Sumptuous… unabashed joyousness... perfectly calibrated delicacy and warmth...
—Queerspace Magazine
Kim Maguire’s latest single, “My Favorite Things," blends the nuanced precision of jazz, the fluidity of dance, and the emotional expression of theatre. This seamless integration is no surprise, given Kim’s extensive background in all three disciplines—her true favorite things. The sweeping vocal brushstrokes of this new release reflect her unique ability to merge jazz with the theatrical training that has shaped her artistry, resulting in a sound that is both dynamic and uniquely intimate.
The single features an ensemble of acclaimed Seattle musicians: John Hansen on piano, Chris Symer on bass, Susan Pascal on vibraphone, and Matt Jorgensen (Origin Records) on drums. Released on December 4th, “My Favorite Things” is available on all streaming platforms.
A childhood home filled with her mother’s classical music on the Steinway and cello does not go unnoticed in Kim’s vocal colors and choices. “That classical precision is a part of who I am both as a singer and as a person. For me, vocal choices need to be very precise—something I learned in the classical world. At the same time, they must convey the spontaneity and sense of freedom unique to jazz, much like in theatre. My years in theatre taught me to think outside the box, which provided a natural segue into jazz.”
A nod to her theatre background, “My Favorite Thing" includes a verse that was written by Kim. She wanted to dramatically set up the song as it was in The Sound of Music. This A Capella narrative captures the movie scenario with the last line 'my favorite things' landing at the beginning of the actual song as composed by Rodgers and Hammerstein. We get the musical painting of the storm and the fright of the child alone in the dark in bed, and then we get the release into the song as it takes off into a brisk jazz waltz.
Born in the early 1960s, Kim grew up in Minneapolis, attending the prestigious Children’s Theatre Company and School. Mornings at regular high school were followed by afternoons immersed in dance, acting, and music classes. Evenings were spent participating in the company’s million-dollar-budget productions, gaining early immersion into the professional theatre world. Her training continued at Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York City, a Broadway institution with faculty from Juilliard, Yale, the Broadway stage, and prominent regional theatres. This experience serendipitously led her to perform with the Houston Grand Opera chorus for two years. In 1992, Kim relocated to Seattle to pursue her career and earned notable roles, including Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. By the early 2000s, she sought greater creative control, directing and producing her own one-woman cabaret shows as both a vocalist and pianist. This endeavor eventually led her into the world of jazz, where she cut her jazz teeth alongside the lauded Seattle guitarist Ron Peters, performing in Seattle’s hotels and wineries. Today, Kim performs at concert venues and has established a loyal following.
The release of “My Favorite Things" marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Kim. She is currently recording a full-length EP, set for release this spring. The EP will feature an eclectic mix of tracks, including “Lullaby of Birdland” a Latin-inspired take on “My Heart Belongs to Daddy," “Sunny,” “But Beautiful,” and “A Case of You.”
The single features an ensemble of acclaimed Seattle musicians: John Hansen on piano, Chris Symer on bass, Susan Pascal on vibraphone, and Matt Jorgensen (Origin Records) on drums. Released on December 4th, “My Favorite Things” is available on all streaming platforms.
A childhood home filled with her mother’s classical music on the Steinway and cello does not go unnoticed in Kim’s vocal colors and choices. “That classical precision is a part of who I am both as a singer and as a person. For me, vocal choices need to be very precise—something I learned in the classical world. At the same time, they must convey the spontaneity and sense of freedom unique to jazz, much like in theatre. My years in theatre taught me to think outside the box, which provided a natural segue into jazz.”
A nod to her theatre background, “My Favorite Thing" includes a verse that was written by Kim. She wanted to dramatically set up the song as it was in The Sound of Music. This A Capella narrative captures the movie scenario with the last line 'my favorite things' landing at the beginning of the actual song as composed by Rodgers and Hammerstein. We get the musical painting of the storm and the fright of the child alone in the dark in bed, and then we get the release into the song as it takes off into a brisk jazz waltz.
Born in the early 1960s, Kim grew up in Minneapolis, attending the prestigious Children’s Theatre Company and School. Mornings at regular high school were followed by afternoons immersed in dance, acting, and music classes. Evenings were spent participating in the company’s million-dollar-budget productions, gaining early immersion into the professional theatre world. Her training continued at Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York City, a Broadway institution with faculty from Juilliard, Yale, the Broadway stage, and prominent regional theatres. This experience serendipitously led her to perform with the Houston Grand Opera chorus for two years. In 1992, Kim relocated to Seattle to pursue her career and earned notable roles, including Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. By the early 2000s, she sought greater creative control, directing and producing her own one-woman cabaret shows as both a vocalist and pianist. This endeavor eventually led her into the world of jazz, where she cut her jazz teeth alongside the lauded Seattle guitarist Ron Peters, performing in Seattle’s hotels and wineries. Today, Kim performs at concert venues and has established a loyal following.
The release of “My Favorite Things" marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Kim. She is currently recording a full-length EP, set for release this spring. The EP will feature an eclectic mix of tracks, including “Lullaby of Birdland” a Latin-inspired take on “My Heart Belongs to Daddy," “Sunny,” “But Beautiful,” and “A Case of You.”
