Kristin Callahan

Everyone in the jazz scene today who has heard Kristin Callahan is in agreement--her voice is fresh, vibrant, and one to watch in the years to come. Kristin has that rare ability to coax listeners into the anticipation of each note, enticing people into the very soul of the music. Bright and unassuming, Callahan has a stage presence that is both sweet and sexy, one that catches everyone off guard and then keeps them there until the very last note. From her emotional ballads to her flawless execution of some of the most challenging pieces, Kristin exudes the perfect combination of charm and elegance. She has been singing since she could speak, and was fortunate to have her church and school communities recognize her talent and encourage her to develop it over the years.

Kristin has remained committed to developing her skill and style, exploring different genres, until at last she discovered a love for jazz. In 2009, she recorded her first jazz album, which she titled “A New Love” to express her newfound passion for the genre. While recording her first album, she met and recorded with Wash DC pianist Vince Evans, who later became her teacher and greatly influenced her musical path.

Today, Kristin is fully focused on her art, mesmerizing listeners with a contribution to jazz that is entirely her own. She has continued recording and performing with several accomplished musicians, and released her second album in 2013, entitled “One Magic Day,” and had the honor of recording with some of her favorite musicians, vibraphonist Warren Wolf and bassist Eric Wheeler. Marianne Matheny-Katz of The Baltimore Jazz Alliance said of the album, “this is a very romantic collection of fourteen songs that speak of deep emotion (especially love) and the magic of everyday experience, all presented in Callahan’s clear, soothing voice and straightforward style… Callahan’s voice, at times, contains aspects of Jane Monheit’s along with an occasional breathiness reminiscent of Astrud Gilberto, but she has her own distinct voice and point of view.”

Kristin is currently working on a new album that continues the theme of exploring love in all its facets, both the light and the dark sides, with touches of humor and joy that Kristin has discovered through her own experiences. The album, entitled “A Burning Kiss,” marks a different direction from previous albums, incorporating nontraditional rhythms and world instruments, while remaining true to her jazz roots. Kristin said, “The message of this album is based on my love, life, and musical experiences in the last 5 years. I feel clear in what I want to say musically in this project. I’m ready to share a sound and style that is truly my own.”