Valley Jazz Singer to Release Christmas Album

Mahoning Valley-based jazz singer Kate Del will release “Cheers to Christmas” on Nov. 1.

The album of seven Christmas standards with jazz arrangements was recorded with a backing band of Tim Harker, Miles Franklin Smith, Elaine Mylius, Paul Strawser, Vinny Vivacqua and Jim Rupp.

Kate Del (Deladurantey) regularly performs with Backbeat, a wedding and event band.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Youngstown State University, where she studied classical voice performance, music education and French horn. She also has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Findlay.

She has performed at renowned venues such as New York City’s cabaret 54 Below, alongside Rumer Willis and Tony- and Grammy-winning producer Michael J. Moritz Jr. Her résumé also includes performances at, BB King’s Jazz Club, and singing the National Anthem for the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

In addition to her work with Backbeat, Kate maintains a freelance career. She performs with her acoustic duo and lends her voice as a backup vocalist on various projects. Notably, Del was commissioned to write and perform an original song for several events at the 2022 Cannes Lions Festival in Cannes, France, which led to the release of her debut original track, “Fearless.”

Del’s creative endeavors extend beyond performance. She has released two critically acclaimed lullaby albums, “Cradle Songs” and “for the Wildflowers,” recorded for her daughter Sophie in collaboration with partners Alexandre Marr and Joe Richley, respectively.

Aside from her music career, Del is a published author of the children’s book series “Marshmallow’s Big Adventures,” with a second installment set to be released in December. She is also the owner of Harmony Lane Studios in Poland, Ohio, where she provides music-centered classes for children and their caregivers.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.