Summer rain had left the lawn in New York City’s Madison Square Park fragile and the concert stage had to be moved to the southern gravel area of the park for the Kat Edmonson concert. The move limited the audience area, and created a genial real-estate war for the crowd that soon overtook the surrounding walkways. The stage’s new position also gave the marvelous jazz chanteuse a clear view of the iconic Empire State Building which seemed to signal an arrival for this unique singer who’s efforts have been met with numerous milestones and critical acclaim. Kat shared the story of her previous summer’s move to Brooklyn, and how the transition had been more pleasurable for her because she went to many of the fine free concerts performed in city. Leaving a following in Austin Texas, this season two American Idol contestant, moved to NYC to further her dreams, which musically, all seem to be coming true. In addition to her expressive voice, unique phrasing, and captivating presence her endearing stories made her appearance, amid the sounds of New York City passing traffic, delightfully intimate.
That intimacy, be it jubilant or melancholy is the most appealing draw to Miss Edmonson airy, yet commanding style. Her many years singing standard from the Great American Song book and her childhood infatuation with films, musicals and with her mother’s record collection have given the singer a studied vocabulary in the great classics. From that command Miss Edmonson’s has developed great musical instincts and she brings an elegant and engaging nonchalant sparkle to her arrangements and vocal performances. On “The Big Picture,” her third album, Kat Edmonson, wrote or co-wrote nearly all of the songs. Working with producer Mitchell Froom the resulting album is a collection of poignant ballads, sweet fables and songs reminiscent of 1960’s breezy pop classics. An upward lilt and generous flair prevails thought out “The Big Picture” which makes for a very engaging listen.
All images are from Kat Edmonson’s video Rainy Day Woman.
FKA Twigs Caprisongs
Colourgrade
Pink Noise
Be Right Back
Call Me A Fool
Springfield Rd
Before
A Stunning Third Album
What's Your Pleasure
Through Water
Can't Stop Spinning
A Creative Sensation
Norman Fucking Rockwell
Thrill again
Funk From The UK
Chaka Khan #LikeSugar
Arresting Style and Substance From Young Jojra Smith
Janelle Monáe An emotional, sexual bender
'Love What Survives' Mount Kimbie
Ultraviolet You
Alison Moyet Her Way
GoldFrapp Beats Beyond
Nite Jewel
'Cause it's Missy.
Making it better.
Anticipating Sampha
Boo Hoo from Nite Jewel.
Yuna's Crush.
Advising women to run to their husband arms when they arrives home from work may not be message that resonates well today, but this song, message aside, is perfection. With a stellar vocal performance Cecile McLorin Salvant brings a new life to the stunning 1963 Bert Bacharach an
