ASCAP award-winning vocalist Kathy Kosins , has won the hearts of critics and fans around the globe with her eclectic musical palette that expands the rich history of Jazz and Soul.
Born and raised during the legendary Motown years in Detroit, Kathy Kosins’ soulful voice, flawless phrasing and deep-rooted passion for stories and characters has been wowing audiences since she first came to prominence in the late 1980’s as a background singer for Don Was and Was/Not Was . In 1996, Kosins collaborated with both LA and New York based writers and composed a collection of jazz tunes, with the intent of selling them to already recognized jazz artists such as Dianne Reeves, Nancy Wilson and Diane Schuur. However, Michigan-based indie label Schoolkids Records discovered this repertoire, and, impressed and mesmerized by Kosin’s soulful voice urged her to record and release the material under own name. It was then that Kosins’ prolific jazz career began to take shape. In 1996, Kosins debut, “All In A Dreams Work” was released and placed in the top 20 in the Gavin Report.
Kosins went on to release more critically acclaimed recordings including 2002’s “Mood Swings” (Chiaroscuro Records), 2006’s “Vintage (Mahogany Jazz), 2012’s “To The Ladies Of Cool” (Resonance) and 2013’s “The Space Between” (Mahogany Jazz). With her jazz repertoire always enhanced by her soulful vocal performance, “ Uncovered Soul ” is the natural next step in Kosins’ prolific career.
Over two decades and five albums later, Kosins has circled back to her soul-infused roots on “ Uncovered Soul”. Produced by Kamau Kenyatta , the Grammy-winning producer behind Gregory Porter’s last two albums, “ Uncovered Soul ” features little-known masterpieces by Curtis Mayfield , The Neville Brothers, and Bill Withers , among others, alongside four originals penned by Kosins and collaborators.
Kosins has recorded with many well known jazz and R&B artists to include Aaron Goldberg, Reuben Rogers, Eric Harland, Peter Bernstein, Larry Koonse, Tamir Hendelman, Robert Hurst, Jeremy Pelt, Jon Ellis, Howard Levy, Don Was, Martin Wind, Ben Wolfe, Michael Henderson and more.
She has shared the stage and performed with numerous names in the jazz and R&B world. A few notables are: Cyrus Chestnut, Terell Stafford, Randy Brecker, Javon Jackson, Larry Goldings, James Moody, Kevin Mahogany, Bernard Purdie, Greg Hutchinson, Eric Harland, Red Holloway, Grant Green Jr., Reuben Rogers, Reuben Wilson, Aaron Goldberg, Tamir Hendelman, Jesse Davis, Eric Marienthal, Matt Wilson, Mitch Ryder, Was/Not Was and Michael Henderson.
When not touring the USA or Europe, Kathy excels as a painter. Her abstract acrylics on canvas are influenced by the cubist paintings of the "50s. Commissioned paintings are held in private collections and Kosins continues to sell her work at both gallery shows and concert performances. She also is known to paint as a multi media artist from the stage during various performances.
Reviews:
“Kathy’s singing is technically flawless yet filled with a warmth and appeal that! only the greatest singers achieve. An amazing accomplishment.” - Eddie Dunn,! KWIT, Music Director
"She thinks like a musician' is one of the finest compliments you can give a jazz! vocalist, and Detroit native Kathy Kosins is often at the receiving end of that! vocalist" - Jon Norton , WGLT Music Director
“She has a voice that commands attention, and a band that rewards it. She looks! for songs that haven't been beat to death....Will Friedwald's notes liken her! phrasing to Tony Bennett's, which seems roughly true, especially on the closing ballads. But she's hipper than Bennett.” Village Voice - Tom Hull
