Kate Morrison, a versatile vocalist and musician, was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but has made the Pacific Northwest her home for most of her life. Her musical journey began in junior high school with vocal training, which she continued throughout high school and college. During this time, Morrison distinguished herself in classical vocal competitions, consistently placing among the top vocalists in the State of Oregon and earning numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Arion Award for Music.
Morrison’s career, spanning three decades, has been marked by continuous growth and artistic evolution. After residing in Walla Walla, Washington, for over 20 years, she relocated to Portland, Oregon, where she co-founded Kate & The Crocodiles with Gavin Bondy and Craig Bidondo. As the lead singer and founding member of this ensemble, she specializes in creating and performing original works and re-conceptualized covers of 20th-century American jazz and pop.
Throughout her career, Morrison has honed her skills as a classically trained soprano, easily navigating complex melodies across various genres. Her performances, whether on stage or in recording studios, are characterized by emotional depth, impeccable pitch, and dynamic range. Morrison’s multilingual capabilities further enhance her repertoire, allowing her to deliver authentic performances in multiple languages.
Morrison’s musical talents extend beyond her exceptional vocal abilities, encompassing a range of instruments that add depth to her performances. She enjoys playing the baritone ukulele, tenor guitar, and tenor banjo, bringing a unique flavor to her music. In the past, Morrison shared her love for the ukulele by teaching young children, though she humorously admits that one can only hear “Wheels on the Bus” so many times before seeking musical refuge elsewhere. Her playful approach to music is perhaps best exemplified by her occasional use of a toy drum set in performances, showcasing both her versatility and her ability to infuse whimsy into her art.
Complementing her artistic prowess, Morrison holds an MBA, providing her with a unique blend of creative talent and business acumen. This combination allows her to navigate both the artistic and business aspects of the music industry with equal finesse.
Kate’s sings with noteworthy warmth, grace, wit, and intimacy, performing often as an invited guest soloist with myriad groups—including Pink Martini, as a guest vocalist alongside Ari Shapiro, Edna Vazquez and The VonTrapps in performances with the Utah Symphony. Portland Chamber Orchestra and Walla Walla Symphony Conductor, the late Yaacov Bergman describes Kate as a vocalist with, “A sense of musicality and intonation that is impeccable. I love the color of her voice.”
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(Photo credit: Scott Butner)
More: Kate & The Crocodiles
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