Katie’s songs resonate with the yearning for connection. From the opening lullaby’s longing for the magic of childhood (“When Dragons Were Real”) to celebrating old friends as the longitude lines that keep us oriented in life (“Greenwich Mean Time”) to songs warning not to take life (“Haunted by 2am”, “Never Enough”, “Laughing Through My Tears”) or good fortune (“Two Steps From Disaster”) for granted, nor to bully (“Keep on Talking”) or take others for granted (“Something True”, “Brown Shoes”), to simply celebrating music itself (“Play Me”, “Little Songs Blues” and “Heart for a Ride”) her songs invite us to discover our best selves and create deeper, more humane relationships with others. Drawing inspiration from a wide variety of genres and eras one can hear echoes of the lyricism of early 20th century lyricists and composers (such as compositions of Cole Porter and lyrical wit of Richard Rodgers) to late 20th century folk and country (sass and soulfulness of Mary Chapin Carpenter) to today’s jazz, Americana and folk (such as Lizz Wright, Sarah Jarosz and Liz Longley). The entire cd showcases the talents of several accomplished pianists: the delicate restraint of classical pianist Chad Lawson, the NY jazz club sound of Free Planet Radio, and the raucous blues piano of Bob Malone. Internationally celebrated folk musician, Si Kahn, says of Katie: "Katie Oates doesn’t just wear her heart on her sleeve, but in her music. Few people I know have made as remarkable a transition from trained singer of classical opera to passionate performer of her own original songs, which she does with elegant grace and energetic poise. Katie's music inspires, entertains, troubles and lifts us, makes us laugh and breaks our hearts. She’s as good a person as she is an artist: intelligent and humane, sincere and real to the core. Listen, listen, listen."