The Cap Jazz Series is pleased to present Detroit-based jazz vocalist, Kathy Kosins in her Vancouver debut with Capilano University’s “A” Band and NiteCap. Just in time for Women’s History Month this March, Kosins represents the best of women in jazz today. Her latest album, to the Ladies of Cool, is a “toast”, as Kosins puts it, to the West Coast Cool movement of the ’50s and ’60s and four canonical female jazz singers from this era, Anita O’Day, June Christy, Chris Connor, and Julie London. Her effect on her audiences is anything but cool, though and the show is sure to be a night of warm and passionate jazz.
Raised in the musically rich Motown era, Kosins came by her soulful style honestly, becoming one of the most sought-after session singers in Detroit in the 80s while working with producer Don Was. She has been involved in over 15 albums over the years as a background singer, composer and as the primary artist. She is a six-time ASCAP award-winning songwriter, winner of the Michigan Council for the Arts award for ‘Jazz Composer of the Year’ and she is also a successful abstract painter.
Though Kosins’ musical roots are in soul, rock and funk, in the last 15 years she has become one of the most successful contemporary jazz singers on the scene. As an instructor in this field, she has conducted master classes at over 100 colleges and universities. She also continues to work as part of a project called Detroit Memphis Experience, a tribute to the grooving sounds that put Detroit and Memphis on the music map.
Kosins explained her life as a musician like a tree: “The foundation of my music is the roots. The trunk of the tree holds many branches, and every branch has taken me to different places.”
“A” Band – The “A” Band is the premiere large instrumental ensemble of the Capilano University Jazz Studies program. The “A” band has performed with jazz artists such as Bob Mintzer, Cedar Walton, Ed Thigpen, Jason Marsalis, Mike Murley, Kevin Turcotte, Seamus Blake, Hugh Fraser, Phil Nimmons, Rob McConnell, Kristin Korb, Nnenna Freelon, Denzal Sinclaire, Ernie Watts and Dee Daniels.
NiteCap – Led by Réjean Marois,NiteCap is the premier Vocal Jazz Ensemble of Capilano University’s Jazz Studies degree program. It is an innovative ensemble with an eclectic approach to musical style that includes material from Renaissance madrigals through contemporary jazz. NiteCap has developed the reputation and level of professionalism that has allowed it to share the stage and garner accolades from such top jazz artists as Ed Thigpen, Kenny Werner, Hugh Fraser, Regina Carter, Kurt Elling and Jane Bunnett.
