Best known for her one-woman shows about other female singers, Kate Dimbleby dramatically changes direction with a largely a cappella solo album of her own songs, in which she is backed by harmonies and effects provided entirely by her own voice. It’s a technique that she mastered after studying with Bobby McFerrin in New York and the result is a set that is subtle, fresh and at times gently startling. She was clearly concentrating on both mood and rhythm as she built up the often complex layers of backing, that include sudden bursts of close harmony singing. But such skills never get in the way of the songs, which are often soulful, personal, and range from the thoughtful and gently melancholic Limbo to the gospel-influenced At Our Best or the gently charming Walk Away.

THE GUARDIAN – SONGBIRDS REVIEW

Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6 Music :
“When we’re choosing the tapes, the only thing that counts is what comes out of the speakers. And what came out of the speakers with this next track completely blew me away. She studied with Bobby McFerrin in New York and, you know, she’s put in the time. Those 10,000 hours have been applied to honing that craft. And that is a woman, an artist absolutely at. the. top. of. her. game.”

A shimmering vocal versatility... she has the musical talent and jewel-eyed confidence to guarantee an audience a good time. 
London Evening Standard

Kate has an intensity of feeling combined with a freedom of spirit that brings to mind legendary singers like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith, with a modern feel. Marion Montgomery

She has a wonderful rich, warm, dark voice with power enough in it to give Freddie Mercury a run for his money and pathos enough to sing Elvis Costello's disturbing and difficult "I Want You". Financial Times

In an age where audiences are driven to elation by screeching high-belt notes, special effects and reality TV searches, a touching, raw-voiced storyteller brings us back home to what many subconsiously yearn for - authenticity. The Stage

It’s that extraordinary voice – treacly and sleepy at rest, filling the room with feeling when she turns it on.T
he Daily Telegraph

I think I’m in love... It was said about Fred and Ginger, “She gave him sex and he gave her class.” Well, Kate Dimbleby has both already and it is a killer combination.T
he Scotsman

Dimbleby is clearly a talent to watch, blessed not only with a great voice but a real gift as a songwriter in her own right.T
 he Sunday Telegraph

One of the must-see shows this Summer The Sunday Times

In a voice that combines the sob/ache of Judy Garland and the verve of Carly Simon, Ms. Dimbleby sings with simplicity and honesty, drawing us into each song. Stage Buddy, New York

A marvelous storyteller with a golden voice Upon the Sacred Stage, New York

Exhilerating new entertainment, a cocktail of blues, jazz, country, sing-songwriter pop and the sort of earthy, post-feminist humour that makes the Desperate Housewives look like members of the Salvation Army. Dimbleby is an assured and charismatic vocalist who can make the leap from a full-decibel tribute to Bessie Smith to an intimate confessional from the Dory Previn songbook The Times

This is unashamedly a show by a woman about women and targeted at women (Kate admits as much) but there’s plenty here for every fan of jazz and blues, regardless of gender. Catch her while you can! The Londonist

Those wondering about the difference between a jukebox musical and a songbook biography like Beware Of Young Girls should book a pew here next time Dimbleby is in town. The chosen structure of mixing songs and snatches from the biographies envelops the listener in an emotional maelstrom punctuated by broken hearts and breakdowns. Dimbleby breathes fresh life into not just Previn’s repertoire but her history and reputation. The show frequently dances with darkness with the blackest moments of Previn’s life laid untarnished for all to digest. This is to the credit of both Dimbleby, her audience and this mature production which is unafraid to take risks. This is Cabaret

Her ultra-intelligent choices range from 20 Mile Zone, a droll portrait of a woman on the edge, to the almost painfully vulnerable The Lady with the Braid. Dimbleby is a terrific interpreter of female nonconformists — her stage portrait of Peggy Lee was a cult hit. If her Dory P is quieter, it is no less atmospheric. Clive Davis, Sunday Times Review

Dimbleby is an impressive and talented vocalist, formed both of strong technique and instinctive understanding. Each number from the strong, gutsy belt of I’m Living Alone and I Like It to the almost impish, My Pa’s Not Home demonstrate solid technique coupled with a sharp sense of comic timing. There are moments of great depth too, particularly with Dory Previn’s painful The Lady with the Braid and indeed with Dimbleby’s own self-penned ballad Hold On The Stage

What singing! A surprisingly personal show which showcases a voice with real power, variety and integrity. More please...Dimbleby is more than woman enough to fill large venues with her powerful songs, personality and voice. Ham and High

RECENT AUDIENCE FEEDBACK on TWITTER

Fab night with the amazing Kate dimbleby. We laughed, we cried, we sang along! Living Spit Theatre Company

Lovely evening @CrazyCoqs – @katedimbleby has such a generous spirit and beautiful talent. Such a privilege! Lucy Shaufer, opera singer

Excellent show from @katedimbleby last night. Really enjoyed singing along – hope there will be another one

Simply blissful evening listening to @katedimbleby and @NaadiaSheriff bringing Dory Previn's loves and songs to life. *sigh*. Thanks girls. Churchill Music

Got my folks tickets to see @katedimbleby in concert as part of @TheatreShop1. They really enjoyed her

The last w/end of Brighton Fringe. My highlight of all the events I saw? That’s easy, @katedimbleby Dory Previn Story. Terrific performance.

A very special, touching account of the life and times of Dory Previn

@katedimbleby @KomediaBrighton @brightonfringe Julian Caddy, Director of Brighton Fringe Festival

Singing in a circle w @katedimbleby blows breezes through your mind, moves the body and stimulates the spirit. My cheeks hurt from smiling Jemima Burrill