About

Kat Rees is a Welsh bilingual jazz vocalist and songwriter, celebrated for her pioneering work in bringing the Welsh language to the forefront of contemporary jazz. She is the first artist to write original Welsh-language Big Band music, establishing herself as a trailblazer in a genre that merges cultural heritage with modern expression.

Hailed by BBC Wales as a rising jazz star and praised by BBC Introducing’s Adam Walton: “We’re clearly in the presence of someone mind-blowing here”. Kat’s artistry has earned critical acclaim across the UK. Her debut live EP with The Siglo Section (Big Band) was hailed by ITV Wales as the first original Welsh-language Big Band recording, while BBC Cymru Fyw’s Tomos Williams described her as “imagine Ella Fitzgerald and her orchestra singing in Welsh and you’re not that far off”. Her national radio debut came with a feature on BBC Radio 3’s Soweto Kinch: ‘Round Midnight’, where her innovative work was introduced to a new audience of jazz enthusiasts.

Kat has recently headlined Cowbridge Music Festival, Brecon Jazz Festival, and Wall2Wall Festival this summer, selling out theatres such as The Riverfront(Newport), captivating audiences with her distinctive arrangements and emotionally charged performances. A competitor on the BAFTA-winning program Y Llais, she continues to build a reputation as one of Wales’s most innovative jazz voices.

Drawing inspiration from both traditional swing and contemporary jazz, Kat’s work bridges cultural and musical boundaries. Her performances celebrate identity, language, and resilience, reflecting her commitment to making Welsh-language music accessible to international audiences. Through her artistry, Kat Rees is redefining what it means to be a modern Welsh jazz musician, proving that creativity, heritage, and inclusivity can coexist in harmony.

Projects & Collaborations

/Tom Barber

This joyful collaboration crafts sultry, intimate performances where Kat’s emotive vocals meet Tom’s sensitive piano. Inspired by Brazilian and contemporary jazz, their work weaves storytelling, dynamic interplay, and emotional depth, engaging audiences in a rich musical dialogue that is both tender and profoundly expressive.

Quartet

Also showcasing the talents of Tom Barber on Piano, Benedict Stephens on Bass and Bailey Love on Drums. This band swings, with plenty of contemporary and original Welsh music.

/Laurie Rich

Joining forces with pianist Laurie Rich, this duo brings joyful contemporary jazz to a new level exploring standards, classical music & Welsh folk with a free-form twist.

Siglo Section

A regular collaborative project, Kat regularly joins forces with The Siglo Section – Big Band to write music and perform all across the UK.

We’re clearly in the presence of something and someone mind-blowing here. I’ve never played Kat Rees before… It was consummate … her song explores what it’s like to be a star, I think she already is one.

Adam Walton, BBC Introducing – Wales

Tones like honey, stunning. Goosebumps… I think she’s special

Aleighcia Scott BBC 1x Presenter

An epic big band arrangement with the Welsh language

Soweto Kinch, BBC Radio 3, from Kat’s debut on ‘Round Midnight’

Wow, llais anghygoel a pur! Methu aros am be sy’n nesaf i Kat Rees

Sian Cothi, Bore Cothi, Radio Cymru

Imagine Ella Fitzgerald and her orchestra singing in Welsh and you’re not that far off.

Tomos Williams, BBC Cymru Fyw