Podcast 610: A Conversation with Kate McGarry & Keith Ganz

With six critically acclaimed CDs and a Grammy nomination for Best Jazz Vocal CD Kate McGarry has become recognized as a jazz artist who brings authenticity and vitality to every song regardless of genre. Downbeat Magazine cited McGarry as 'Rising Star' vocalist for the past 9 years, including a recent  #1 Rising Star Female Vocalist. In addition to her own work, her 2013 collaboration with John Hollenbeck's Large Ensemble, Songs I Like A Lot, was lauded as a milestone in contemporary vocal jazz, receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Arrangement For A Vocalist. Collaborations with Ryan Truesdel and Jeremy Fox have resulted in great learning opportunities as well as additional Grammy nominations, awards and accolades.  Kate currently lives in Durham North Carolina with husband/guitarist Keith Ganz. The couple have teamed with Gary Versace as the Kate McGarry Trio to release The Subject Tonight is Love, an ambitious exploration of love in different ways and moods. Mixing a variety os sounds, and textures, and featuring Ms. McGarry's always beguiling vocal story-telling, the CD is among her finest moments. The Trio will play two sets at the Jazz Standard in New York on Valentine's Day, in what is sure to be a very hot ticket. I spoke with Kate and Keith by telephone from their home in Durham, where they were digging out from an unusual winter storm. We talked about the ways The Subject Tonight is Love came together, how they approach classic tunes, and about her work with great arrangers like Hollenback, Fox and Truesdell. Musical selections include "Mr. Sparkle/What A Difference a Day Made", "Secret Love" and "Climb Down/Whiskey You're the Devil" from The Subject Tonight is Love and "Wichita Lineman" from John Hollenbeck's Songs I Like A Lot CD.