Biography
Train was born in New York City, but was raised in Savannah, Georgia from the age of nine.[1] Her mother, Kathy Beaty, is a schoolteacher in Savannah.[4] Train is an only child.[4] While growing up, she sang in church and school choirs,[5] studied classical violin,[4] and volunteered at the Savannah Music Festival.[4] She was also influenced by listening to 1960s-70s classic rock, including the work of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, and The Rolling Stones.[4]
Train began singing and playing violin professionally in 1999 with The Looters, a band also known for backing European musicians Rosa King and Saskia Laroo on tours of the US. She also performed with "Rosa King and The Looters" for several showcases in Georgia before King's death in 2000.
In 2001 Train played a showcase in New York City for Blue Note Records. Executives Bruce Lundvall and Arif Mardin subsequently signed Train to Blue Note,[6] but Train ultimately acquiesced in her mother's wish that she attend college. While attending school, she performed with a band in Athens, Georgia.[4] Eventually, however, Train left school to pursue music full time, moving to New York and signing with Blue Note again.[4] Before recording her debut album, she also lived for a few months in Atlanta and New Jersey, and worked part-time in a Savannah clothing boutique and cafe.
Spilt Milk
Train's debut album, Spilt Milk, was recorded in London and released on October 20, 2009.[8] Blue Note had initially been interested in pairing Train with Norah Jones producer Lee Alexander,[7] but Train selected Jimmy Hogarth to produce the album. Train co-wrote eight songs on the album, collaborating with Hogarth, Eg White, and Ed Harcourt.[9] Train also arranged and overdubbed strings on three tracks on Spilt Milk. The extended version of the release contains the Carolyn Franklin & Jimmy Radcliffe song "If You Want Me"
Other projects
Train often plays with the band Scrapomatic and contributed vocals, violin, and songwriting on their 2006 album Alligator Love Cry.[11]
Train opened for Chris Isaak in August 2009,[12] for Susan Tedeschi in October 2009, and for Keb' Mo' from October through November 2009. She also performed at the T.J Martell Foundation 34th Annual Awards Gala alongside Willie Nelson, Dianne Reeves, and Wynton Marsalis on October 28, 2009.
Train contributed vocals to Marc Cohn's 2010 album Listening Booth, and contributed vocals and fiddle on Collin Rocker's 2010 debut album Milkbox Love, Jukebox Blood, & Other American Favorites.[13]
Train is touring with Herbie Hancock[14] from June 15, 2010 until September 1, 2010.
Train co-wrote the closing track "Salvation" on Robert Randolph & the Family Band's album "We Walk this Road" which was produced by T-Bone Burnett[15] On 11th of December 2010 Kristina Train performed together with Herbie Hancock, India.Arie and Greg Phillinganes at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo , Norway.
