If I really think about it...I was first influenced by watching Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas when I was five. She sang "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me" in a smokey club, and I knew that I wanted to sing a song like that someday...I was a very serious toddler :) Later, my dad introduced me to Linda Ronstadt and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. He heard me singing "For Sentimental Reasons" one day and started playing it on the piano...that's still my favorite song to do with him. In my early twenties, I bought a used tape of Etta James- a tribute to Billie Holiday. I played it so much that it broke, but I still love every note. "I'll Be Seing You" is still my rainy day song by her..."in that small cafe...the park across the way...childrens' carousel...the chestnut tree...the wishing well." Somewhere between all of that, I fell in love with the music of Billy Strayhorn, Gershwin, Nina Simone, Dinah Washington, Ellington, Basie, Lena Horne, Wynton Marsalis, Miles Davis, Nancy Wilson, Charles Mingus, John Clayton, Thelonius Monk, Julie London, Billie Eckstine, Ray Charles, Johnny Mercer and of course Ella and countless others. I love all the contemporary singers too... Diana Krall, Casandra Wilson, Nora Jones, Renee Olstead, Micheal Buble, and so on. However, there are certain voices that still capture me beyond language...Karen Carpenter ("You're Enough" - my personal favorite), Nat King Cole (too many to list), and Harry Connick Jr. (especially when he does "Where or When"). With all the other kinds of music I love, jazz has always reached a part of me that I like the most. I'm not a singer that just wants to get myself out there and known. I sing the songs that have influenced me the most...and I've only scratched the surface.
With a family history of musicians dating back over a century and a lifelong love of Jazz Singers & Standards that reigned before her era, it was just a matter of time before Katherine added her Velvet Voice to the Prouse namesake. Growing up as a pastor's daughter, she remembers singing in church and living in a home constantly filled with the music of gospel and jazz legends, as well as classical composers.
After graduating college with a major in American History and a minor in English, she realized that she really missed the musical environment that had always surrounded her. In 2002, as an answer to an add for a jazz singer, Katherine began singing in coffee houses and bars in Orange County and the Inland Empire, developing quite a following along the way. She initially saw it as a way to earn some extra money and have some fun doing something she loved. A year later, she won the Orange County Music Award for "Best Jazz" in 2003.
Katherine has since been nominated again for "Best Jazz" at the Orange County Music Awards in 2004, at the Southern California Music Awards in 2005, and again at the Inland Empire Music Awards for "Best Jazz" and "Best Female Performer" in 2006. She is currently playing with accomplished musicians, Dr. Joe Jewell on guitar, JD Pinckney on bass, and Harold Allen on drums. She continues to develop as a singer and consistently combines smooth sultry vocals with a high level of quality musicianship and cohesion among all band members.
Katherine has played venues all over southern California, and continues to draw a following wherever she performs. She enjoys occasionally putting a modern touch to older standards, while still continuing to play sets that include swing, bossa novas, blues and sultry ballads. It is evident that Katherine has a love of the great American songbook, and it is consistently reflected in her vocals.
found this travel layout at HOTFreeLayouts.com / MyHotComments
Hey Katherine! You put up a new default pic! Cooool. Just thought I'd pass through and say howdy. Hope all is well in the Palagi household. Much luv....Arte
Hey KP. How's life been treating you? Are you done with school yet? I hope you think of when if you're ever in a pinch to find a bass player. KP gigs are the kewlest. p-sout.
So glad to have you as a friend! I pray my music blesses you. Please stop by my page and sign my guestbook. Feel free to visit often and keep in touch! In His praise, Yvonne "Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to God while I have my being." Psalm 146: 1-2
Thanks Katherine. How is ya? Long time no see. Hope all is well, maybe I'll get to see you at the restaurant soon. Take care of yourself. Much luv....Arte
You are sooooooo welcome! We care about you and hope you are doing better.And PLEASE excuse my goof on the C instead of K. Rebecca reminded me this morning after i had the card filled out. Looking forward to having Jade Saturday. Can someone drop her off by 5:00pm and we'll bring her home on sunday.
Hey beautiful. It was great to see you Friday. We absolutely need to get together and have some girl fun. Let me know when you can break away and it's on,Nikki
Thanks for checkin' it out---we are planning a few LA gigs, but we will be local soon--either Back to the Grind or the Falconer---we shall let you know, thanks, bk and Winston...
I'm going to be on MTV! This Thursday, March 6th, I'm performing on MTV's TRL as part of a show featuring unsigned artists who've had some success online... In New York, the show is on at 3:30, but please check your local listings. =) ..
Did you ever listen to that Ray/ Damien duet on my page? "you dont what its like". you must not of cause its so bad ass you would have to say something.
