Kate Westbrook was born in Britain but spent much of her childhood and early adult life in America. She studied Fine Art at University. The first solo show of her paintings was at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, California, in 1965. On returning to the UK she taught at Leeds College of Art, then at the forefront of experimental theatre and performance art. Her musical career began in the mid-'70s when she joined the Mike Westbrook Band, to concentrate on the dual career of painter and musician. Kate has toured widely throughout the UK and Europe, and as far afield as North America, Australia and the Far East, and has recorded more than 30 albums. Her vocal range embraces Contemporary Music, Opera, Cabaret, as well as Jazz and Popular Song. As a lyricist and songwriter, she has worked with composers in the worlds of jazz and contemporary music, notably with her group The Skirmishers in the album Cuff Clout, a neoteric music-hall. Albums include The Nijinska Chamber a tribute to the dancer/choreographer Bronislava Nijinska. Collaborations with Mike Westbrook include Fine ‘n Yellow, The Serpent Hit, a political fable, Art Wolf about the 18th century Alpine painter Caspar Wolf and Paintbox Jane about the painter Raoul Dufy. Kate works with the contemporary classical group Lavolta, with The Uncommon Orchestra and The Westbrook Blake. Kate has formed a new 7–piece group, The Granite Band to record and perform her latest work, GRANITE, inspired by Dartmoor and its granite quarries.