I’ve sung in pop, jazz and classical ensembles in Australia, England, and Switzerland. Bands I’ve sung in have supported Prince and Concrete Blonde, and I’ve sung harmonies in a small vocal group for Barbara Streisand. I’ve also worked extensively in recording studios as a session vocalist, providing main and backing vocals.
These days, I sing with the Swan Big Band and other big bands and jazz ensembles, as well as in duo format with my husband Malcolm Haylock on piano. We love to do a mix of jazz standards and our own jazzified versions of pop songs.
I love to craft my own versions of songs for piano and voice, producing a re-imagined version that captures the essence of the original while letting it be heard in a new light. And I compose for solo piano.
Below is a sample of some of my recordings and performances. And to find out more about collaborations or how to book me for a gig, arrangement, or recording session, go to Contact Discovering Music
No. 88
Kate Paine: composition and piano
I wrote this piece for solo piano for my father, on the occasion of his birthday.
Merry Christmas, Darling
Kate Paine (vocals) and Malcolm Haylock (piano)
As soon as I heard this beautiful Christmas song by The Carpenters I knew I wanted to give it a jazzy feel, and here it is.
Blackbird
Kate Paine: arrangement, vocals and piano
Here’s my take on what is an absolute classic song. The only way to approach something like this is just to do what feels right. Written by Paul McCartney in 1968 but credited to Lennon-McCartney, it was inspired by birdsong in India, along with the state of race relations in the USA at the time (and now?!).
The Girl from Ipanema
The Swan Big Band, with Kate Paine (vocals)
Recorded by the wonderful Swan Big Band at Hardstudios Switzerland, with Erwin Lorant conducting and yours truly singing, this is an oldie but definitely a goodie.
A Night Like This
The Swan Big Band with Kate Paine (vocals)
Written by David Schreurs and Vince Degiorgio, and originally recorded by the Dutch singer Caro Emerald in 2009, this is one cool song.
Fly Me to the Moon
The SMZ Big Band, with Kate Paine (vocals)
‘Fill my heart with song
And let me sing forevermore…’
Couldn’t have said it better myself 😉🎵
Excerpt from Fly Me to the Moon, recorded at a gig with the SMZ Big Band on Friday, 28th June, 2024, in Zurich.
The Man I Love
The Swan Big Band, with Kate Paine (vocals)
With music by Georg Gershwin and lyrics by his brother Ira, this song was originally written for the musical comedy Lady Be Good.
Mr Zoot Suit
The Swan Big Band with Kate Paine (vocals)
Mr Zoot suit was written by Mark Cally and first released by Flying Neutrinos in 1998. This version was recorded at the Polyball, the longest running ball in Europe (since 1880!).
Mr Zoot Suit!
Detour Ahead
Malcolm Haylock (piano) and Kate Paine (vocals)
Detour Ahead, written in 1947 by Herb Ellis, Johnny Frigo, and Lou Carter, and recorded by Billy Holiday in 1949, is all about that long and winding road.
If I Were a Bell
Malcolm Haylock: piano
Kate Paine: vocals
Sebastian Salt: bass
David Hicks: drums
Dave Templeman: baritone sax
This song, composed by Frank Loesser in 1950 for the musical Guys and Dolls, became a jazz standard after Miles Davis recorded it for his album Relaxin’ with the Miles Davis Quintet.
Smile
Kate Paine: arrangement, piano, vocals
Smile is based on the theme song from Charlie Chaplin’s 1936 film Modern Times, with lyrics and title added in 1954 by John Turn and Geoffrey Parsons.
Hallelujah
Kate Paine: arrangement, piano, vocals
Written by Leonard Cohen in 1984, this is a very well-covered song, and it could be argued that it’s better to leave some things well alone. But it’s beautiful and I wanted to try it for myself.
Pretty Little Horses
Kate Paine: arrangement, piano, vocals
This traditional lullaby is thought to have originated in the US, but is sung all over the world.
