Kathryn Gauthier
Artist / Vocalist
When I came to Chicago in 1992, it was after years of study in the visual and performing arts. I received a BA in Fine Art from Emmanuel College, Boston MA, then went back to study music, theater, and dance, first at Dean Jr. College, Franklin MA, while working as a recreation therapist; then, at the Trinity Rep Conservatory in Providence RI., as an acting and directing major.
The city of Chicago has provided me with enormous opportunity to try various venues in the arts. I've continued to explore and grow in both visual and performing arts, and in fact the two definitely serve to enhance eachother. Much of my artwork is inspired by jazz.
The making of my first Jazz CD, "FIRST STEPS", which was released in November of 2001, has been both an exercise in focus and a part of a dream realized. It features some of Chicago's finest young talent, (Ted Hogarth, Scott Burns, Matt Kanelos, Neal Alger, James Donovan, Mike Jeffers. Joe Adamik, and Shawn Sommer), as well as seasoned musicians like Joe Vito and Mike Finnerty. It was recorded and engineered at Reeves Audio Recording Studio in Evanston, IL. Jim Reeves brings a great wealth of experience and talent to his engineering work through his years with Columbia Records, and he did a superior job of engineering "FIRST STEPS". The album consists of nine tracks, a mix of swing tunes, ballads, and blues. [Tracks #4, and #9 are original.] As a first effort, I chose to go with a very traditional sound. Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer among others, always make great listening, especially with some fresh new arrangements.
The next project is already underway and promises to be more adventurous. It features fusion tunes where Eastern rhythms and harmonies meet Midwestern jazz-funk, as well as a lengthy free-jazz tribute to one of Chicago's finest bass players, the Hungarian born Louie Varro.
My musical history includes involvement with acapella groups, solo performances in restaurants, clubs, cafes, galleries, and jazz vocals with various groups, cabaret style singing and participation in musical reviews, as well as musical theater. I have written and copyrighted over 75 songs and continue to work on new material daily. A most important part of my education has been right here in the city, sitting-in at jam sessions at the Green Mill, the Velvet Lounge, the New Apartment Lounge. I draw inspiration from the vocal stylings of Anita O'Day, Shirley Horn, Sarah Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald among others.
My dream now is just to continue to do what I love, and hope that I'll find an appreciative audience.
Contact Information:
Phone: (773) 973-3405
e-mail: gauthierarts@GauthierArts.com
"FIRST STEPS" is available over the Internet at www.cdbaby/cd/kgauthier .
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