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Katy Pfaffl Named May “Best Vocalist Of The Month” With Her Song “Down The River”
By Dale Kawashima
Katy Pfaffl, a talented, pop/rock/soul singer &
songwriter based in New York City, has won the May SingerUniverse “Best
Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for her performance of her song “Down The
River.” This song is from her recent recording sessions, and it will be
included on her next album, which will be her third release.
Katy Pfaffl
“Down The River” is a distinctive, appealing song which
combines the piano-based, artistic style of a Joni Mitchell, with a soulful, R&B edge. The recording provides an
excellent showcase for Pfaffl’s expressive, lead and harmony vocals, and her
skillful, jazz-influenced piano playing. Impressively, Pfaffl did an expert job
of producing this song herself, as well as all the songs for her current
project.
Pfaffly grew up in Milwaukee, WI, where she learned to play
violin and piano at a young age, and she entered several, classical piano
competitions. During her teenage years, she attended the Milwaukee High School
of the Performing Arts, where she began focusing on her singing, and performing
in jazz vocal groups. Notably, Pfaffl won the Down Beat magazine Jazz Award For
Best Vocalist (for high school students). Also, she began composing music, and
she wrote the score for a jazz composition, which was performed by her high
school orchestra.
For college, Pfaffl attended the University of Cincinnati
Conservatory of Music, but she left after two years and decided to move to New
York City. “I wanted to focus on writing my own music and performing it, and I
felt New York was the best place for me to further my artist career,” explained
Pfaffl. “I wrote the songs for my first CD (titled Katy Pfaffl) and
released it in 2000. The album was a combination of jazz and pop/rock. Then in
2003, I released my second CD, which was called As She Stands.”
Katy Pfaffl performing live.
Both of her CDs sold about 2,000 units, mostly in the New
York area. Subsequently, Pfaffl’s music caught the attention of Los Angeles
music pro Marsy Robinson, who became her manager. Robinson has set up several
showcases for Pfaffl with major labels.
Pfaffl is now completing work on her latest album, which
will include “Down The River.” She plans on shopping this album to the major
labels. Pfaffl also maintains an active schedule as a live performer,
frequently playing NYC venues as the Living Room and the Bitter End, and
sometimes playing in Los Angeles. She is now playing as a trio, accompanied by
drummer Sean Dixon and bassist Orlando Marin. ‘I’m hoping to start touring more
nationally,” she said. Lastly, in addition to her performing and recording
career, Pfaffl also works as a vocal coach and voice teacher in NYC.
In addition, here are four, talented vocalists/artists who complete our Top Five Vocalists honorees list for this month's competition, with their credits, plus their e-mail and website links:
Adia
"Blue Skies" (jazz). Performed by Adia of New York, NY. Written by Irving Berlin.