She’s the Queen of Sax in Detroit. The moody, funky, gritty notes that Kat plays on her venerable woodwind instrument have energized the stages of nightclubs and festivals across Detroit for decades. She is a remarkable artist and entertainer who spans multiple music genres. She is known for laying down a heavy funk melody that will mesmerize an audience, bust out with some rock music, and then easily shift to pop, soul, or jazz. Her musical versatility and repertoire appeal to a wide range of music lovers.
Her love of music started at the tender age of four, listening to the radio and 45s her Grandmother and Aunt would give her from the jukeboxes at their restaurants. Later, fascinated with the talents of artists like Herbie Mann, Jethro Tull, and Traffic, she began taking lessons and playing the flute at the age of 15. She was also influenced by the singing of Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Grace Slick. She studied with Jazz Bebop Sax Player George Keith. As a songwriter, she is heavily influenced by Stevie Wonder and Prince. Kat recorded 6 albums, Happenstance: Scenario II in 2018 which is a follow-up album to her previous release Hypothetical Scenario in 2017, both produced by Grammy-nominated Maurice “Pirahnnahead” Herd. Her most recent EP “There I Said It” was produced by (gospel-influenced writer and vocalist in his own right) Gayle Brannan. Kat Orlando Band performs in the Detroit area. She also performs in Florida along with guitarist husband Larry Pinho. Her songs are currently on all major online outlets.
Thank you for agreeing to catch up with Occhi Magazine. For readers unfamiliar with you and your background, what drew you to a career in the arts?
Thank you for having me! I was drawn to music at a very young age. I was 4 years old when I got my first record. I used to play the 45s I got from my aunt and uncles. Several of them owned restaurants with jukeboxes. TV shows like American Bandstand and local Detroit/Windsor music shows, Ed Sullivan, and Shindig all had a huge influence. I had a transistor radio constantly at my ear. My friends and I would play, lip sync as the Beatles with tennis racquets for guitars and a hat box for the kick drum. It was always a “fight” on who would be Diana Ross of the Supremes. I also was Grace Slick, lip-syncing for the school talent show. After so many trips to the music store waiting for my brother to finish his trumpet lessons, I decided the flute was my instrument of choice, at that time.
Who were your early influencers and how did they impact your career?
I watched and listened to vocalists, like the early 60s girl groups, later Bonnie Raitt, Grace Slick, Bonnie Bramblett, Merry Clayton, Chaka Khan, and Aretha Franklin. I also listened to bands like Traffic, and Jethro Tull. For songwriting, it was artists like Stevie Wonder. I studied records of sax players like Stanley Turrentine and David Sanborn. On flute, I used to try to learn Jimmy Page solos note for note. One of my earlier music lessons on flute was from a guitarist who taught me riffs and how to play over changes. Later, when I moved outside of Denver, I rented a tenor sax and found a teacher. He was a Bebop Jazz guy who taught me theory. I would get albums of Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane from the library and try to listen and read the sheet music he gave me. I never could sight-read but I think much of the phrasing he taught me got through to my playing eventually. I was more of a Junior Walker rock approach to sax, in my mind anyway.
Which three traits define you?
I guess that would be determined, creative, introverted (partially)
Please tell us about your latest project
My latest EP “There I Said It” is three songs I released last November. I wrote the songs as a sort of social commentary. I think they just happen to be very funky with an infectious groove. (My producer said it was the way I write, but the way he and the musicians played, put it on another level.) I write about bullying, the state of the country, and how we need someone to guide us away from the divisive mindset. I also write the about entitled rock star type, based partially on past experience. All songs were all produced and arranged by Gayle Brannan, an amazing vocalist and recording artist in his own right. Guitarists Grant Hill (Some People), Larry Angel (Player), and Eric Tanona (St. So and So) all made wonderful contributions. Darrell “Red” Campbell was on bass and DeVaughn Hill was on drums. These were all recorded at Gayle’s studio and Tanona Studios, Southfield, Michigan with Eric Tanona as engineer when I put down my vocal & sax parts. I usually record with players my producer prefers. He made great choices. Now I can’t wait for my band, all top-notch players as well, to work them into our show.
What other projects are in the pipeline?
Lately, I have been in promotion mode. I tend to write very little during this phase. Sometimes, I’ll contribute to other projects on a site called Kompoz with writers from around the world. Many of these are also on my website katorlando.com
Where can our readers find out more about you?
My main site katorlando.com
- Spotify There I Said It EP by Kat Orlando
- Bandcamp all my music is on major online outlets.
Photographs by Don Davenport and Lauren Hedges
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