Caitlin Smith – Jazz Vocalist

Home – Home bodies April 21, 2002 When Caitlin Smith went looking for a one-bedroom home, the acclaimed jazz singer’s main criteria was sound proof walls so neighbours wouldn’t complain about the strange sounds. The partially-sighted leader of The Fondue Set jazz band is one of the country’s most respected vocal coaches. Smith, 30, teaches from home and says the noises required to train a voice are “very bizarre”, so solid walls were a must. After searching “forever”, Smith’s parents – from whom she rents the house – came across the 1930s Grafton home, one of four units. Although it has only one bedroom, the house has a spacious feel, with a large entrance hall featuring a Ted Bullmore painting, and a nine-foot stud with original art deco lights. There is also a sunroom big enough for a double bed and a good sized kitchen. Next to the kitchen, Smith proudly opens a door to reveal a large cupboard she’s converted into a walk-in pantry. It features an unusual semi-circle strained glass window – typical of the ‘30s era. As she suffers from extreme sensitivity to light, Smith enjoys her dark hallway, in which she’s set up her office. “I can’t see in the sun, so the hall is perfect for me.” She likens her vision to “an out of focus, over-exposed black and white film.” During her gigs, which include a regular spot at an Auckland restaurant, Smith says she often can’t see the audience. The Parnell restaurant is minutes from Smith’s home, which she moved into after traveling overseas – including an untimely visit to New York. She was only 16 blocks from the World Trade Centre, walking towards the Twin Towers, when they collapsed on September 11, last year. “It was surreal. I left a week later as that was the soonest I could get away. During that week, it was like attending some other family’s funeral – I felt out of place.” Smith is enjoying being home where she’s planning to work on another CD with The Fondue Set. She’s been vocal coach for True Bliss and the cast of Shortland St, as well as many of the country’s top bands. She’s also the voice behind many television commercials.