photo by Lee Hoffman
A 5’6 brunette steps up to the microphone. Her outfit sparkles, as do her eyes.. and her smile. She welcomes you to the show, and begins to sing.
Originally a theatrical artist, this Troy, NY native knows how to command a stage. She uses song to tease, to flirt, to draw you into the conversation. She’s charming, compelling. And boy, can she sing. Just when you think you’ve got her pegged as a light, breezy jazz vocalist, she pulls out a deep grinding blues, followed by an Aretha Franklin R&B, then a ballad that makes your heart fall in love—and if you’re not moved yet, she steps right into the audience and boogies along with you to some of the catchiest pop tunes.
She surprises-- teasing the men, encouraging the women, and making you laugh with her rather saucy sense of humor.
“I will use every part of my craft to reach you, to draw you in. I will entertain, I will make you laugh, or cry. I’ll wow you with vocal power, pull you into the song’s story. I’ll tease you, dance with you—somehow, I will reach you.” She makes full use of her band—letting each musician share the spotlight. “If it were just about me,” she says, “I would sing musical theater ballads all day. This is about the audience. They want not only a magnificent singer, and tremendous musicians, which we provide—they want to have an experience. I want to reach each person in that audience, in one way or another. If it’s a drum solo, or a tear- jerking love song, I want to reach them and satisfy their musical craving.”
Originally a theatrical artist, this Troy, NY native knows how to command a stage. She uses song to tease, to flirt, to draw you into the conversation. She’s charming, compelling. And boy, can she sing. Just when you think you’ve got her pegged as a light, breezy jazz vocalist, she pulls out a deep grinding blues, followed by an Aretha Franklin R&B, then a ballad that makes your heart fall in love—and if you’re not moved yet, she steps right into the audience and boogies along with you to some of the catchiest pop tunes.
She surprises-- teasing the men, encouraging the women, and making you laugh with her rather saucy sense of humor.
“I will use every part of my craft to reach you, to draw you in. I will entertain, I will make you laugh, or cry. I’ll wow you with vocal power, pull you into the song’s story. I’ll tease you, dance with you—somehow, I will reach you.” She makes full use of her band—letting each musician share the spotlight. “If it were just about me,” she says, “I would sing musical theater ballads all day. This is about the audience. They want not only a magnificent singer, and tremendous musicians, which we provide—they want to have an experience. I want to reach each person in that audience, in one way or another. If it’s a drum solo, or a tear- jerking love song, I want to reach them and satisfy their musical craving.”
The Melissa Kate Project
Photo by Get Fokus'd
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The Melissa Kate Project started in 2006 with the release of the album "Blind Faith." The album was recorded at Phoenix Studios, with Flick Williams, a Stone City musician. Minimally produced, the album is due for a re-release. The band, featuring a multitude of Buffalo, NY's finest musicians, is known for its high quality music and memorable audience interaction. The Melissa Kate Project released "Kissed by Kate" album in 2009, and a DVD of the album's music in 2010. A new jazz and original album are in process of being written and recorded.
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Musicians often include:
Tim Webb, Paul Yates, Van Taylor, Mike Crymes, Charlie Crymes, Ronald Walker, Kenny Hawkins, Jerry Livingston, Sanford Polite, Richii Valentino,
Tim Webb, Paul Yates, Van Taylor, Mike Crymes, Charlie Crymes, Ronald Walker, Kenny Hawkins, Jerry Livingston, Sanford Polite, Richii Valentino,
Partner Bands
Taylor Made Jazz
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Taylor Made Jazz is a well respected, award winning, international band that has been the training ground and home of some of Buffalo, NY's most in-demand musicians. Born from U.S.T. Topaze in the late 70's, Taylor Made Jazz was the answer to a changing time. Smooth Jazz was hot, and R&B spoke to the soul. Our working troops needed music from home, and Taylor Made International was happy to serve. Over 30 years later, and Taylor Made Jazz is still a force to be reckoned with. Look for their new initiative: Music on the Frontlines.
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The George Scott Big Band
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The George Scott Big Band, led by George Scott, is one of several big bands that call the Historic Colored Musicians Club home. They play popular music as well as jazz, and put on a hell of a show, with dancers, two vocalists, and up to an 18 piece big band. They have played with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at Kleinhans Music Hall, as well as for the Fourth of July at Buffalo's Canalside. The band is popular, and works frequently.
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