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Kathryn Ballard Shut
KATHRYN BALLARD SHUT (pronounced /shoot/) is an accomplished jazz pianist and vocalist, living and working in the Denver, Colorado live music scene, and grew up surrounded by both music lovers and working musicians. Classically trained on the piano beginning at age 8, reeds at age 10, and incorporating jazz theory by age 14, Kathryn has served as both pianist and woodwind "doubler" in big bands (clarinet/flute/saxes) and small combos (piano and vocals), including several jazz orchestras within The Colorado Jazz Workshop under the leadership of Hugh Ragin. She is also the daughter of the late Kansas Music Hall of Fame honoree, jazz and soul legend Tim Ballard.
In addition to collaborating with jazz master and father, Kathryn has worked alongside Latino film and music stars Daniel Valdez (of 'Zoot Suit','La Bamba', and 'The Westside Oratorio' fame), and together with Denver jazz artists Mark Diamond, Keith Oxman, Drew Morell, Hugh Ragin, Linda Theus-Lee, Mike Evans, Kevin MacInness, Jared Johnson, Jean-Luc Davis, and many others. Additionaly, she is a four-time Akademia Award winner and ASCAP-affiliated songwriter-publisher who has collaborated since 2012 with master composers Piero and Pippo Lombardo to compose and author 13 tracks on several albums for Italian jazz-funk sensation Camera Soul.
Kathryn is a leader and pianist/vocalist with several Denver-area jazz and soul groups, including The Law and Order Combo with bassist Mark Brostrom and drummer Jon Van Zandt; The Vern Neeley Vibe, led by saxophonist Vern Neeley; and classic soul and funk group, Mo`Stax, led by guitarist K. Jay Gale. Her agency's website is TIMKAT Entertainment at http://www.timkatent.com.
Awards
- ASCAP-affiliated songwriter and publisher (2012-present)
- 4 Akademia Awards - Camera Soul (2014-2019)
- Voting Member, NARAS/"Grammys" (2008-2019)
- Lifetime Member, Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity, Central MO State Univ (1993)
- John Philip Sousa National Band Award, Raytown High School, Raytown, MO, USA (1990)
Gear
- ROLAND RD2000 Stage Piano
- PRAMBERGER 5' 2" Baby Grand Piano
- BLUE Encore 300 Microphones
- SHURE Beta 58 Microphones
Tags
- "Kathryn is not just a pianist; she is a true musician and professional in every sense of the word, classically trained with a solid theory background." - Tim Ballard
- "I could not have succeeded in booking live music in Denver without Kathryn's professionalism and guidance." - Mike Evans, trumpet, formerly of Lost Soul Jazz Combo and Jubilee Hot 7.
Primary Instrument
Piano
Location
Denver
Willing to teach
Intermediate to advanced
Credentials/Background
Jazz Piano - voicings, comping, hand positions, reading jazz fake books, jamming styles, combo etiquette, professionalism on the gig; booking techniques; social networking; composition
Bill Evans
piano
Tommy Flanagan
piano
Red Garland
piano
Cedar Walton
piano
Donald Fagen
piano and vocals
Tim Ballard
saxophone, tenor
Michael McDonald
vocalsPhotos
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson
