This Time

Hailing from the small city of Chester, PA on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Kathleen Fontaine- Prattis (affectionately dubbed "Kat" by family and friends) exhibited extraordinary talent as a singer at an early age. As a teenager, Kat began performing and recording with a host of local artists. She would go on to major in Instrumental Music and Pre-Law at Delaware State University, one of America's leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It was not long before she was sought out by countless musicians, singers and producers that revolved around Philadelphia at the time. As the Sound Of Philadelphia and the recording empire created by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff grew, so did the experience and reputation of Kat Fontaine. By then, she earned her place on a very short list of the area's top voices of the city. Kat quickly moved up the ranks of Philadelphia's booming music scene. She performed or recorded lead and background vocals for the likes of Norman Harris, Bunny Sigler, Billy Paul, The Trammps, and The Temptations' Ron Tyson to name just a few. Kat's career would eventually lead her to share the stage with internationally renowned artists ranging from KC & The Sunshine Band, Sister Sledge and Gloria Gaynor to late greats like BB King and Ray Charles. It was Kat who held down the mic as lead singer for the Salsoul Records group "True Example," when they recorded "Love Is Finally Comin' My Way" and the critically acclaimed "As Long As You Love Me." That song when on to reach the #5 spot on the Billboard R&B chart in May of 1976. Another highlight in Kat's career at that time was when she shined as one of the soulful back-up singers for boxing great Joe Frazier in his R&B act, Joe Frazier and The Knockouts! Kat embraced an opportunity to venture overseas to work in the Netherlands as a music teacher. There she would marry, and for the next decade she would work as a musical director and continue performing as a lead and background vocalist. She made several appearances on European television and was a featured performer on the world-renowned World Press Photo Awards Ceremonies held in Amsterdam in the early 1990s. Kat took full advantage of her time overseas to reflect on her career and expand her interests in songwriting, arranging and producing her original music, much of which is even more relevant today than when she originally created it. Kat recently moved back to the states, and like all of us, is adjusting to the "new normal." As the world is experiencing some rapidly changing times, there are a few things that have remained constant - Kat's drive, her passion, creativity, and magnetic personality. However, one thing that has changed is her remarkably soulful voice. Like fine wine, it has evolved and only grown richer with time. As a case in point - this wonderful recording of some of Kat's hand-picked favorite Philly Soul treasures, delivered with a depth of soul and originality that makes these timeless tracks recorded with the legendary Society Hill Orchestra come alive with a fresh new perspective. Join us now in welcoming back the illustrious Kat Fontaine and this wonderful new album... .