From 1992-2002
As a performer, Minnesota singer-songwriter Katy Tessman combines energy and emotion with genuine warmth and musical passion. Her powerful voice and rhythmic approach to the acoustic guitar (or mandolin) express a straight-from-the-heart songwriting style that's won accolades from fans and critics alike. Since 1993, Katy has been performing her original contemporary folk music both as a headliner and opener at venues in the Twin Cities and throughout the region.
Katy has been featured on several television news programs including KMSP-TV's 9 News' "The Buzz", Twin Cities Public Television's NewsNight Minnesota, KHTV-TV in Helena, Montana and KSFY-TV's Good Morning Dakota in South Dakota. Katy has also performed live on radio stations such as Minneapolis/St.Paul's KFAI-FM Radio, Fargo/Moorhead's WDAY-AM Radio, and Lewiston, Idaho's "Good Times 105."
Katy has been featured on several television news programs including KMSP-TV's 9 News' "The Buzz", Twin Cities Public Television's NewsNight Minnesota, KHTV-TV in Helena, Montana and KSFY-TV's Good Morning Dakota in South Dakota. Katy has also performed live on radio stations such as Minneapolis/St.Paul's KFAI-FM Radio, Fargo/Moorhead's WDAY-AM Radio, and Lewiston, Idaho's "Good Times 105."
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Katy Tessman & Band, Solo debut CD release concert at The Fine Line, January 2001
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Joe's Elevator, CD release show at The Fine Line, April 1997
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Katy Tessman Fall
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Katy Tessman's 11-song solo debut CD, Fall, remarkably showcases her abilities as a vocalist and songwriter. Her acoustic based arrangements are expanded by a talented cast of players, including Dave Stanoch, Jay Moran, Phil Lyons, Mary Gaines, Pauli Ryan, David Stoler, and Dave Hanson. Legendary jazz and studio bassist Richard Davis (Van Morrison, Janis Ian), innovative funk drummer Clyde Stubblefield (James Brown, John Scofield), violinist Randy Sabien (Greg Brown, Kate Wolf), and percussionist Wally Ingram (David Lindley, Sheryl Crow) make special cameos as well.
The songs on Fall move effortlessly over diverse emotional and musical terrain. The haunting instrumentation and melody of the title track mirror the joy and uncertainty in the lyrical love story. Dave Stanoch, Phil Lyons, and Pauli Ryan give "Dip, Dip and Swing" a cool island groove. "Wash It Away" blends Katy's story of trial and triumph with Wally Ingram's sublime percussion textures while "Bright Chair" has a majestic atmosphere and features Mary Gaines on cello. Released on the independent Rhythmelodic Records label, Fall was recorded at Wakefield Mines studio in Madison, WI and was produced by multi-instrumentalist Jay Moran, drummer/percussionist Dave Stanoch, and Katy herself. Since its release, Fall has received commercial air play on regional radio stations including Sioux Falls' KSOB-FM and was charted in the top 30 new releases at KFAI-FM (Minneapolis/St. Paul) for five consecutive weeks. |
Sound Samples from Fall
"Fall"
"I wrote this with two people in mind, in celebration of a special first anniversary. Remembering how they learned to be comfortable in the dark and, with time, they overcame their fear of saying what they really feel in their hearts." - k.t.
"Bright Chair"
"This song was originally a good-bye gift to an important friend in my life. The title refers to his term for the area of the stage illuminated by the spotlight. Mary Gaines' wonderful cello work adds a majestic atmosphere and dimension." - k.t.
"Make You Stare"
"A song for my "beautiful girlfriends" - they are smart, articulate, and fun - especially when we go out dancing. Randy Sabien's festive fiddle work dances with a life all its own." - k.t.
"I wrote this with two people in mind, in celebration of a special first anniversary. Remembering how they learned to be comfortable in the dark and, with time, they overcame their fear of saying what they really feel in their hearts." - k.t.
"Bright Chair"
"This song was originally a good-bye gift to an important friend in my life. The title refers to his term for the area of the stage illuminated by the spotlight. Mary Gaines' wonderful cello work adds a majestic atmosphere and dimension." - k.t.
"Make You Stare"
"A song for my "beautiful girlfriends" - they are smart, articulate, and fun - especially when we go out dancing. Randy Sabien's festive fiddle work dances with a life all its own." - k.t.
From 2002-2022
Music has always taken center stage in Katy’s household. During her 20-year pause from the stage, Katy raised two sons, fought a victorious battle with breast cancer, authored an award-winning children’s book entitled Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden, and was named CHANGEMAKER by the Minnesota Women’s Press. When her boys were young, Katy taught Music Together (an early childhood music program) and performed at special assemblies and classroom concerts at her sons’ elementary school. From 2017-2020, Katy joined Joshua Schmidt on stage at their church for the youth education program. Katy’s sons are talented music makers as well; from piano and percussion, to electric guitar and electronic music production, there’s always some kind of music pouring out of the Tessman home.