Karen Taylor

Ms Taylor's musical style is a subtle and sophisticated mix of blues and jazz. Her enigmatic vocals range from dark and moody, sometimes with a soulful chill, through to up-beat and raunchy. Her debut album Kickin' Up Dust are original compositions. Karen concedes that, whilst allowing herself a certain amount of artistic license, her lyrics are largely drawn from personal circumstances and experiences. This first album is an accumulation of individual light and shade, pain and comfort. It may be why, at times, you may feel her lyrics are directed at you personally. Her influences are wide and varied, and range from Peggy Lee to Steely Dan, from Etta James to Bonnie Raitt; indeed the jazz side of Karen's music gained her wider support when appearing alongside legendary pianist John Critchinson (Ronnie Scott Quartet) at the Birmingham International Jazz Festival. On the bluesy side, Karen has recorded two sessions for BBC Radio 2's prestigious Paul Jones Show Karen was born in St Mawes Cornwall but grew up in Devon, England where her passion for singing began. She released two singles under the name Yuka, one of which became a BBC Radio 1 'Record of the Week'. She has also worked as a session singer and toured with internationally known artists. A chance meeting led to an opportunity to record her own album and, 12 months on, the completion of Kickin' Up Dust which Karen describes as the realisation of many years hopes and dreams

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