discography

1981-2020

In Cathy’s words a 40+ Year Journey

I’ve had an eclectic world throughout my life as a singer & songwriter, producer, film maker, social activist, and NYC Busker aka NYCSubwayGirl. 

Some intense and multi-layered snapshots that inform my music and life: I grew up in Connecticut. I have lived and performed in Key West (80’s) and France (90’s. A French/Swedish pop star named Indra sang my lyrics for a French dance hit. With a 14-piece band, I sang in the Paris Opera at the Hermes/Rostropovich wedding, and even traveled to perform in Morocco. 

I rode in an almost-sinking gondola in Venice, weighed down by amps and drums, while writing for an award-winning French recording artist (Nilda Fernandez). I have had solo performances in Brazil, England, and Wales. 

Despite many attempts, I cannot forget performing at the Holiday Inn in Paladka, Florida... a New Years Eve gig in Yapoon, Australia… dancing on a table at a bar mitzvah in Paris... and a Donald Trump Atlantic City gig, if you can believe that. My have times changed in a weird way, certainly.

I toured Germany with a French girl band, Parallel Vif, as lead guitarist (90’s). And recorded my first demo at Paul Leka’s studio (‘79) he wrote 'Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye' and where I learned engineering and producing skills. Later I joined forces with Lenore Troia (keys) and formed the band Troia/Grier. We performed at Folk City, Lone Star Cafe (opened for The Band) and the original Bitter End, where we met producer Roy Radin (his tale is one from the crypt). 

I sing in small empty churches for their amazing acoustics and pure spirituality. I sing for friends at family special occasions and sad events. Great Aunt Molly loved how I sang La Vie En Rose (especially while cooking omelets), not to mention a heartfelt Amazing Grace.

Music is life to me and it comes in many sounds, shapes and sizes.—

The New York Years

After living in France for most of the ‘90’s, I returned to Key West to record my first full production album ‘Retracing the breakup of Troia/Grier. I settled in NYC where I co-wrote songs for Sony artist Anggun and produces and engineered many NYC artists. During this time, I met and had the once in a lifetime opportunity to work with Alicia Keys as her live sound engineer in 2001. 

From 1999-2015,I participated in New York City’s MTA program, Music Under New York where I was affectionally known as NYC Subway Girl to all. Playing my original music to millions of passing commuters has always been a highlight.

In the early 2000’s I was quoted ”The connection with the audience = commuters on their way to their destination, is a very different experience than performing on a stage.  It's a deconstructed approach to music. Most of us are living in a multi-tasking, low fidelity, and ear-bud listening digitized and photoshopped world.  Street performing is authentic in the pure fact that it is live-sometimes challenging, certainly spontaneous, which makes it exciting to me. My style is what I call folked-up blues.  It's funky, it's groovy, and it fits in with the chaos of the underground. Underground, commuters and I are collaborators in a musical, rhythmic, spontaneous soundtrack.”  

I also worked as a stage hand for Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues at the Hammerstein Ballroom in 1998, and continued in subsequent years at Apollo Theatre and Madison Square Garden.  In 2003, I released ‘Comin’ Back To Me,’ a solo recording (Magic Shop, NYC). 

I fought hepatitis C and won, lost friends and a cousin to AIDS, wrote songs from my heart and believe that all is possible, and world events inspire my blues.

In NYC, I graced stages at Joe's Pub, Studio 54, Arlene's Grocery and the Brooklyn Academy Of Music as a recipient of a 5 Continents Annual Award.  I appeared at The New Museum, Avery Fisher Hall and on CNN, CBS Sunday Morning, and NBC’s Today Show, all as a result of my subway performances.

The idea of NYCsubwaygirl came to my after waking up on a cold February 2009 morning to find myself on the cover of AM New York, a free daily newspaper distributed throughout the city: "The headline got it exactly wrong - playing in the subway is about my art, not the pay -  but as they say, "never let the truth get in the way of a good story." None of that seemed to matter anyway -- suddenly "subway girl" seemed to describe what I am to commuters: that girl who plays in the subway. Yet I have so much more to say and express. Thus, NYCsubwaygirl was born."

In late 2000’s I said "Whether it's a blues song or inspired jazzy melody I love to sing and play guitar.  Some say I have that Bonnie Raitt sound, or Concrete Blonde edge. I live in NYC, sing in the subway because I love performing in public spaces." 

Although my life has changed dramatically since this statement, my attitude and grit have not.

On To The Beautiful Midwest and Door County, Wisconsin

I am blessed with innate fearlessness, mixed with a fierce desire to entertain and maybe make a difference in the world. Equally important is the love and support of my family and friends. Ultimately, I believe music is a powerful tool that counteracts ignorance and hate. While my songs are sometimes political, sometimes analytical, they are always infused with love, optimism and hope.

So many artists and musicians have called the beautiful peninsula north of Green Bay home. I am happy to join them.