Published on October 12, 2016 by Ashley Smith  
Kat Edmonson

Kat Edmonson performs for the first time in Birmingham at Samford University’s Brock Recital Hall Nov. 3 and 4 as part of the Wright Center Signature Series. 

Kenny Gannon, Wright Center director, said he booked Edmonson because he “wanted to take advantage of Birmingham’s love of jazz and bring new talent for the community to experience.” Gannon added, “Kat’s sound is very sophisticated and unique. I have become a huge fan since learning about her work.” 

Edmonson is a critically acclaimed, vintage-pop and jazz vocalist, Gannon said, and her voice is reminiscent of the golden age of Peggy Lee and Blossom Dearie. She effortlessly captures the essence of old cinema and the Great American Songbook; this resonance combined with Texan roots and a bright spirit define her as one of the great jazz artists of today. 

In 2009, Edmonson released her debut album, Take to the Sky, which features her ethereal cover of “Summertime” and hit Top 20 on the Billboard Jazz Chart. She recorded her second album, Way Down Low, at Avatar and Capitol Studios with engineers Al Schmitt (Frank Sinatra, Neil Young) and Phil Ramone (Billy Joel, Paul Simon). Her first album comprising all original music, Way Down Low features Edmonson’s hit single “Lucky,” which earned her spots on NPR’s All Things Considered as well as Austin City Limits Live. 

Following successful U.S. and European tours, Edmonson recorded her third album, The Big Picture. Released by Sony Masterworks and produced by Mitchell Froom (Randy Newman, Suzanne Vega), The Big Picture featured all but one track cowritten by Edmonson. 

Edmonson appeared in Woody Allen’s 1930s inspired film Café Society as a jazz singer. She is highlighted on the official soundtrack with her cover of “Mountain Greenery.” Edmonson’s return to her jazz roots coincides with her fourth studio album, to be released in 2017. 

For tickets, go to tickets.samford.edu or call the Samford Arts box office at 205-726-2853. 

Ashley Smith is marketing and communications coordinator for Samford Arts. 

About Samford Arts — Samford plays an important role in Birmingham’s art community by partnering with local arts organizations, including the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Ballet and Opera Birmingham while also bringing highly acclaimed artists to our stages via our own series. From student performances, faculty recitals and theatre events, Samford Arts provides entertainment for all ages and tastes.  

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.