Bio

 

Kate Baker’s love of music is the basis for two remarkable talents, as a singer and educator.

Singing

Kate has a distinctive vocal style and lyrical expression and she has evolved into one of today’s most sought after singers. Her voice resonates with her love of diverse musical inspirations whether Jazz, Brazilian, Latin or the Blues. Be it a Cole Porter standard or an Antonio Carlos Jobim composition, English or Portuguese, Kate is at home. Ms. Baker is a musician’s singer. Her high level of musicianship has enabled her to successfully sing in a variety of settings, from an intimate duo to fronting her five-piece ensemble, as well as performing as a guest artist with Big Bands. Kate's debut CD shines with Vic Juris, Richie Cole and the Alto Madness Orchestra.

Ms. Baker’s distinct and authentic sound has excited audiences worldwide. In Europe, she has been a featured vocalist at numerous Jazz events, including the Euro-Meet Jazz Festival, The Carini Jazz Festival and The Pergine Spettacolo Jazz Festival. In the U.S., her festival and concert credits include Berkshire Jazz Festival, The Texaco Jazz Series in NY City, William Paterson Jazz Room Concert Series, Liberty State Park Jazz Concert Festival, The Tarrytown Jazz Festival, The JVC Jazz Festival, The OSPAC Jazz Festival and many more. She has filled the rooms at major NYC area clubs such as: The Blue Note, Birdland, Trumpets and Visiones. Kate has had the pleasure of working with such talented artists as Claudio Roditi, Norman Simmons, Harvie Swartz, Houston Persons, Richie Cole, Vic Juris, Dick Oatts, Dave Stryker, Daduka Fonseka and many others.

Teaching

Kate’s second talent lies in her unique abilities as a voice teacher. Using highly developed vocal instruction methods, Kate specializes in the development and restoration of the voice, especially the abused voice. Having personally overcome a damaged voice, she has dedicated herself to the study of vocal therapy and technique for the past 15 years. As one of the most sought after teachers in the business, Kate has a large student base of professional vocalists. In her studio in New York, she currently coaches several singers under major record labels.

Kate’s students include American Idol stars, Grammy Award winning artists and Night at the Apollo winners. Kate also teaches privately at The City College of New York and The New School University of Jazz and Contemporary Music. Kate has been invited to present her vocal workshop in an affiliated program with the New School in Italy. Her position as a vocal clinician has led to invitations to conduct master classes at major institutions throughout the United States and Europe. Since 1996, Ms. Baker has often teamed with fellow singers and educators Sheila Jordan and Mark Murphy in co-led master classes.

Recording & Performing

Ms. Baker studied under arranger, composer, pianist and master accompanist Norman Simmons. Ms. Baker has completed work on a CD under the musical direction of Norman Simmons.

Kate leads workshops internationally and perform throughout the world. She also performs and records with Richie Cole and the Alto Madness Orchestra.