Detroit’s own Queen  of Sax, Kat Orlando, follows up her highly danceable “Mean  Daughter’s Wedding” with another gem! 

“Black Tie”, the title track of the EP, is expertly crafted for  the urban ballroom dance community, capturing the ele gance, rhythm, and sophistication that define the culture.  Its smooth, soulful groove is complemented by a subtle yet  infectious drive, creating the perfect tempo for dancers to  effortlessly glide across the floor. Whether moving gracefully  within a crowded ballroom or sharing an intimate moment as  a couple, the song’s rhythm invites every step with confidence  and style. 

Lyrically, Kat tells a story of attraction and anticipation.  The female protagonist is captivated by a distinguished  gentleman wearing a black tie, his presence commanding  attention from across the room. As their eyes meet, the music  becomes the soundtrack to an unspoken connection, em bodying the romance, confidence, and timeless elegance that  make urban ballroom dancing such a unique and memorable  experience. 

While Kat possesses a distinctive style and vocal identity all  her own, this groove pays tasteful homage to the smooth,  infectious R&B sound that defined an era. Listeners may  catch echoes of classics such as “Too Close” by Next, along  with other iconic tracks that blended irresistible rhythms  with soulful melodies. Rather than imitating those influences,  the song embraces their spirit while allowing Kat’s artistry to  shine through with authenticity and freshness. 

Once again, producer Gayle Brannan demonstrates an  exceptional ear for pairing the right musical landscape with  Kat’s natural gifts. By crafting a production that complements  rather than competes with her voice, Brannan creates the per fect setting for Kat’s rich, soulful vocal delivery to take center  stage. The result is a seamless fusion of contemporary soul  and nostalgic R&B influences, showcasing Kat’s emotional  depth, vocal versatility, and undeniable ability to connect with  listeners through every lyric and melody. 

Kat Orlando’s lifelong passion for music began at just four  years old, inspired by the 45s her grandmother and aunt  brought from their restaurant jukeboxes. Early influences  ranged from the flute mastery of Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson to  the vocal powerhouses Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross. She  studied with Denver Jazz Bebop saxophonist George Keith,  honing her craft and developing her unmistakable tone and  phrasing. As a songwriter, she draws heavily from legends like  Stevie Wonder and Prince, infusing her music with a mix of  social consciousness, emotion, and irresistible groove. 

On stage, she’s a dynamic force—switching effortlessly from  lead vocals to sax, flute, and harmonica, all while moving with  the rhythm and engaging audiences with every beat.