories” are well outlined in dealing with love and loss and she sings well but while this has a jazz element it leans more towards pop. A good gift for pop lovers and nicely done.
Review By Scott Yanow Kathy Ingraham Cool Night
Kathy Ingraham is a singer-songwriter who has worked extensively as a session musician in New York. On her new solo CD Cool Night, she displays a very attractive and powerful voice that, in its sincerity, pureness of tone, wide range, and ability to cross over stylistic boundaries, is sometimes a little reminiscent of Eva Cassidy although quite individual.
Cool Night consists of ten of the singer’s songs. She is joined by such fine musicians as keyboardist Pete Levin, bassist Will Lee, drummer Joel Rosenblatt, guitarist John Tropea and others including occasional horns and several background singers. The music crosses over between pop, rock, r&b and jazz, with the emphasis being on Ms. Ingraham’s voice, her imaginative lyrics, and the accompanying grooves.
“Prelude To Your Kiss” begins the set with a fantasy about being with someone who one loves, enjoying the moment right before the kiss. The muted trumpet of Michael Leonhart is an asset during this performance. “Sail Away Tropea” is highlighted by Ms. Ingraham’s fine scat-singing over the closing vamp. “Cool Night,” which features baritonist Erik Lawrence, is a ballad about drifting off to sleep while “Ceyx and Alcyone” has one imagining themselves as a joyfully flying bird. Lawrence’s flute adds to the latter piece’s atmosphere.
“Forgiveness” has some colorful stanzas about the struggle to forgive someone: “I remember the time my world wasn’t grey/Everything was black and white, my golden rule prevailed/But life has a way of blurring the lines/Navigating complicated intervals with rhymes.” “Drop Of Rain” is about facing each new day with enthusiasm. “Ordinary Life” marvels about how extraordinary an ordinary life can be. In contrast, “Dannemora Love Song” depicts a prisoner of love who is betrayed. “Without Words, a story about nonverbal communication has a prominent role for bassist Will Lee. Cool Night concludes with “Three Kinds Of Cool,” a happy romp in which three hip Kings go to Bethlehem on a swinging jazz groove.
The Cool Night CD is housed in a 24-page art book that includes the lyrics, artwork and photos. All in all, this is an impressive effort by Kathy Ingraham
Scott Yanow, author of 11 books including The Jazz Singers, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76
7/22/2017 Martin Johns Back in 2015, we were quite taken with a Jazzy Christmas single from Kathy Ingraham, “We Three Kings of Cool”. At the time, we summed it up like this: “It’s Pop enough to be Pop, Jazzy enough to be Jazz, Soulful enough to be Soul, and different enough to be different (and I like different).” Kathy dropped us a line this week to let us know that she recently released an album which includes a remixed remastered version of the track (now called “Three Kings of Cool”). The new version features drums, which gives the song a bit more kick and might also make it more Pop Rock (though I think I still have a slight preference for the after hours feel of the earlier go and it’s the flute that slays me every time). The new album, “Cool Night”, is available digitally or on CD. And, for those looking to lock in their Christmas shopping early, there’s also a package that includes the CD AND a hard cover Art Book. Mind you, it’s not a Christmas album. But, for fans of Miles Davis era Cool Jazz (and I am), it’s a tasty treat. “Prelude To Your Kiss” is lovely and “Ordinary Life” could be a really nice track to include in a mixtape of love songs for your significant other or intended. The title track Swings the Blues and, of course, having “Three Kings of Cool” on hard copy CD is incentive enough for the Christmas music huntin’, hard copy lovin’ collector in my soul.
Kathy has quite the All Star backing group on “Cool Night”. I have to admit I found it sorta cute that she listed some of the credits for these players, most of whom are far more familiar to me than Kathy, herself. But I really should keep that in check; just because I’m well acquainted doesn’t mean everyone is. Start with Pete Levin on the keyboards. It might be useful for you to know that Pete has played with everyone from Miles to Jaco to Carly Simon. My head slips immediately to the pair of holiday albums Pete recorded with Danny Gottlieb. Then there’s bassist Will Lee. Never mind his work with Sinatra, Sanborn, Benson and Barbieri, the dude was (aside from Paul Shaffer) the longest tenured member of David Letterman’s band. The others are equally impressive…Joel Rosenblatt (drummer for Spyro Gyra), John Tropea (guitar with and for Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Dr. John, etc.), Bob Telson (Oscar, Tony and Pulitzer Award nominated composer/singer/songwriter/piano man), and Clifford Carter (keyboards for James Taylor, Michael Franks and Herbie Mann). I’m admittedly unfamiliar with Rick Palley (who has played bass for Garrison Keillor and Buster Poindexter…that’s what we call “range”). And I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least mention the equally accomplished horn section and backing vocalists (with a special nod to Erik Lawrence, who provides the flute solo on “Three Kings of Cool”). Apologies for not listing all y’all. Let’s just say that Kathy knows people. The album was mastered by six time Grammy winner Tom Coyne (Adele, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Mighty Sparrow, and, wow, look at all those Blues albums) who, sadly, passed away in April.
2015 Martin Johns Now here’s the sort of single that floats my Christmas boat. It’s Pop enough to be Pop, Jazzy enough to be Jazz, Soulful enough to be Soul, and different enough to be different (and I like different). We get a little funky piano work from Pete Levin in there, too. This is Kathy Ingraham’s “We Three Kings Of Cool”. And cool it is. Put this in your Christmas pipe and smoke it. I’ve heard it said there’s a CD-single of this out there, somewhere, but I haven’t been able to track one down. Yule find the mp3 at Amazon or CD Baby.
Kathy Ingraham
