Biography
Although Butte, Montana, shows little sign of emerging as a hub for jazz and blues, the home where Kathleen Kolman spent her childhood stood out as a musical sanctuary. Her father performed jazz on drums, tenor sax, and clarinet, while her mother worked as a vocalist. After completing studies in music theory, Kolman took part in the rock-and-roll circuit, appeared in musical-theater productions, and joined U.S.O. tours bound for the Orient. Only after relocating to New England did her engagement with jazz intensify. Intensive workshops led by Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton, and Lisa Thorson, together with lessons from Brazilian stylist Camila Benson, supplied the impetus for her development as a jazz artist. Her first significant jazz engagement occurred in New Hampshire in 1992; since then she has headlined festivals in Butte and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and served as artist-in-residence at Plymouth State College. In June 2000 she recorded the soundtrack for a theatrical work centered on the life of aviator Amelia Earhart. Issued in 1999 on the Walkin’ Foot Productions label, her debut album The Dreamer centers on lesser-known standards—melodies that remain recognizable and agreeable yet occupy a modest position within the Great American Songbook. Kolman’s deep, husky, blues-inflected timbre, wide range, and precise phrasing animate these songs with flair and assurance. Acknowledging the influence of Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley Horn, and Carmen McRae on her vocal approach, she has established a distinct presence within the demanding New England jazz-vocal community through appearances at regional venues. Such sustained activity suggests a promising future for Kathleen Kolman in jazz.
Albums
