Backing vocals, vocal harmonies and blend are Kim’s specialty areas and passion. Ever since she was a little girl Kim was always picking out the harmonies before ever bothering with a melody. Kim’s mum claims she found Kim singing harmonies along to ads and songs when she was only 3 years old!
Here are some of the diverse artists that Kim has had the good fortune to work with in various capacities:
Michael McDonald (Live & TV backing vocals: “Top of the Pops” BBC2, Royal Albert Hall, Mermaid Theatre, BBC Radio 2). See “Showreel” for video footage.
Natalie Cole (Live & TV backing vocals: DVD “Ask a Woman Who Knows”, Langham Hilton, The Forum, BBC 4, American PBS channel, BBC Radio 2). See “Showreel” for video footage.
Michael Bolton (TV backing vocals- “Brian Conley Show” ITV, Choir Director – Brisbane Entertainment Centre)
Rick Astley (Live backing vocals and Choir Director – Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London)
Barry Manilow (Choir Director – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Australia)
John Patitucci (Sole backing vocalist on track featuring jazz bass legend John Patitucci on album "Triptych" for famous Russian producer/writer Sasha Shulgin. This album also features British and American jazz ‘heavyweights’ such as Bob James, Billy Cobham, Bob Mintzer, Gary Husband etc. and was arranged/produced by Richard Niles)
Kim was the backing singer in the 7-piece live house band for the UK version of the hit TV gameshow “Don’t Forget the Lyrics“. Hosted by the very popular Shane Richie, the first series aired on Sky One in 2008 and was their highest rating show. The successful follow-up second and third series was broadcast throughout 2009, and now all three series are on regular repeats. [Watch on YouTube]
Here’s what the industry professionals are saying about Kim’s abilities as a backing vocalist:
“Kim had the very difficult task of being all voices to all people and in all styles…she has a flawless ear and a wonderful sense of harmony…we were able to make one or two voices sound like many more…” Musical Director “Don’t Forget The Lyrics!”
JESS BAILEY (Credits: Spandau Ballet, Randy Crawford, Simply Red, Alison Moyet, Corinne Bailey Rae etc).
“I have had the pleasure of working with Kim on a number of different projects, from hard rock and soft acoustic tracks with Uriah Heep, to dance/funk styles with various artists, and also very straight musical show type material. I have always been amazed at Kim’s ability to cope effortlessly with whatever I’ve thrown at her! She has a great feel for all styles, excellent pitching, is never late, and is also a fine musician, being able to sight read efficiently when needed. Oh, and she happens to have a great sounding voice too!! Kim is definitely one of the best out there.”
PIP WILLIAMS (Producer: Status Quo, Shirley Bassey, The Moody Blues, Kiki Dee, Elton John, Uriah Heep, Jim Diamond, Doctor Feelgood, Bucks Fizz, Elkie Brooks, Barbara Dickson, Nightwish etc)
“The Singer” magazine featured an article written by Kim called “Backing Up” which discusses the ins-and-outs of being a backing vocalist.
“Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your article on backing singing. You managed to include the right balance of practical advice with anecdote and really made clear the role of the backing singer – how important and undervalued it is – without labouring the point. Thank you very much for doing it.” ANTONIA COULING (Editor – “The Singer”).
You can contact Kim to request a copy of the article.
