Kate Gaffney - ProfilesArchive

About Me

Kate Gaffney returns to Northern California after spending the majority of 2007 in a Los Angeles studio recording her upcoming album "The Coachman" with producer Barrie Maguire (The Wallflowers, Natalie Merchant, Amos Lee). Musicians including Jackie Greene, Steve and John Kimock, and The Innocent Criminals all contributed to the record. Leaving her career as a social worker in 2002, Gaffney began to perform and write alongside local artists, while soaking in the Americana music scene that was flourishing in Sacramento at the time. She hit the road and returned to her native East Coast, where she independently released two albums, "Highways" and "The New Then." Her regular touring led Kate to Austin, TX where she met even more of "the good people" in music. Most notably, Gaffney was befriended by the late Clifford Antone, Austin's music mogul, who gave her the validation to keep on with her musical calling. Gaffney spent recent years immersed in the Philadelphia music scene, quickly becoming a standout favorite in the cityâ€™s top venues. A permanent return to California was only a matter of time for Gaffney. It is here that she regains her musical roots and brings her throwback but contemporary sound back to the West Coast. Kate forever calls both coasts home.

Scenes from a few days in the life of KG:

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 2/9/2005
Band Website: kategaffney.com
Band Members: Kate Gaffney - vocals, acoustic & electric guitars
Ross Hammond - electric guitar
Tom Monson - drums
Mikey Palmer - bass

Kate in 2008 - "The Coachman"
A few words about the new record "The Coachman":
I had the honor of making music with some of the people who've inspired me over the years to step on stage. They stepped into the studio with me and created The Coachman. Steve and John Kimock, The Innocent Criminals, Greg Leisz, Leonard Podolak, Rami Jaffe, my dear friends Jackie Greene and Andrew Lipke, new friends Nate LaPointe and Craig Marshall carried us to a grateful land. It was on this record that I fully explored collaboration, in songwriting and performance. I covered a Woody Guthrie tune along with a Jackie Greene song. I co-wrote with Andrew, Jackie, David Kalish, and Barrie Maguire (my producer who has shared my vision for this album from the get-go). So much to come...the journey continues. Please jump into the coach, we're rolling down the road.
Influences: Life.. Classics.. Experience.. Love.. Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Jim Croce, Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, The Band, CSNY, Muddy Waters, Janis Joplin and all of the many many other musicians of the days of old...and those by our sides today.

"11 Degrees" Live at The Fire, Philadelphia 2.13.07

~Video footage courtesy of Mia Johnson and Jim Stager~

Unrelated and for kicks...the following video is of Dexter, the son of my friend and fellow singer, Brady McKay...playing fiddle and jumping on a pogo stick - check it out...pass it on!
Sounds Like: Strong, vocal-driven, singer/songwriter, Classic-rock infused, home-spun Americana, laced with country, blues, folkdust, and good time jamming...

Record Label: TiredWired Productions
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

May their music live on forever...

I want to take a moment to share some sad news in the world of music. We lost two fine musicians in as many months. Chris Gaffney (no relation), of the americana western swing band, Hacienda Brother...
Posted by Kate Gaffney on Thu, 15 May 2008 12:16:00 PST

Sitting here in limbo...

...like a bird without a song. More like a bird with a few more tunes, but I must be patient. The record is being mixed. I am writing again. I even picked up the mandolin for inspiration. It's my...
Posted by Kate Gaffney on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 12:13:00 PST

The Coachman cometh...

Greetings from Los Angeles...It has been a long and productive 2 months working on my new album here in LA. I have had the pleasure of working with a fantastic producer, Barrie Maguire, and extremely ...
Posted by Kate Gaffney on Fri, 25 May 2007 12:32:00 PST

Going to California with an aching in my heart...okay, no aches here, making a new record!!

The time is here...tomorrow (April 7), I leave for Los Angeles to continue work on my upcoming album, "The Coachman." I am working with producer Barrie Maguire. We will record at Red Star in Silverl...
Posted by Kate Gaffney on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:39:00 PST

With a little help from my friends...

Last night I played the Fire at 4th and Girard with the exceptional Andrew Lipke. During my set I was accompanied by Adam Davis on pedal steel guitar - he's a transplant from Wisconsin who plays wit...
Posted by Kate Gaffney on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 08:03:00 PST

Kates Original Christmas Song A Round of Christmas Cheer

Available for download on MySpace and live in concert throughout the holiday season. My friend and fellow musician, Jimmy Pritchard, invited me to Positive Promotions TV Studio in Delaware to parti...
Posted by Kate Gaffney on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 02:21:00 PST

Mosaic posted -- a favorite of mine and those who love the West Coast.

Take a listen...it's the studio version. Come hear it live...you never know how it will be played in concert -- it's the chameleon song. This song is a Mosaic of stories and personalities and inspir...
Posted by Kate Gaffney on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 07:15:00 PST

Everyone Orchestra on Sunday in Atlantic City - Be There or Be Square!

After a stellar time in Nashville, fighting a cold in Philadelphia, readying myself for a California trip, I am taking a moment to chill and catch some good vibes and tunes -- some of the jam communit...
Posted by Kate Gaffney on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 03:44:00 PST

Last Minute Shows TODAY/TONIGHT Saturday, Sept 9th

Check out the two last minute shows happening today...patio set at Puck in Doylestown at 4pm and opening for Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons at The Fire in Philadelphia at 10pm.
Posted by Kate Gaffney on Sat, 09 Sep 2006 08:39:00 PST

Recap of the amazing night with Spider Miranda at the Weikenweir Estate

Tonight (actually is was yesterday if you want to get specific at this early morning hour) I opened for Spider Miranda at the Weikenweir Estate at the Green Valley Association in Pottstown, PA. The c...
Posted by Kate Gaffney on Sun, 16 Jul 2006 12:13:00 PST