Kate Pazakis: Her New CD 'Unzipped'

Her long-time fans can rejoice: Kate Pazakis has finally released an album, and, to put it simply, it rocks. While she can frequently be heard belting showtunes (and occassional borderline-obscene parodies thereof) at venues throughout the city, Pazakis chose to focus on soulful power ballads and rock songs for her debut, proving (for anyone who might have doubted) her versatility as a singer.

Recorded (mostly) live at the late, lamented Zipper Room back in December, Unzipped captures not only Pazakis’ energetic style and impressive belting, but her intense chemistry with her audience. Their energy adds to hers, and the album has an exciting intensity that is almost impossible to capture in a studio without a vocal audience reacting joyously to every riff and comment. Backed by Brian Nash on piano and keyboards (and sadly, the album does not convey the image of Nash straddling the piano bench to play both instruments at once), Maryann McSweeney on bass, Dan Davine on guitar, Ray Marchica on drums and Victoria Huston-Elem and Eric Michael Krop on supporting vocals,

With her powerful voice and passionate delivery, Pazakis specializes in power ballads and pop songs that focus on love, loss, determination and independence. The album's first song is a driven and rhythmic “Hand in my Pocket” that seems much more determined than Alanis Morrisette’s rendition (Jason Robert Brown's arrangement deserves much credit for the song's unique sound). The bluesy “Stay With Me” aches with yearning, and the gentle "Sleepy Man" is soft and sweet, demonstrating Pazakis' range beyond belting. (Sadly, the adorable rendition of "Glitter and be Gay" that she performed at the Zipper didn't make the album. Really, that song should have been paired with the dance arrangement of "I Just Wanna Dance" from Jerry Springer: The Opera for maximum effect.) "I Will," an original power ballad by Jen Namoff and Jon Balcourt about self-empowerment, is simple, determined and lovely. Her rendition of Kelly Clarkson's is a raw cry of pain, but when she sings the line "Three months, and I still am," she imbues it with a weary triumph that adds numerous layers to the song. 

And yes, there's "I Just Wanna Dance," which Pazakis frequently sings at The Duplex on Friday nights. Keeping with the rock theme of the album, she sings the popular disco cover of the song, losing some of the comedy (her traditional sung banter with Nash is priceless) for some extended riffs and a strong beat. The song is a smart blend of musical theater and contemporary pop music, and fits Pazakis' skills and wit to a T.

The album’s final song, “Clarissa’s Last Stand,” was composed especially for the album by Jason Robert Brown after he heard the emotional arc created by the other songs recorded in December. The number gives the album a sense of closure, wrapping up the many emotions from the previous 11 in one intense and powerful moment and reminding listeners of just how joyous it can be when singer and songwriter are so perfectly matched.