Kathy Kosins: “To The Ladies Of Cool”

A Magical Tribute To The Ladies of Cool

JazzBuffalo is pleased to present award-winning Kathy Kosins: To The Ladies of Cool at the Canterbury Wood Performing Arts Center

on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 7:30 PM!

Kathy Kosins, an ASCAP Award-winning vocalist, is delighted to present her highly acclaimed project, “The Ladies of Cool,” at the Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center on Friday, March 22 at 7:30 PM.

“The Ladies of Cool” is a contemporary homage to the iconic West Coast School of Cool, celebrating the timeless artistry of Anita O’Day, June Christy, Chris Connor, and Julie London. With her smoky vocals and clever arrangements, Kathy Kosins brings classic songs to life, exuding glamour, sophistication, and, above all, a sense of cool. Kosins’ album of the same name received accolades from international media outlets such as the Huffington Post (“Kosins offers something contemporary that may be even better than the original”), Icon Magazine (four stars), and All About Jazz (“She makes To the Ladies of Cool an effortless labor of love, and one given gladly.”).

Kosins, hailing from the Motown era of Detroit, began her musical journey by singing and arranging background vocals for producer Don Was (now president of Blue Note Records) in the early eighties, leading to her becoming one of the most sought-after session singers. She recorded as a lead vocalist for both Carrere (Sony) and Quality Records and later embarked on a tour with Was/Not Was.

In the early ’90s, Kosins, a prolific writer and arranger, discovered her passion for the freedom of the jazz art form, leading her to embrace a more traditional approach in her writing. This transition saw her collaborate with the JC Heard and Nelson Riddle Orchestras, culminating in the release of “All In A Dreams Work” in 1996 (SchoolKids Records), featuring a collection of nine original compositions and a cover of Miles Davis’s “Four.” The album was widely recognized, reported by over 250 Jazz stations, and reached the top 20 in the Gavin Report.

Finally, a salute to the coolest voices of the 20th century – from one of the loveliest voices of the 21st century. Kathy Kosins scores big with “To the Ladies of Cool” – Brian Delp, WBGO, Newark, New Jersey

Her 2002 release, “Mood Swings” (Chiaroscuro Records), continued to elevate her recognition and success on the national stage. In her 2006 album, “Vintage” (Mahogany Jazz), she unearthed lesser-known gems from the songbook and placed them alongside a few well-known yet unexpected tunes from outside the jazz tradition, earning her glowing reviews from music journalists.

“To The Ladies Of Cool,” is a tribute to the West Coast Cool school of artists like June Christy, Chris Connor, Julie London, and Anita O’Day. Kathy’s arrangements of these classic pieces remained true to the tradition of lyricism and understatement, yet they sound remarkably fresh and innovative, making it hard to believe that these songs had been recorded over 50 years ago.

Raise the glass and here’s a toast. With To the Ladies of Cool, four standout vocal pioneers are deservedly celebrated. – Larry Taylor, All About Jazz

Her album, “The Space Between,” found her collaborating with some of LA’s finest musicians, including Tamir Hendelman (piano), Robert Hurst (bass), Eric Harland (drums), and Larry Koonse on guitar, on several obscure tracks that had previously been recorded by Shirley Horn or Nat King Cole.

In February 2018, Kathy Kosins released “Uncovered Soul,” produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Kamau Kenyatta (Gregory Porter), featuring a stellar cast of musicians, including Greg Moore (guitar), Mitch Foreman (piano, keys), Kevin Axt (bass), Eric Harland (drums), and Munyungo (percussion). “Uncovered Soul” explores rarely heard Soul and R&B tunes by famous songwriters like Curtis Mayfield, Eugene McDaniels, and Aaron Neville, as well as contemporary tunesmiths like Amos Lee. The album offers a well-balanced set that caters to both Jazz and Soul enthusiasts and is destined to become a future classic, creating a sultry mood and showcasing Kathy’s most intense and intimate singing to date.

Join us for a heartfelt celebration of the artistry of Anita O’Day, June Christy, Chris Connor, and Julie London. Experience classic songs known and loved by audiences that exude glamour, sophistication, and an irresistible sense of cool. Kathy Kosins and her extraordinary trio of pianist Joe Leaman, bassist Jeff Campbell, and drummer Rich Thompson invite you to sit back and be transported to the bygone era of timeless music.