“Goosebump-inducing vocal performances from Kathleen Parks…”
- Glide Magazine -
Kathleen Parks is a fiddler, singer, and songwriter who brings joyful and creative energy to the stage and studio.
She has been heavily involved in touring and recording with the band Twisted Pine and her duo Kat & Brad, where she sings, writes, and fiddles for both. Her writing leans toward Pop, Folk, and classic Jazz, while her virtuosic fiddle blends and reimagines traditional and modern musical styles with boundless groove, and a playful improvisational spirit. Her deep grounding in Celtic and American roots music blends with her love for pop songwriting, funk rhythms, soulful vocals, and groove-based improvisation, making every performance unexpected yet familiar: a musical journey from beginning to end.
For Kathleen, music is not about perfection, but feeling. This is what has always driven her to write, sing, and play. Without feeling, why play music? Music is a means to express and release our emotions. Understand the feeling, move the energy, and bring joy and healing in. Connection to yourself is key to playing, to playing with others, and moving an audience. Kathleen strives to always bring this musical value to her teaching and performances alike.
What’s on the horizon? In 2024 Kathleen is releasing her debut solo album highlighting her songwriting, original fiddle tunes, and a few choice covers. Accompanied by a full band, or just her fiddle and voice, this album has the warmth and feel of some of Kathleen's favorite Americana artists and influences: John Hartford, Carole King, Patsy Cline, Harry Nilsson, Roger Miller, and Gordon Lightfoot. A new album from her band, Twisted Pine, is also in the making with a release scheduled in the fall. Be sure to look for both of these albums!
Over the years Kathleen has shared the stage with some of her heroes such as Paula Cole, Sammy Rae & The Friends, Gordon Lightfoot, Aoife O’Donovan, The Punch Brothers, Jerry Douglas, Sierra Hull, Brian O’Donovan, John Whelan, and others.
In 2017 she appeared as a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in a production of Peer Gynt.
She was a featured covergirl for Fiddler Magazine in 2022.
What They’re Saying!
“Kathleen Parks’ voice moves from kittenish to saucy & sassy - perfect to deliver her fun, cheeky lyrics.”
- Ellen Montondo / “Right Now” Album Review
“As a vocalist, Parks proves to be a smooth and brassy belter in line with Lake Street Dive’s Rachael Price.
Spearheading the jaunty R&B jammer “Right Now” through a swarm of tight harmonies and interlacing spirals of fluttering flute and twisting fiddle.”
- Strings Magazine -
“Even before Kathleen Parks’ fiddle solo blooms and bursts out of the middle of “Don’t Come Over Tonight,” the track is a wild ride.
Some might describe the first single from Twisted Pine’s new album, “Right Now,” as progressive bluegrass; others might label it chamber folk, prog rock, jazz fusion or just pop with an experimental bent. But when Parks begins to wail, stepping on a pedal to add a fuzzed-out, freaked-out touch to a jam Stéphane Grappelli and St. Vincent both might smile at, the song hits a whole new plane.”
— Jed Gottlieb, The Boston Herald, about Twisted Pine’s latest release
“Among the most welcome surprises of the weekend [Charm City Bluegrass Festival 2023 in Baltimore] came courtesy of the Boston-area quintet, Twisted Pine. Featuring a rather non-traditional bluegrass lineup that employs a flutist, Ann Phung, as one the lead instruments, the group tore through an inspired set featuring several songs off their latest LP, Right Now as well as a pair of well-received covers. From the opening strains of the jazzy original “Papaya” to the sultry set-closing vibes of Bill Withers’ “Use Me” (with artist-at-large Chris Luquette on guitar), the band delivered a captivating performance buoyed by a series of goosebump-inducing vocal performances from Kathleen Parks as well as a refreshingly unique sound that plays like a musical amalgamation of Lake Street Drive, Jethro Tull, Bill Monroe and John Coltrane.”
— Glide Magazine
Live Footage
Solo Fiddle and Vocal
Bringing it back to the basics, here’s Kathleen performing a Jimmie Rodgers song, Blue Yodel No. 3 in true Americana fashion.
Filmed by Zoe Mitchell and Audio Engineered by Jackson Mann.
Twisted Pine
Touring across all of North America, check out the band that is making a splash in Bluegrass and Beyond.
Duets with Kat & Brad
Vintage flare and full of nostalgia, Kathleen Parks and Brad Bensko bring you back in a sweet new way. Recorded live at Bearded Cat Studio in Mystic, CT.
Video by Blake Hannahson. Audio by Brad Bensko.