Kat Orlando
The description singer and musician Kat Orlando uses to describe herself is versatile, especially when it comes to the genres of music she’s been performing for decades. The Kat Orlando Band is a five piece rock and funk group of top musicians that plays locally and across the country, covering an eclectic range of artists that includes Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Blondie, Bruno Mars, Jethro Tull, Amy Winehouse, Motown and more.
The two-time Detroit Music Award winner, who favors iconic female musicians like Stevie Nicks and Grace Slick, also performs with her huband, Larry Pinho, as the Kat Orlando Duo. You’ll find Kat on vocals, sax, flute and harmonica and Pinho on guitar and vocals playing local venues like O’Mara’s in Berkley and Mario’s in Detroit.
Orlando’s energizing saxophone playing has earned her the standout title of “Queen of Sax” in Detroit. “It started out rough and I faced a lot of pushback in my early years as a woman playing the saxophone,” said the Bloomfield Hills resident. “My saxophone teacher, jazz musician George Keith, was the one who encouraged me against the doubters in my life. He was an old bebop cat in Denver, who went to Juilliard in the '50s and sat in with other jazz musicians like Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Stitt. He taught me music theory, but also how to improvise, repair and buy saxophones and more.”
Even though Orlando never learned to sight read music, like many other musicians it hasn’t hampered her career. “It’s just the opposite, I think it allows me to improvise and embody the music in a more personal way. I was taught to play like I’m having a conversation and to know my instrument inside and out.”
Writing her own songs is as important as performing, says the independent, self-promoting artist. A favorite recording studio for Orlando is Rustbelt Studios in Royal Oak, and she has released six CDs in the last 10 years. Her music reflects both her passion for music and the metro Detroit area she calls home. Her recent release, “City for Sale,” speaks about “the “carpetbaggers, or bigger corporations that come in here and then take off, leaving things high and dry,” said Orlando. “My music has always been a way to communicate things that are important to me and hopefully to others.”
The latest project for the graphic designer by day is a new show on Bloomfield Community TV called “Chopz.”
“It showcases the local music scene and the fabulous talent we have here that doesn’t get the airplay or to be seen easily in today’s music environment,” said Orlando, the show's host. “The show also includes national musicians, working musician issues, local artist interviews, and videos.” Recent shows featured Susie Woodman from the band Meatloaf, who has Michigan roots, Ronnie McNeir of the Four Tops, and Motown recording artist Brian O’Neal, of KEM.
Leisure time for the entertainer finds her biking around Belle Isle, or one of the lakes in the suburban areas.
”I also love rollerblading and kayaking and try to walk every day, weather permitting.”
But make no mistake, lots of leisure time isn’t something Orlando will embrace any time soon.”There needs to be more representation in age, gender, race and ethnicity in all areas of media and I plan to keep performing like all of the old rockers and entertainers. Look at Patty LaBelle, who is 79 and still so good. I’ll keep doing what I do until I run this thing into the ground and they have to wheel me out,” she said with a hearty laugh.
Story: Susan Peck
Photo: Matthew Cromwell
