Quick Q and A with Kate Taylor
 by Kathy S-B  ·  7 November 2009

Kate Taylor’s roots run deep in the soul, gospel and rockabilly sounds of her southern upbringing and in the literate folk, pop and Appalachian stylings that comprise the balance of her family’s musical legacy. Move over James, Livingston, Alex, Ben, Sally. . . . Sister / Aunt Kate definitely rocks the house wherever she plays. Check out this fascinating video showing Kate, Ben Taylor, and David Saw recording “Crying in the Rain.” And while you’re at it, check out this video of Kate belting out “Fool in Love.”

Your bio states that you started your first band when you were only on 15 years old. How would you describe those early musical efforts?

I was an excitable girl and singing with my friends was a lot of fun. What's better than rock ’n’ roll for a teenager! No, amend that; what’s better than rock ’n’ roll for any age. Actually, I also sang with some friends in a folk group, we called ourselves “Peter, Paul and Mounds.”

Your first album Sister Kate was always a special one in my vinyl collection. . . . I especially loved your take on the Elton John and Carole King songs. Do you still run into a lot of people who tell you the same thing?

Thank you for that! I do get a lot of folks telling me that they love that record and have it still in their vinyl collections. I am very proud to have been released on vinyl! Folks will bring Sister Kate to the shows and I get a chance to sign them. I love that and it is very gratifying. I was in L.A. when Elton John did his first gig in America, at the Troubadour. When I heard him perform “Country Comfort” it blew me away, as I was homesick for New England and my home town in NC too, and the song took me back to those places in my mind. My manager and producer at the time, Peter Asher, knew Elton’s manager and arranged a meeting. I asked Elton’s permission to record that song, and he gave me his blessing! We had a great time recording it, we put it out as the first single off the album, and I get great feedback on it to this day. I have another story about that particular song which I will tell at the Me and Thee.

How would you describe your newest CD, Fair Time? One reviewer called it a “sassy blend of rock and folk and country and soul.” Would you agree?

I think that is a good description of the new record. I enjoy singing a number of different styles of music, and we seem to have represented a few on this disk. I am very pleased with the sound and production of Fair Time!” There’s something in there for everybody.

You’ve been blessed with the opportunity to play with some of the best musicians in the world, including your talented family members. Recording and playing live with these luminaries must be an extremely emotional and energizing experience. How do you mentally prepare yourself before you sing and play in such circumstances?

Let’s see, that’s a good question! Each situation is different but I can say that I probably jump up and down! The wonderful players that I have had the chance to work with are all very generous, very kind and humble. It has always been an extremely supportive environment.

You are on a tribute CD set on Mark Heard songs. I’ve only come to know his music since he passed in 1992. What was your connection with him and his music?

I didn’t ever have the chance to know Mark Heard myself either. What an incredible songwriter! We have some mutual friends, Dan and Allison Russell and the good folks at Fingerprint Records. They wanted to put together a tribute album for Mark’s family and it turns out that Mark and they have some heavy hitting musical friends. I love Mark’s songs and I was thrilled to get to record “Satellite Sky” for the record. It was great to see it nominated for a Grammy.