Karrin Allyson's Road Words

Karrin Allyson - July through December 2009

2009-12-02T15:02:00.002-05:00

Hi and thanks for checking in...
The end of the summer seemed like it would be less busy, but it wasn't - mostly with good things.
July 27 - Had a birthday party in NYC :) and many good friends showed up. It was a blast!
South Pacific - saw and heard our friend Loretta Ables who plays "Bloody Mary" - a great production! (I played 'Nellie' in that musical in high school! so, it brought back a lot of memories.)
August: Sea Isle New Jersey with family and Cape May. Heard & sat in with George Mesterhazy at one of our favorite places: the Merion Inn. Go there when you're in the area! Took the ferry to Lewes, Delaware - lovely. Ate some delicious crab.
Haagsund, Norway festival with Rod, Larry Kohut and Tim Horner. It was a nice festival and reminded us the North Sea festival - there was so much going on. Beautiful place!
NYC - Shakespeare on the Park with our friends . . . a beautiful evening and what a way to spend it.
NYC Bemelman's Bar- heard the wonderful pianist Bob Albanese with wonderful trio (see pics soon on photo gallery)
September: With Marian McPartland at Dizzy's for a very special performance. It's a wonderful experience to play with Ms. Marion - always.
Western Illinois University with Rod, Larry Kohut & drummer Eric Montzka - great trio!
Kansas City Symphony Ball under the direction of Michael Stern with Rod, Eric, Gerald Spaits and pianist Roger Wilder. What a treat it was to play with the symphony.
Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA with Rod and the wonderful piano trio.
Williams College in Williamstown, MA - a beautiful town and route to get there at this time of year especially... Andy Jaffee runs a very good jazz program there.
The Iron Horse in North Hampton, MA - this is a great sounding room with a wonderful crowd.
We played at Dizzy's in Lincoln Center for a week as part of the Women in Jazz Festival. The band was Rod, Lewis Nash, Peter Washington (and Cameron Brown too! :). It’s always an honor and treat to play at Dizzy's.
October: Lots of family visiting. In Omaha, NE at the Holland Center was a fundraiser for piano department at UNO (my alma mater). I also sang with the UNO Big Band. Then a special event in Clinton MO with Rod and Gerald at a beautiful little church and wonderful crowd. Also saw lots of friends in KC.
Sheila Jordan and I did a really cool concert in East Hampton, MA. It was a benefit for music and arts in the schools. We had Bruce Barth on piano, who valiantly just made it in due to flight troubles. He arrived at 6:59 PM, the concert started at 7:00 PM ! Also on the gig were baritone sax player Gary Sumulyan and bassist Dave Wertman. It was a really special night singing with Ms Sheila and these wonderful players for such a worthy cause.
One more thing - if you hear a Chase Bank commercial on TV that you think might sound like me - it probably is!
November: Winnipeg for the Izzy Asper Series - our 3rd time back there. Wonderful students at their jazz school there and always a great crowd.
JAZZ CRUISE: This line up was amazing and what an experience to be surrounded by all these great players in such a beautiful environment. I even got to ride a horse in the SEA....on a sweet little island "Half Moon Cay" in the Bahamas . . . so did Ann Hampton Callaway and of course we had a great time sitting in with each other.
Have a good holiday season, thank you for coming out to hear us.
The performances at Temple University were a gas!
I especially liked working w the students in the masterclass and doing a couple private lessons. I'm inspired by the interaction between Terell Stafford and the students and the positive energy is palpable! As well as the level of playing & singing. Bruce Barth showed up for the concert (he's the jazz piano guru there) and sax teacher Dick Oates, along w Dean Stroker and the president of Temple herself.
it was truly an honor to receive the jazz masters award (first woman!) and to get to play with these wonderful young musicians.
I ended November with a Master’s Class at the Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Then kicked off December with a concert there with the Temple University Big Band, Terell Stafford conducting.
The performances at temple were a gas!
I especially liked working with the students in the Master’s Class and doing a couple private lessons. I'm inspired by the interaction between Terell Stafford and the students and the positive energy is palpable! As well as the level of playing & singing. Bruce Barth showed up for the concert (he's the jazz piano guru there) along with sax teacher Dick Oates, and with Dean Stroker and the President of Temple Dr. Ann Weaver Hart.
I was highly honored at this concert when I received their “Jazz Masters Hall of Fame Award.” Past recipients include Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, Joe Wilder and Jon Faddis. I was the first women to receive this distinction!!
LOVE and PEACE,
Karrin

Dizzy’s, Birdland, SF to Seattle, ASCAP Awards, KC to Chicago, Jazz Camps, ‘Best Of’ CD Release . . .

2009-08-18T07:25:00.004-04:00

Karrin's Road Words - August 2009
After our European tour it was good to get some time off in NYC and Massachusetts while back. It didn’t last long! I was a part of Marian McPartland's 30th anniversary of Piano Jazz at Dizzy's. Lots of wonderful jazz luminaries were there to perform and what a treat to hear them all. Marian and I played two of her originals: Twilight World and There'll Be Other Times. It’s always an honor and inspiration to just be around her.

Then a 'quick trip' to the Czech Republic and Hungary for just 3 performances, all great venues and wonderful crowds. I had never been there before and hope to go back.

A week in Birdland - yeh! When you travel so much, it's a luxury to perform in your 'own town' - NYC! Especially when it's at Birdland for a week and then again at Dizzy's - two of the most historic and friendly clubs in the world. Performing with the Temple University Big Band at Dizzy's was a blast! Singing with big bands is a whole other world - and usually a treat, especially with Terell Stafford leading the way and great 'kids' (!) playing so well in the band. Great to meet some of the alumni of Temple too that evening.

Next, we went back to the west coast and a few of our favorite jazz venues. First, Yakima Washington at the Season's. Pat Strosahl and his family have created a wonderful series there and jazz writer/critic Doug Ramsey emcees the events which is a big plus. Wonderful folks there.

Then to San Francisco for the SF Jazz Festival. Our venue was the amazing Legion of Honor Theatre - what grounds! A view of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge and GG Park - what a magical city. My sister, Tracy joined me there and we also were very happy tourists for a few days, staying with wonderful friends in "THE CITY".

Jazz Alley in Seattle followed - always a great week there with lots of friends stopping in. My Mom often joins me while there, which is always a great and special time, also with Uncle Dave! Rod and I played a live session at KPLU-FM, one of the best stations around, of course! Off to Southern California to beautiful La Jolla at the Antheneum. It’s a great theatre, and loved playing there with Joe LaBarbera, Tom Warrington and Larry Koonse.

Then off to LA for Catalina's. We saw many great friends there too. We always try to get some hiking in too while there. LA is not just city (although it often seems that way). Beautiful to get 'out' of the city and to the sea whenever possible.

In June, we found ourselves back in Switzerland, this time in St. Moritz for a private concert for the tennis star, Boris Becker's wedding. After arriving in Zurich, we drove about 3 hours to St Moritz and stayed at the most beautiful resort there. Really enjoyed being a part of this very special occasion.

Back to the US and to be a part of the ASCAP award ceremony in NYC at the Allen Room. I was asked to perform a Johnny Mandel song in his honor. Chris Caswell and I performed his tune "Little Did I Dream" (lyrics by Dave Frishberg). It was daunting to perform in front of so many of your idols (Johnny himself, Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross, Randy Weston to name a few)! But also to be able to HEAR THEM was a thrill, among many others that great evening. Look soon for some photos in our photo gallery.

Off to favorite jazz spots in the midwest. First, to Kansas City and Jardine's Jazz Club. This little club is becoming a great room for national artists due to the hard work of owner Beena and the great staff there. Sold out crowds and amazing energy, great friends there.

Omaha was next where we did a fund raiser for Hospice House and Ted E. Bear Hollow - two great causes. My Grandmother was in Hospice Care and there aren't words to describe what a comfort that was for her and her family. We performed at the Joslyn Art Museum in the theatre. As a child growing up in Omaha I went there often to hear performances such as Vladimir Horowitz! And have done performances there that we remember fondly as well. We raised about $35,000 that evening.

While in Omaha I played in my father's church (Augustana) for his 30-year anniversary of being an ordained Lutheran pastor. I grew up playing in that church. My sister Elisa was there also with two of her daughters, we had a great and special time. Which CONTINUED in Minneapolis (another home town for me!) at the Dakota. Bassist Larry Kohut joined Rod and me for 2 nights of fun music there to great crowds. Then onto Chicago at the Green Mill. It’s always an energetic crowd there and wonderful to play in that historic club. Drummer Eric Montzka joined Larry, Rod and me and sounded great.

Heading back East, I was honored to be part of the Interplay Jazz Camp in beautiful Woodstock Vermont - a great faculty. SHEILA JORDAN (we became FAST FRIENDS) and I performed and taught together. What an inspiration she is! Met so many great folks there. Of course we were very proud of the students at the concert. They worked really hard (and so did we! :)) And it rained like crazy almost the whole time!

Our new CD "By Request: The Best of Karrin Allyson" was released during this time (yes, the site is updated now!) Check it out! It represents several phases or 'snap shots' of my/our music making for the last 10-15 years with a varied repertoire and players along the way.

Then, some time OFF - in Massachusetts, loved it.

Back to California in Los Gatos for a fun outdoor concert - what a beautiful place that is! Then to Denver at the Soiled Dove, an intimate music club with a great staff and lovely crowd.

I was able to go on some great hikes with my friend Beth and visited beautiful Boulder. The mountains blew me away! Even more so when I got to Bailey Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Vocal Jazz Camp - what a great camp this is. The students were great and I again met and played with some great players/faculty (and had even more great hikes while there)

Until next time, I thank you for checking in - and wish you happiness, peace and great music.

Karrin

Heard Out and About . . .
I went to violinist great, Mark O'Connor's fiddle camp concert at the Ethical Cultural Society in NYC with our good friend Blanche Williams (Widow of the late Claude “Fiddler” Williams) - heard some wonderful music.

Heard Ingrid Jensen's band in the Czech Repubic at the same festival we played. Mostly original, great tunes!

Heard vibraphonist Joe Locke's band at Dizzy's ... with great singer Kenny Washington--lovely!

Italy, Switzerland, New Recording News, and More . . .

2009-04-07T09:28:00.000-04:00

Karrin’s Road Words - March 2009

Hello and thank you for checking in. At the start of the year I was summoned for jury duty here in NYC, something I could no longer put off. It lasted for two weeks! It was really very interesting and I enjoyed my fellow jurors.
Then, the inauguration of President Obama!! A friend kindly invited me to join her to see this at the Apollo Theatre here in Harlem NY. That was exciting to say the least. And what about Aretha's hat? I also loved Yo Yo Ma's quartet performance. They all deserve medals for playing in that cold! I was glued to the television for the rest of that momentous day.

Then to Colorado for two performances: Telluride and Montrose. The folks were great to us and what a beautiful area. (No invitation from Calvin Klein to visit his ranch though - ha!)

I had some welcome time with my family in between that and going to the Grammy's in LA. The Grammy’s was as usual, an exciting event. We stayed at the Biltmore and hung out with good friends. Big congratulations to Cassandra Wilson! I have always admired her work as well as the other lovely nominees. Also big congratulations to Charles Bruffy - Kansas City Chorale conductor and his groups!

I got to attend a classical concert in Bloomington Indiana with Bill McG, who conducted a wonderful program, including one of his compositions. What a wonderful Valentine's gift.

We then left for Europe, a one week tour in Italy and the rest in Bern, Switzerland.
Among the fond memories there: Driving along the west coast down to Sicily, taking the ferry over - such a beautiful country.

One night, we had a heated, late night foozball tournament with the owner in a hotel where we were the only guests. We also had to check ourselves out in the morning because there was no one to be found! (We think we kept him up too late) We, of course, ate wonderful meals there, even on the road, driving. One can eat like royalty in Italy! Their 'truck stops' are stocked with wine, hams, cheese, olives to purchase along the way as well as wonderful freshly prepared food. What a concept!

The audiences were lovely to us. We took a train through the Alps from Italy to Switzerland. Unfortunately it was dark! We passed the time by playing Mad Libs. Needless to say by the end of that week the band (not me :) got pretty 'creative' with those.

Marian's club in Bern was welcome, especially to stay in one place for a week. It’s a sweet and intimate club on a 'hill' surrounded by the Alps. The audiences were wonderful to us there, as were the staff.

Our latest CD due out in early summer is a "Best of Karrin Allyson" project. We've been busy choosing material and sequencing it and getting the artwork ready. Since we have 11 cd's out there, there was a lot to choose from. But it’s fun to go back and listen. Of course I have very fond memories of making those CD's with all of those wonderful players. It's a project I've been wanting to do for awhile. We will probably go into the studio again later in the summer for the next 'new thing.'

Also heard some great music out & about: Joe Locke's band at Dizzy's with singer Kenny Washington - what a wonderful night of music. And another great night of music with Ann Hampton Callaway at Dizzy's with her wonderful band. I was invited to sit in - she and have a great time singing together. The Camerata Orchestra in Bloomington with fabulous pianist Chris O'Reilly and Bill McGlaughlin conducting. The pianist, Mike Longo at Small's. Also am reading a book called "On This Day" by Nathaniel Bellows, a new acquaintance I met in the amazing Ms Phoebe's Pilates class.

Meanwhile, Spring has finally knocked on the door here in NYC. I am more than ready to let her in! I look forward to seeing you all soon out there somewhere. I hope these times are finding you mostly filled with hope and as much joy as possible.
Thanks for checking in.
Karrin

Brazil, Europe, NYC and a few other wonderful places . . .

2008-12-19T08:45:00.003-05:00

Hello -

Last I wrote it was just before our trip to Brazil in September. We started out at the new Mistura Fina in Rio. One of our hosts and friends (Christian) met us and took us to a wonderful Chorascaria restaurant where we ate way too much delicious food! Mistura Fina is now situated right on Ipanema, a very beautifully distracting view! I was honored that the lovely Joyce and her husband came by for a set. I'm a huge fan of their music.

We went onto Ouro Preto, far up in the hills north of Rio. Traveling on a very deluxe bus, we got to see a lot of the country which is so welcoming after being on so many airplanes. This was the maiden voyage of this new festival in Ouro Preto in what was once a grand old casino. They had a great and enthusiastic crowd. We got to hear several other Brazilian acts which is always a pleasure.

Onto Sao Paulo to Bourbon Street and another wonderful crowd. Our hosts at Bourbon Street always takes very good care of us. Freddie Cole and his band were in the audience too, and he sat in with us - a true legend!

Back to the US with a quick stop in Kansas City at the Blue Room. It was great to see a packed house with so many friends. The Governor of Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius, and her husband Gary were in the audience. It’s always a great honor to see her at my gigs.

Next was another quick trip overseas to a festival in Holland - The Hoorn Jazz Festival at a beautiful (and COLD) place! Our hosts took very good care of us and it's so gratifying to see jazz flourishing in places all over the world. This festival had about 6 or more acts and the crowd could not get enough.

I had a little time off between travels abroad and heard some good music while at home in NYC (see below)

Back to Europe again. First was the Blue Note in Milan; then to Ferrara, a sweet performance space that was once an old fort. What an amazing crowd we had there.

Next was in Bratislava, Slovakia for the Jazz Days Festival, another example of jazz thriving. It is a huge festival, packed with very hungry jazz fans and they were wonderful to us. Then, to Vienna to one of the oldest jazz clubs there. It was my second time there and it's always a pleasure.

We took the overnight train which was an interesting and mostly good experience. We regretted not being able to SEE the Alps since it was at night. Then to Zurich - what a beautiful city that is! The small and upscale club there is a huge success. It’s like playing in someone's lovely living room packed with listeners. Last stop was Istanbul at JC's Jazz Club. Istanbul is an extremely bustling city and also full of jazz fans. The club is situated right on the Bosphorous, looking across to the Asian side of Istanbul. We saw many friends we had met on the trip before. It was nice to be back.

Back in NYC for election day. We had some friends over to celebrate. Then to Schenectady, NY at a very cool venue, "A Place for Jazz." with a great crowd. I also did a masterclass earlier that day with some singers which was great fun.

Then we headed West to Salt Lake City where we joined one of our favorite jazz promoters, Hank O'Neal. The series he has is very ambitious and it seems all of the concerts are sold out. He really knows how to present concerts and host the musicians. We love him for it!

Back to NYC at the Iridium for a week. I had never played this club before and really enjoyed it. They made us feel very much at home. Then we played another very cool series at St. Cecelia's (the Saint of music in Grand Rapids, MI. It had been almost 7 years since I had been there. It’s all run by women and they were fabulous to us.

For Thanksgiving, we went to Poland! (where else?) to a great festival in Kalisz. Our friends/hosts, Pawel and Yavuz, were great to us as was the crowd. And it was another example of hundreds of hungry jazz fans. Poland rocks!

One last performance of 2008 - hard to believe! Scullers was packed and we were thrilled to announce the Grammy Nomination for "Imagina". I plan on attending the Grammy's in LA in February. That’s always an amazing experience.

I heard some great music along the way over these past few months: I attended the “Jazz for Obama” at the 92nd St Y with my good friend Ann Hampton Callaway. Among them we heard Kurt Elling, Jeff Watts, Brad Meldau, Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Hank Jones.

Some of my listening along the way included: My friend and colleague, Chris Caswell, had a premier of a violin concerto at Carnegie Hall; Virginia Mahew's group at Dizzy's/Lincoln Center; the other acts in Ouro Preto; the Carlisle to hear my friend Ed Howard with Steve Tyrell; Dizzy's to hear Bucky Pizzarelli with Ken Peplowski; some wonderful chamber/classical music at a house concert on the upper west side.

And I’m reading a good book - Wendell Berry's "Jayber Crow.”

Thanks for checking in! Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you 'out there' in the crowd very soon.
Karrin

Minnesota to Missouri, Europe to California & Seattle & More

2008-09-28T14:21:00.001-04:00

Hello -
Welcome back to our site. I haven't written since April, so here goes!
The Dakota Bar and Grill in Minneapolis is always like going home to me. My Mom and sister live there, as well as many friends and I spent several good, formative years in the Twin Cities. Steve Nelson, Rod and Larry Kohut joined us along with drummer Phil Hey.

Next was Springfield, Missouri at the University there, a beautiful renovated theater, old friends and great musicians - Kim Park and Gerald Spaits joined us. Travel was challenging as I recall - barely making that gig due to flight troubles, but the audience was great.

Then to Jazz at the Bistro in St Louis, another great jazz supper club with lots of history - a big pleasure to be there.

In May we played the Hague Jazz Festival-- a huge and musically inclusive event! We had a great set with Rod, Todd and bassist John Goldsby. More flight trouble with lost luggage! So, we bought clothes, borrowed cymbals and microphones, copied music, then after a set to a tremendously enthusiastic crowd, we got back to the hotel. Lo and behold, there was our luggage! Such is life on the road :)

Off to the West Coast in June. First stop was in LA/Hollywood at Catalina's with Larry Koonse, Tom Warrington and Todd. Catalina's is a favorite - another great jazz supper club with an amazing history.

Then to another favorite: Jazz Alley in Seattle, which feels more like a concert setting than a club while still keeping it's very intimate and classy setting. We love it there!

Next was back to California in beautiful Santa Cruz to Kuumbwa Jazz Center. Amazing crowd! We were definitely seeing signs of the fires they were having there then. We wanted to stay but needed to move onto the new Yoshi's in San Francisco - what a beautiful club, and great crowd. We were able to stay in San Francisco for a few days for R&R before our performance at the Filoli Festival. It is an amazing outdoor concert in the beautiful Bay Area I was joined by Rod, Todd and bassist John Witala. If you're in that area and have a chance to attend one of these, it's a great afternoon.

In June we were off to Europe. The first stop was for the Estoril Jazz Fest in Portugal, a lovely outdoor setting ... with Rod, Ed Howard and drummer Anthony Penciotti. Next was Madrid to a funky little club there for a few nights. We met some lovely people there. Off to Poland in Gadansk for the “Ladies Jazz Festival.” We shared the stage with Toshiko Akioshi and several other women in jazz.

Our final stop in Europe was in San Javier, Spain for their festival - another cool, outdoor event with a wonderful crowd.

I had some much needed time off at home in NYC, then to Litchfield, Connecticut for their Jazz Camp. I really enjoyed teaching there. I was so proud of 'my' students at their concert! And also had a few fun musical moments of our own with other faculty members: Virginia Mahew, Dave Stryker, Steve Johns, Andy Jafee, Don Braden.

Returning to "Happy Valley" in North Hampton, MA we played at the Iron Horse in August - a very cool, funky music room and what a crowd we had there! Rod, Todd, Ed and I had a ball. Then onto Marblehead, MA to help end their summer jazz series which takes place in an old church with a packed, enthusiastic house. What a sweet town that is!

While I was in the area, I got to attend a concert at the Marlborough Music Festival: a wonderful classical music event with many luminaries. The music was very inspiring! Next tour is Brazil, which needless to say, we are looking forward to.
Please check in often and thank you for your support of the music!

Karrin

Tokyo to Tel Aviv, NYC, Boston, Chicago and more . . .

2008-04-29T15:42:00.004-04:00

Hi Friends!

Last time I wrote we were on our way to Tokyo. The Japanese are wonderful hosts. It was a pleasure to play the Blue Note there. I met with many press people and journalists who were very passionate and knowledgeable about this music. We look forward to going back. Kind fun to have a cocktail at the Blue Note named after me - the "Buttercup!")

Back to the US and a performance with the Charlotte County Jazz Society in Punta Gorda Florida. It was a great theater and crowd.

Next, we were off to Tel Aviv!! Along with me were Nancy King, her wonderful pianist Steve Christofferson. Her great bassist Ed Bennett, and my great drummer Todd Strait. This was a thrill to be there at the Tel Aviv Opera House. We rehearsed there the night before our gig and the opera "Turandot" was being performed. We got to see some of it and the singers in their full dress back stage. What a sight and sound!

The Tel Aviv crowd was great. They are very knowledgeable and love this music. We look forward to going back.

Our first gig back in the US was in New York City at Dizzy's/Lincoln Center to help celebrate the amazing Marian McPartland's 90th birthday. She is an original and knocked us all out that night. I sang two of her original tunes with her: "Twilight World" and "There'll be Other Times." Lots of luminaries with her that night. Among them: Wynton Marsalis, Regina Carter, Bill Charlap, Kenny Barron, Norah Jones, Jeremy Pelt. Even Kareem Abdul Jabar was in the house! It was a really special evening of music and tribute to Ms. Marian.

Then to Kansas City for me, performing with Bobby Watson and the 18th & Vine Big Band along with Mary Stallings - a lovely singer. It's always a thrill for me to sing with a killin' big band - and especially this one at the GEM Thearer in KC! Bobby sounded great as usual.

Back to New York at Birdland for the "official" release of our new CD, "Imagina, Songs of Brasil". Birdland is not only one of my favorite places to perform in NYC, but I love just going there to hear great music when I can. It’s a very great group of people. The group was Steve Nelson, Rod Fleeman, Todd Strait and Ed Howard and we had a ball. Several friends sat in too during the week: Bruce Barth, Eldar, Ann Hampton Callaway, Randy Weinstein, George Mesterhazy, Sacha Boutros. Fun!

Another fun big band date was in Indiana with the Ball State Big Band. These students sound fabulous! And led by their director Mark Buselli, who's also an excellent trumpet player, we had good concerts (despite the airline craziness, which was...challenging!)

From there it was on to the historic Green Mill Jazz Club in Chicago. It always feels like "coming home" to me. With the great crowds and staff there, led by the incomparable Dave Jemilo, it can't go wrong!

Another favorite club followed: Scullers in Boston; then, a new one for us in Philadelphia: Chris' Jazz Cafe. When we rolled into Philly, we happened to get caught in the fever of the Barrack Obama rally that day, just before their primary. It was exciting!

The political 'scene' right now is a lot of things to me and many I know: hopeful, frustrating, interesting, sometimes quite disappointing, and again - I think with Mr. Obama, at the same time - very hopeful. No matter what 'side of the fence' you're on, HOPE is the key word and we need it!

I hope to see you out there in the Jazz Scene soon.
Thank you for listening!

Karrin

C'est la Vie!

2004-11-11T11:33:00.003-05:00

Hello there -

I think the last time I wrote we had just gotten back from Europe, and were about to start "Le Jazz Au Bar" in New York. What a great place 'Au Bar' is. It's now one of my favorite places to hear and play music in NYC - a very spacious, lovely room, great sound, and very nice people. The owner (Howard Stein) actually LOVES JAZZ!

So, two weeks there (even during the Republican Convention) was lovely.

Bruce Barth sounded amazing, my guys Danny, Bob & Todd sounded as beautiful as ever. Also some friends dropped by to hear us. Among them: Laura Caviani, Steve Wilson, John Pizzarelli, Gene Bertoncini, Bill McGlaughlin.

Next were a couple stops 'out east' - Harrisburg, PA and Manchester, CT. Both very nice halls and crowds. It was a pretty part of the year to drive there. A few days off, then onto Anapolis, MD at the Ram's Head; then opened up for Steve Tyrell at the Keswick Theater just outside of Philly. Next, flew to Toledo Ohio - also opening for Steve. Both beautiful halls and great crowds.

Our flights were very mixed up, along with lost luggage so that was a big drag and extremely time consuming but c'est la vie! on the road unfortunately. Can't ALL be good?

About a week off, and onto San Francisco to see friends before heading on to Yoshi's in Oakland, one of our favorite places. Portland based pianist Randy Porter played with us there -a real treat.

October was intended to be my 'month off' and I guess it kind of was ... BUT the ACTUAL 2 weeks (when all is said and done) went extremely fast. I did go campaigning one day for John Kerry in Pennsylvania on behalf of the League of Conservation Voters for which I am a member. That was interesting and necessary. Gotta keep that spirit alive.

Then a gift to myself, a stop in Hawaii to see my sister (and my other sister was able to join!) on the way to our tour in Japan. This was very special. Also visited the Big Island - beautiful!

Just now finished 10 days in Japan with eight concerts throughout. This is always a pleasure with the Concord/Fujitsu Festival - very well run, and also real varied in that we visit a lot of places (8 concerts in 10 days) most times taking the bullet train, some bus, some planes. Needless to say the train is the best!

Rod Fleeman sounded poetic and swinging as usual, Honolulu bassist, Bruce Hamada was a treat to work with and Todd kept us all where we should be! (Very tastefully of course.)

We were on the 'bill' with two wonderful bands on this fest: Terry Gibbs and Ken Peplowski (a very swingin' band) and the John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton Orchestra. What an inspiration they were! John Pizzarelli sounded great with them too.

Some other folks I got to hear lately: Dave Frishburg & Jay Leonhart @ Birdland, Lynne Arielle @ Birdland, Eliane Elias @ Au Bar, Gene Bertoncini @ Le Madeline, Ann Hampton Callaway at The Jazz Standard and Randy Brecker (w big band) at the Iridium.

So, now back to the 'mainland' - to my 'hometowns' of Omaha and Kansas City for performances, via MY home (now) first, New York for 24 hours. We do get around, albeit circuitously.

As always, I thank YOU for listening, it means everything to us. And as somebody once sang, “What's so funny about Peace, Love and Understanding?”

I like that.

Karrin

Footprints

2006-02-01T11:33:00.003-05:00

Hello there -

It's been awhile! Looking back at the end of 2005 just before we recorded this next project... NYC's Dizzy's Coca Cola Club in Lincoln Center has got to be one of the prettiest clubs anywhere. With a great view of Central Park and a very beautiful interior, it's a pleasure to play there. Nancy King and I, along with Bruce Barth, Todd Strait and Peter Washington did a night of (mostly) Charlie Parker tunes. It was a blast.

With these same players plus Nancy and Jon Hendricks, we recorded the next album called “Footprints.” It will be out in mid-April. I'm very excited about it. Then, we went onto Spokane, WA to play with the big band there. It was a great group of players and a wonderful crowd.

Next, we did a gig at Pepperdine University with Bruce, Joe LaBarbera and Tom Warrington. This was without the benefit of our luggage and a very late flight arrival. I went on stage with airplane attire, no sound check, and not feeling very well. But it seems that people understood and I'm very grateful! Still with no luggage I 'stopped off' in Los Cruces, NM to hear the premier of my friend Bill McGlaughlin's new piece with the orchestra there. It was sublime.

The next stop was in Seattle at Jazz Alley and still no luggage. Fortunately my Mom got to come to that one, and I borrowed her clothes. Fortunately she's very hip. Playing with Bruce, Todd, Rod and Jeff Johnson just got better every night. It was a great band and we always love Jazz Alley. Rod and I did a live thing at KPLU-FM with folks who had written lyrics to “Let's Do It” for a fund raiser. Dick Stein's very cute idea - really fun. The last two days there I got my luggage. Traveling is definitely not glamorous but it gets you there!

I went to Berkeley, CA to Fantasy Records Studios to mix the new CD with Nick Phillips (our producer) and Bill. We had AMAZING weather there in such a beautiful place and I got to take a couple fun hikes. Back to NYC we played Birdland with Bob Bowman, Todd and a new pianist (for me), George Mesterhazy. We had a great week. Birdland is one of my favorite clubs.

Onto St. Louis for a one nighter at a club called Finale with Todd, Gerald Spaits on bass, and St. Louis pianist, Reggie Thomas. From there we headed to another favorite spot: Kansas City! In KC we played the beautiful GEM Theater in the historic 18th & Vine district. Rod and Bob joined us. Bob's mom, Jean Bowman, passed away that weekend. We all loved Jean. She was a great supporter of the music and a special lady.

I went to Minneapolis where my Mom and sister, Elisa live. We did a concert and several masters classes for Elisa's kid’s school. The group with me there was with Todd, Laura Caviani and bassist Gordy Johnson. The kids also played for us. I admire teachers so much!! And I admire parents who encourage their kids in music. It's harder these days to do that and budget cuts in the arts are no help . . . so, good for them!

After hanging there for Thanksgiving, it was back to NYC. I played a Clos du Val private party (fund raiser) in New Jersey with Bruce and bassist Vicente Archer. Great wine and food! I had a restful December/holiday season at home: had a few get togethers with friends, got to go hear live music, and went to the opera at the Met. Then we visited family in Philadelphia. On into the New Year, we (Bruce, Todd and Vicente) played a concert at the IAJE Convention in NYC. As always, we saw so many friends/musicians there.

Next, onto New Orleans for a concert/fund raiser for WNO at the historic Snug Harbor in the French Quarter. Fred Kasten did a magnificent job of putting it together and we had great crowds. I played with the wonderful 'local' band there “Astral Project.” What an interesting and energetic band and great group of guys!

It was quite an experience to be there this time of course. Yes, there is so much devastation, yes - our government needs to follow through (hook up the FEMA trailers for starters!) ... Still, I have to say the spirit is still there in that great city. Wynton Marsalis has said (many other too) that it's so vital for New Orleans to maintain it's unique CULTURE (as well as getting the city running again) Amen! We all need to do anything we can to help.

I just got back from two wonderful weeks in Hawaii visiting with my sister, Tracy. Another unique culture that needs preserving however we can.

All for now, and thank you for listening and for reading.
Karrin

A Wonderful Start

2008-03-03T08:45:00.002-05:00

Hello and a very belated Happy New Year!

I left off in November of last year. After the Thanksgiving holiday -which I spent happily with family in Minneapolis-- we headed to Fresno-- a wonderful start of their new series with a masterclass for the students at the University there. A very great group of people and we had a ball. Many thanks to John and Tama, Tom and the whole crew (Jim Totoian & crew too) and the very enthusiastic Fresno audience!

Then onto Memphis, where we enjoyed doing a masterclass again for the general public and met several great/local musicians. Memphis has such an amazing jazz musical legacy-- some of our favorite players come from there: the late, great and sorely missed James Williams for one, as well as Mulgrew Miller, Harold Mabern just to name a few. The hall there in Germantown was beautiful; we had a great concert, many thanks to our sweet friend Mike Kelly.

Some of my 'big news' is that I bought a house! In western Massachusetts along the Connecticut River-- it's another great adventure in my life, and though I still love living and being based in NYC, having a lovely retreat to go to when I get time off is a real dream come true for me.

In January, we went to Honolulu to perform at the Academy of the Arts, had a wonderful, packed house-- all involved at the Academy made us feel right at home (again!) instantly. Also many thanks to the folks at Hawaii Public Radio and to my family there.

Back to the main land and headed for Fayetteville Arkansas and Columbia Missouri. The flu season caught up with me there I'm afraid--- I got quite sick with it, and so did a few band members-- but we pulled it together and did our best. Our friends Robert and Susan Ginsberg were gems and a pleasure to work with in Fayetteville-- and Jon Posses' "We Always Swing" series is top notch. Many thanks to all of them and the great crowds.

In February we visited (where else would you go in February?) VERMONT!! I had never been and loved it-- what a beautiful place Burlington is--right on Lake Champlain--looking across the lake to the Adirondacks, lovely! –Especially with quite a bit of snow.

And thanks go to the folks at the University: Natalie and Jane-- and the wonderful crowd for Valentine's Day.

Off to Tokyo as soon as I finish this; then to Florida, then to Tel Aviv... will catch my breath and write again.

Thank you for checking in–

Karrin

A Lucky Girl

2003-01-13T20:45:00.002-05:00

Hello, and thank you for checking in.

I guess I'll start where my very trustworthy webmaster (Dean :) says I left off, around late November. We had several 'mini tours' in 2002 and this was one of them - Cleveland, Buffalo, Rochester areas. In Cleveland, we played a supper club called “Night Town.” One thing I remember is the airline losing my luggage and having to borrow something to wear from our road manager - Kim. (Lucky she's a girl :). Never having been to Cleveland before, I was pleasantly surprised by our crowd - a very enthusiastic bunch asking why we'd never been there before?? Nice people! Luggage was waiting for me at the hotel after the gig hmmnm ... just in time.

Then off to (didn't exactly shuffle) to Buffalo in our big - HUGE! - white van. Fall colors mostly gone but still pretty country from the road. Danny, Bob and Ron Vincent were on for this run (with Kim). The 'Sphere' Complex in Buffalo was a very cool place, go there if you can. Also a great crowd and the pr! esenters treated us like royalty (which NEVER hurts and is ALWAYS appreciated! :) - felt pretty magical all around.

Off to Rochester next day to play the Montage Grill - another nice supper club. They acquired a piano since we were there last, it was rather challenging however. Our friend Clay Jenkins (great trumpet player now teaching at Eastman) came in and sat in-always wonderful. He brought in pianist Harold Danko and it was a treat to hear him too.

Back to our respective homes, I doing many interviews daily and getting ready for Japan. Played a private holiday party for 'Piaget' jewlery in Tokyo. They even asked me to wear some of it during the shows, which I did gladly - beautiful! It was in an historic old castle, with tatamis and screens, etc. Got to see some BEAUTIFUL snow in Tokyo one night with our new promoter friends Yukari & Akiko walking home after having Korean Bar-b-que. Bruce Barth, Danny, Bob and Todd were with me on this. Took the bullet train to Osaka to play at Mr. Kelly's there for a couple nights, also played several other clubs in Osaka area and Kobe. Bullet train back to Tokyo (who booked this!?) And onto Singapore (LONG day) for a concert on December17th. Met another very nice promoter there, concert went well (got through the funny light 'design'!) - very interesting but too short! Would like to have stayed there longer.

Back home for two whole days and off to Omaha. I was 'honored to be honored' (!) as an outstanding UNO alum at their winter commencement. They were going to ask me to speak but thankfully asked me to 'sing my speech' instead - with the UNO big band. So, there I was complete with cap and gown, singing “Hello Young Lovers” & “Pack Your Suitcase Blues.” It was a pretty cool experience.

While there we played at North High for a “Music in the Schools” Fundraiser. My friend Therese (used to be our drummer in the all-girl rock band 'Tomboy'!) is band director at North (and my father also went to high school there!). Bill McGlaughlin also came along to work and conducted the string band. A very nice experience all the way around.

Then off to Catalina's in Hollywood. Great week there, wonderful crowds and there are always many magical moments at Catalina's. Bill Cunliffe on piano with Danny, Bob and Todd (my Mom & Bill too!). You also never know who will drop in - Billy Dee Williams, Garrett Morris, Jim Carey, Richard Thomas ('john b! oy' - nice guy!) the singer/songwriter Stephen Bishop...many others. Putter Smith too - who sat in and sounded beautiful along with other musician friends.

One beautiful clear LA day, we (my Mom, good friend Michael, the whole band, Bill and I, and Todd's family too) went to the beach. This is one of our favorite things to do - enjoy whatever the area around us has to offer. We also enjoy great food of course, so we went to a very cool place for lunch called The Reel Inn. Wonderful fish and can eat outside - very reasonable, funky, fun place along the Pacific Coast Highway. Great fun.

Since being back in NYC, I auditioned for a Coca Cola commercial (interesting!) and just taped a Hallmark Pilot program called 'Hallmark Cafe' with my band, Peter Cincotti's group, and BB King. B and I sang one tune together. He is a dear man. The famed producer Phil Ramone ran the show - very well done, we're all are hoping it is picked up.

Heard Mark Murphy at Birdland - great! Also Paul Motian's group at The Village Vanguard - inspiring. In that sense it's great to ... to be home so I can hear other folks. There's nothing like hearing live music to re-ignite all kinds of things within.

Looking back on 2002, it was a very busy year - traveling alot, happily getting to know new audiences.

'In Blue' is continuing to do well and this also helps get our other 'stuff' out there and heard too. I thank all of you for your interest and support, you help make it all possible and worthwhile.

Let's all hope and work for Peace. Until next time ....

With Love,
Karrin

Touring Ballads - Remembering John Coltrane

2001-06-12T20:38:00.005-04:00

Hello and thanks for checking in.

We're touring now for our latest CD:

Ballads – Remembering John Coltrane.

A first for me was a Jazz Cruise on the QE2's Floating Jazz Festival. Amazing to go from about West 42nd Street all the way to South Hampton (England)! We (Danny Embrey, Danny Embrey and Todd Strait) were honored to be in such musical company as: Etta Jones and Houston Person (so swingin'), Tommy Flanagan (who sat in with us - what a thrill), Annie Ross (a delight), Cleo Laine and John Dankworth (she sang Peel Me a Grape like no other), Gary Burton (who brought the young INCREDIBLE Berkley All-Stars), Ted Rosenthal, Gene Burtoncini and Adam ...? who serenaded everyone til the wee hours. Singing with Gene & Ted was great. Jay Leonhart, Monty Alexander, Bud Shank, Joe LaBarbera ... great fun.

Then onto the Topeka Kansas Jazz Festival (from England to the stage in just over 24 hours - we do get around) Lots of great folks there too. Had a great gig in 'my hometown' - Kansas City - at the Blue Room @ 18th and Vine - - a magical night with Laura Caviani, Bob, Todd & Rod Fleeman - Danny too. Packed house and so much fun to be back there for a minute. Thank you to any and all who came that night.

Now onto LA @ Catalina's for a week with Danny, Tom Warrington and Joe LaBarbera - and special guest this weekend, Bob Sheppard. It'll be a challenge to keep up but I'll do my best. :) That's what it's all about anyway. I love to work with all these different players - it brings different things out in my music and helps me grow. I believe that Jazz attracts a very high quality of people, both the players and the folks who listen.

Til next time ...
Karrin

2 Grammy Nominations!

2002-01-31T20:44:00.001-05:00

Hello friends ....

January was full of surprises. I'm very proud and honored that BALLADS has been nominated for two Grammy’s. It's interesting that - (at least it seems) folks tend to think of this one project (BALLADS: Remembering John Coltrane) as being 'the successful thing.' I was just thinking today that for me, I'm very happy (and just plain lucky!) when a project 'works.' Even our most heartfelt projects don't always come across the way we want them to or think they should.

We do so many things day to day, small and not so small, that add to our creative process and lives. These are all important for THE PROCESS, although it doesn't always show itself in visible ways. So, even though I'm very proud and thrilled about BALLADS receiving these nominations, it's more of a recognition of many years of hard work - not just for this project. I'm also very glad for the people who have supported me, my musicians and music for so long. I think it must feel good to them (and you) too! A little verification - but that should start from within of course, right? I'm proud of all seven CD's in so many ways, and of course would change things here and there if I could. But you gotta let go somewhere! So, those are my thoughts on that for the moment.

Had a good turn out for the IAJE clinic - “Singers Are Musicians Too.” I enjoyed that and seeing many buddies I don't get to see too often. So much talent out there! Our gig at Steamer’s was as fun as ever, great place. There were Joey DeFrancesco and Joe Pesce in the crowd - Joey sat in and wailed! Danny, Joe LaBarbera and Tom Warrington were as swingin as ever. Then off to Hawaii at the Honolulu Academy of the Arts. Great turn out there, and always great to be back in Hawaii - such a very special place.

A lot is in the works - getting ready for the new project and to Rochester, NY - never been there. Looking forward to playing with Clay Jenkins, Mark Helias and Danny) then to William Paterson University with James Williams, Danny and Mark Helias. Then back to LA at Catalina's Bar and Grill for the week with Danny, Tom Warrington, Joe LaBarbera and special weekend guests; pianist Bill Cunliffe on Friday and the wonderful Bob Sheppard on Saturday. Then I am attending the Grammy’s with my Mom and sisters. LA will never be the same! :) All the best to you and yours, and THANK YOU for listening.

Warmly,
Karrin

Something for Everyone!

2002-11-18T20:45:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends -

What a busy time this has been. I think the last time I wrote was in September - after the QE2 Floating Jazz Festival. Since then alot has been going on. We played the Blue Note for a week, double billed with Joey DeFrancesco which was good bill I thought. Something for everyone! :) They sounded great. Danny, Bob, Todd and James Williams were grooving hard together - it's an interesting room to play. You NEVER know who's going to be there. Joe Pesce came in to hear Joey - they're friends (left their cell phones off this time!) He's a jazz fan.

Have had MANY interviews, lots of papers, radio and talked with folks from Berlin, Singapore, Japan too, along with several television 'things' - one for Brazil, NYC Channel #5, Alexandria cable channel, and Boston's 'Chowda' show.

Played the Birchmere in Alexandria VA just outside of Washington D.C. Really liked that club - a very large music room with their own brewery and had a beautiful sound system. We had a great crowd -and that was just the night before they caught the DC Snipers... (It was quite tense -you could feel it. No more guns!!!! Enough already!! But I digress....)

Then onto Western Mass - the Iron Horse, another cool 'music room' where they not only feauture jazz, many different kinds of music - cool intimate and funky place. Got to watch beautiful fall colors along the way (while our new road manager, Kimberlee drove - what a great thing to have her along) Then to Zanzibar Blue in Philly and Wilmington Deleware - both beautiful clubs with great food and ambiance Loved the staff there too.

Went to LA to record a duet with Diane Shuur - that was a trip. She's something else. I've enjoyed her music for years. Barry Manilow was helping produce in the studio (his tunes -very lovely!) And good to meet him. Watch for her release on the Concord site.

Back east to Worcester MA with WICN radio - my long time friends. Played in a beautiful theatre which was designed by a woman architect for women to use (Tuckerman Hall) - wonderful crowd. Then onto Scullers in Boston - wonderful pro-club! That is, too short a visit there! Great crowd there too. Onto Hollywood Florida and played with Bob Berg at that fest. - what a sound he has! ... beautiful, deep and SINCERE folks!

Finally, Oshkosh, WI This was a lovely old opera house (the Grand) with great acoustics and staff - and a wake up call for winter - about 30 degrees. Also got to meet a lovely singer from that area - Janet Planet. Check her out - she's also a good friend of one of my favorite singers on the planet (no punn intended), Nancy King. So we had a great time after. Am 'decompressing' now and getting ready to leave again for Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Rochester.

I've been asked many times lately in interviews, what 'keeps me going' and/or 'inspires' me. Well, SO MUCH of that has to do with YOU people who support us and come to the performances. We need this music more than ever right now ... we need solidarity and compassion. The current political scene (not to mention our environment) is VERY worrisome to me and as Mose Allison says, “People are running around in circles - we don't know what we're headed for” I'm afraid that's the truth - especially now. Whatever your political beliefs are, love and compassion, not to mention positive, creative outlets are paramount. MUSIC is one of the best I know.

Thanks for listening,
Karrin

Wild For You

2004-04-06T12:11:00.004-04:00

Hello there -

It's been awhile since I wrote. A lot has happened since December. We recorded our new cd 'Wild For You' here in NYC at Sear Sound (same studio as “In Blue”) - lovely studio. Gil Goldstein did a beautiful job arranging the new material and my players (Danny, Rod, Paul, Bob and Todd) played great on it. The release date is June 8 and we are looking forward to that!

During that same recording week, we performed at Zankell Hall (Carnegie Hall) on a double billing with Louciana Souza. Then, onto LA for mixing of the cd, and doing a performance at the beautiful Orange County Performing Arts Theater (opening for Steve Tyrell). Next, was a private function in Kansas City. Then, to Hawaii! First was some R&R in Kona, then to Honolulu for family and some work at the Honolulu Academy of Arts and Maui Performing Arts Center. As usual, a very special time there.

Australia was the next 'stop.' It was my first time there and we really loved it. A huge country of course and we traveled it! We went from Sydney, to Melbourne, to Camberra and finally the Perth Jazz Festival. Each venue was so different, from a small great club in Melbourne to a large festival in Perth. What beautiful cities!

We also got to play with a fine young bass player from Perth, Peter Jeavons. On the last day he was kind enough to take us to the wild life park outside of Perth. (It was extremely hot that day!) There, we got to see Koala bears, kangaroos and even more exotic creatures in a 'wild' setting - great! Since I am a wild life lover, it was really special - the birds too, of course. On the way back from the park, we stopped at few wineries and then to the beach! Got in and was shocked at the force of the waves, especially coming from Hawaii. (I didn't swim on the North Shore! We went to Kaimana Beach and Kailua Beach which are pretty tame.) Then back on the airplane from Perth to Honolulu for two days. (On the trip to Australia, we had a new (my first, really) road manager -Thomas, who was great! We think we'll keep him!)

I arrived in NYC having just enough time to pay bills and get a hair cut, then, onto St. Louis for a very fun gig at the Sheldon Theater. Great crowd and a lovely hall. Finally back home for two weeks! Got to hear my friend, James Williams at a cool new club called “Au Bar” on the east side. He and his band sounded great and I sat in for a few.

Back to the west coast for gigs in Fallon, NV, Palm Springs and San Juan Capistrano along with meetings and friends in LA. The wonderful pianist Bill Cunliffe played with us once which is always fun. One night I stopped in the new Catalina's Bar & Grill (Beautiful new 'digs'!). Heard Pat LaBarbera's big band (with Joe of course) and so many other luminaries like Steve Houghton, Tom Warrington, and Bob Shepard, just to name a few. Great seeing and hearing them all. We all got the sad news that night that Chuck Niles, the great music lover, proponent of jazz and DJ of KJAZZ (formerly KLON) passed away that night. He was truly a gem and will really be missed.

I then went back through Omaha to see family and do my taxes. Enough said there!
I have mostly been back in NYC since then and gotten out and about in 'my city.' Spring is very grumpy here this year. We are anxiously awaiting, but she's reluctant.

I did a live WBGO appearance with Fred Hersch one early Sunday morning. (Just got back from Omaha on a fight was at 6:00 A.M.! ) It was for the Broadway Cares Project and CD ('Two Hands, Ten Voices'). Also, went to hear Fred at the Village Vanguard. What a wonderful and interesting pianist and composer he is.

Since being home, my family and I learned that a dear cousin of ours, Bob Laemer of Seattle died suddenly of an aneurysm. He was only 53. Such a great guy. He (and his brother, Jim) built wooden ships! In traveling to Seattle, I got to know him a little better and am so glad I did. My getting to be with family and friends along the way helps balance the craziness of this life. I don't write about a lot of that here because it is so personal ... but we will really miss Bob. Our love goes out to his wife Karelle, brother Jim and folks, Bob Sr. and Joan.

OK, C’mon Spring! See you in Florida where we have some exciting gigs coming up with Diane Schuur and Oleta Adams along with the band: Danny, Todd, Laura Caviani, Scott Steed and John Cushon. Then, our own performances coming up in Connecticut, Buffalo, DC area, Boston, Pennsylvania and more. Also, back to KC at the Blue Room, then on to Chicago at the Jazz Showcase and Catalina's in LA.

It stays interesting to say the least! And you help keep it that way, thanks for listening and reading.

Peace to ALL,
Karrin

A Very Cool Line Up

2004-06-29T12:11:00.000-04:00

Hi all -

I think last I wrote we were on our way to Florida (April) for more “Concord Jazz Festival” gigs with Oleta Adams, Diane Schuur and Sara Gazarek. We've had a lot of fun with these performances - a very good mix of vocal styles and songs. We sing together much of the time too, so lots of interaction. Great band too, with Danny, Laura Calvin, Todd and Scott Steed, along with Alates husband/drummer John Cushion. Beautiful places and venues too. We did have a scare later in the month when Deedles had to have an emergency operation, but I know she's just fine now.

We (my band & I) had several gigs between those: Buffalo then, New Jersey, and the Birchmere (one of our favorite stops) and Scullers in Boston (another favorite). While in Buffalo, we got to hear Leo Kottke - love his stuff!

Onto KC (of course, another favorite!) at the Blue Room. Great seeing a lot of friends there. Then, we did a week at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago - a great, historic club. Took a short respite to see family in Minneapolis. Then, onto Hollywood at the new Catalina's (also another favorite). Got to see several great friends and musicians there: Bob Shepard (who played with us one night), Tom Warrington and Joe LaBarbera, Steve Houghton. Also played with Bill Cunliffe and Dave Loeb. And it was a real thrill to have Melissa Manchester come in the club and sit in. She & I sang “Midnight Blue” together. She's lovely.

Another small respite in Boulder to see a dear friend before our Denver gigs - we had some great hikes which I love. The Denver club was fun - Dazzle - very nice people. Then onto the Topeka (Kansas) Jazz Festival for one night. Saw many great friends there too. Next was Milwaukee for the Pabst Theater - what a great theater! Beautiful place with a very cool line-up of artists.

On my one week at home in NYC we MOVED (our home) to a great place still in Manhattan. During this time we also played BB King's in NY - great fun. (Bruce Barth was with us that night.) Then a very cool place called the Kortright Center in East Meredith, NY - a wonderful refurbished church in a beautiful setting.

“Wild For You” was released on June 8th and our first gig promoting it was at Jimmy Mac's in Portland, OR - another great little place. Got to see and hear two of my idols there: Nancy King and Dave Frishburg who both sat in with us as well as Randy Porter (great pianist) and Jerry Hahn (guitarist).

Then onto another favorite spot - the Dakota in Minneapolis. It’s always fun. It's really great when a 'smaller' place is successful in expanding, like the Dakota. They do a really wonderful job. Laura Caviani also sat in and we had several guests in the audience like Garrison Keillor, Bill McGlaughlin, Leigh Kammon, my Mom, sister and Aunt! Then onto Idaho - I had never been there before. A great little festival called “Jazz in the Canyon,” a 'mini' Grand Canyon. Played deep down in there ... it was very pretty. I got to do some hiking around there too.

Just finished with (yet another) favorite place - Jazz Alley in Seattle. It’s always a lovely week there and another success story of 'expansion' I'm happy to say. Jeff Johnson sounded great on the bass and it’s always good to hear Floyd Standifer who sat in with us. The STAFF @ Jazz Alley made us an incredible HOME COOKED meal the last night - so sweet of them!!!

It's been fun playing the new music from “Wild For You!” I try to reassure people that we are indeed, still a jazz band - no worries there. Danny and the band have never sounded better and this stuff has expanded our repertoire and ways of doing things. (Thanks Gil!) And just last night in Santa Cruz at Kauumbwa Jazz Center, the audience was so warm and excited about the new material - feels good!

Now, a MUCH needed week at home before we hit the road again for Europe and Brazil.

Thank you to all who make the trips to come hear us! We love seeing you and appreciate your support.

Until next time,
Karrin

Great Friends, Great Music & Some Amazing Whales

2005-04-18T11:33:00.001-04:00

Hello there -

It's been awhile, as many have reminded me! But hey - I'm glad someone's keeping track.

Last time I wrote it was back in November 2004. We were just back from two weeks in Japan. Next stop was Omaha at the Joslyn Art Museum for a Habitat for Humanity fund raiser. I have many memories of this theater, inside the museum as a kid. I heard several concerts there (Horowitz, for one!) and have played there several times since. My Father really does a great job helping to promote this and make it a great success. This was his last year on the Board of Habitat - I'm proud of him!

This time we asked Luigi Waits to sit in with us. He is an Omaha legend and a very swingin' vibes player and drummer. That was a kick. My band played as great as ever.

Then onto Kansas City. My friend Beena has done a wonderful job with her “new” club, Jardines Jazz Club. We had three packed nights there and loved seeing old friends.

Back to New York ... we (Danny, Todd and Jay Leonhart) played on the CBS Saturday Morning Show. Even though it was extremely EARLY - it was fun and the staff were all pros.

While at home, I got to hear some great music. I went to hear Steve Wilson and Lewis Nash at Sweet Rhythm doing a duo gig. I love both those players. And also Andy Bey at Symphony Space - what a wonderful artist! And I loved his band. Also heard my good friend Ann Hampton Callaway at Birdland on Christmas Eve. I always love her. I had family (my Mom and 12 year old niece) over for the holidays and we had many parties. Also got to go to hear the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fischer Hall - lovely. This is the main reason to be in NYC - so many things to hear, see and do if you choose. I should stick around more often!

In January I attended the IAJE conference for the first time in awhile, mostly just for the fun of it and I ended up having a ball. I 'hung hard' with my great friend Nancy King and also met some folks and signed CD's at the Concord booth. Saw a ton of friends there and heard some great music.

I also loved being home for awhile and while there did some fun 'New York' things. One was having a very good interview with the stride pianist, Judy Carmichael, on her radio show, “Jazz Inspired.” I truly like her interview approach and her piano playing is wonderful too. I heard Maria Schneider's big band at Birdland - very inspiring. Also heard the wonderful Wesla Whitfield at Le Jazz Au Bar

Then onto Hawaii. Needless to say it's always a pleasure to go to there. The Academy of Arts is a lovely and intimate venue and I love the audience there. There is truly an “Aloha spirit.” Jim Howard, Bruce Hamada and Todd Strait all played beautifully.
Seeing my sister and niece there is the true attraction! We also did some hiking and saw some amazing whales... what a place.

February brought several Concord Jazz Festival gigs which are always fun. I do like singing with other singers when I can and this is a very entertaining show. In between those shows in Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Atlanta (some beautiful theaters!) my group also played at Barnes at Wolftrap, a lovely venue with a great audience and staff. Next, Eugene, OR at the Shedd Theater (loved that place); then’ onto Thousand Oaks, CA for KCLU-FM radio live broadcast at the Performing Arts Center, another great experience.

Onto Steven's Point, WI to play with the Community Orchestra there. This was a thrill for me. Bill McGlaughlin has written some great orchestra arrangements as has Frank Mantooth. It was very cool to have my band up there with an orchestra and the orchestra played beautifully.

Then onto Porto, Portugal. The performance was in a theater within a casino there. Unlike casinos in the US, they are more “art oriented” in order to attract the public to come in and gamble (not the other way around).

Staying right on the sea which was beautiful, we were royally treated. (Except by the airlines...who lost our luggage twice, not to be seen again until Portland, OR!! - several days later...)

Meanwhile we played in San Diego - so beautiful there; the Alladin Theater in Portland - a very cool place. Next, two more Concord Festival dates: Seattle, WA and Cerritos, CA. Both gorgeous theaters. Home for a week and a half, then onto some family visits for me in the Midwest.

At the end of March we double billed with the Ron Carter trio at the Blue Note for a week. It was a great pleasure hearing them every night, with Mulgrew Miller and Russell Malone. My band did great too.-I felt it was a very good combination of styles and approaches between our two groups - and great crowds.

Meanwhile I've been planning the next recording project and am very excited about it. We plan to go into the studio again in September.

Many thanks for listening and I look forward to seeing you in the audience sometime soon.

Karrin

Unbelievable!

2005-10-03T11:33:00.002-04:00

Hi all -
Looking back to April dates (just after the Blue Note)

We had a lovely time at the Woodcliff Lounge in Fairport, just outside of Rochester, NY. It’s a very well run and cool venue/resort. We were there for two nights, and had wonderful crowds both nights. They also treated us to some of their new spa happenings which was so nice, especially when on the road. Clay Jenkins and Gap Mangione sat in with us. Rod Fleeman, Bob Bowman and Todd Strait played great as usual.

Onto Boston at Scullers - a favorite club for two sold out shows in that great city. Then to St Louis at a new and very nice club called Finale. It was a pleasure to play with Bruce Barth, Steve Wilson, Bob and Todd.

We flew to Minneapolis and then drove “way up north” to Grand Marais, right on Lake Superior - so beautiful! They do a wonderful job with their series. Laura Caviani joined us there. We really reveled in seeing some bald eagles along the way and the beautiful shoreline and hikes. Back down to Minneapolis for the Dakota. It’s always like coming home for me. We were joined again by Steve Wilson and had two great nights of music there.

I went back to New York and got to sing with Marian McPartland at Dizzy's in Lincoln Center. What a thrill to be with her and in that wonderful room. We left for Melbourne the next day for the first year of their Umbria Jazz Festivals. I really like Australia! We heard some great players too. Among them were John Scofield's trio, and Australia's own Joe Chindamo - wonderful pianist/accordianist who played with us one night. That was way too short a trip. Hope to stay longer next time.

Back in the US, we made our way to Canada. We decided to drive from NYC (the scenic route) with my Mom 'in tow' to Montreal first. We met up with Joe LaBarbera, Tom Warrington and Larry Koonse for these dates. A great trio! Had only one night in lovely Montreal at Club Soda - a nice, roomy music club. Then, onto Toronto at the Top of the Senator. We really enjoyed the crowds there, even though the Senator is under new management and definately going through some changes. But the folks who came were wonderful. Pat LaBarbera sat in with us there.

Back home for me for a few days. Then I made a “pleasure trip” to Portland to hear and see friends - mainly Nancy King. I also caught Laura Caviani who had some gigs there with Todd and Scott Steed. Also had to stop by Jimmy Macs and say hi to friends while there.

Next week I was off to Kansas City to sing with Bobby Watson and the 18th & Vine Big Band at the American Jazz Museum’s Rhythm & Ribs Jazz Festival. I don't often get to do big band gigs but love it when I can. It was a thrill! Then, onto Dallas at Sambuca's - a nice supper/ music club. They took very good care of us. Then to Edmund, OK for their great venue. They also took great care of us and the crowd was happenin'.

Back home for some much needed time off. Then, onto Ann Arbor, MI for the Firefly (sweet place!) and Lansing Michigan at the Creole Gallery. They do wonderful job there! Then I took a few days off and went camping in Boulder, CO with my good friend Beth - beautiful!

After getting home for a few days we headed to Litchfield, CT for their festival. Great crowd there and we also got to hear Jr. Mance, Dave Brubeck, and said “hi” to Steve Wilson and Bob Dorough. What good company to be in!

Onto the west coast for the “A 75th Birthday Tribute to Ray Charles” at the Hollywood Bowl. To play for 10,000 people is really something. I was honored to play a tune with Gary Burton and his band, then sang several tunes as a “Raylette” (along with Patti Austin, Monica Mancini and Latoya London - fun!). Billy Preston “played Ray” and sounded great . . . a wonderful big band of some of the best LA players too. It was an exciting experience.

Off to Santa Barbara, CA for the Club SoHo. Loved that crowd! Then to Fullerton for Steamer's - always a gas there. After that, the San Jose Jazz Festival where we got to play in a lovely intimate theater to a great crowd.

Then onto Coral Gables, FL. Wow - what an experience to be there during hurricane Katrina! We arrived there to drenching rain and high winds but the show was going to go on. We were ready. But it just got worse and, caused and our concert to be canceled. That was a huge disappointment but for the best. We did go to the venue where they (still) very kindly had dinner for us. As “Witch Katrina” intensified, several doors and windows were blown out so we had to move to a more secure area. The electricity went out and stayed out the whole weekend. We decided to rehearse for the new album by candle light and flashlights. It was scarey but fun and very productive!

Our hosts were wonderful. We do plan to go back there next year (watch my schedule page for updates). Looking at the damage the next day (which was really bad) can only give a HINT as to what New Orleans went through . . . unbelievable!

We did get out before it hit New Orleans and felt very lucky. Words are so inadequate for such a catastrophe. We all just have to DO something. My heart goes out to them and I hope to be involved in anything to help.

I got to spend some time with (almost) my whole family in September which does my heart good. Also, I did a performance in Ohio and another in Worcester, MA for one of our favorite radio stations and people who run it. WICN-FM - thank you!

Meanwhile, I was rehearsing with Bruce Barth for our new album which we just recorded last week! Hopefully it will be out in early Spring ‘06. Please keep your eyes and ears open. I'm looking forward to that!

Now onto the Northwest...
I truly hope the best for all of you.
Thank you for listening.
Karrin

From Europe to Brazil

2004-08-16T11:34:00.001-04:00

Hi there.

It's taken awhile to catch my breath since returning from all of these travels. Our European tour started in Vienna. I had never been there before. Played a cool club (actually, it was very HOT there!). We were just there for one night, so not much time to look around, but it seemed like a lovely city.

Straight onto England after a four hour layover in Milan and having some trouble in Customs. We got right on a bus ride to Rocheford - a very long day but luckily an extremely charming little town. The venue was a lovely hotel/restaurant which is owned by (booked by too) Derek Renouf, the chef! We did the gig that same evening to an enthusiastic crowd of about 50. (That is how small this sweet place is - one of my favorite, intimate ways of performing.) We had the next day off thankfully, and had a look around the town, back to dinner at Renouf's who took very good care of us.

Next day, back on the bus to the Wigan Jazz Festival, performing in a totally different setting. It was a very large hall with a crowd of about 400 to 500 folks.

Flying out the next day to Rome. After discovering a couple of us had no luggage, we met our very nice host, went on to the hotel and had a 'night off.’ The venue in Rome was a “new” one although the building is very old and beautiful outside. It is connected to a music school there. We played two nights there, then onto Vietri by train. This was lovely. On the way we passed 'Mt Vesuvius' - the volcano that ruined Pompei. Our wonderful hostess, Antonia, picked us up and we were soon climbing the beautiful hills along the Amalfi Coast to our sweet little hotel. What an amazing, enchanted place. Our gig was that same night - again, outdoors connected to a very old museum. We got to stay one more night there, had a lovely meal by the sea and walked around the city. It was like being on the set of 'Il Postino' - beautiful! They were lovely to us.

Then driving to Salerno airport the next day, flying onto Paris where we stayed for the remainder of the tour. We played at a cool little club called “Sunset.” The night before we played there, we stepped in to hear the drummer Jeff Ballard's trio. They sounded great. Of course, for me (and soooo many others) Paris is very special, no matter what you're doing. One thing we had to do was get our visas for Brazil! This turned out to be easier than getting one here. Also had a fun picnic under La Tour Eiffel, and of course always visit our friend and restauranteur Franco Della Corte. Also saw our friend Luigi Trussardi (great bass player who also sat in with us).

All of us back home for two whole days before heading to Brazil. Both clubs - Bourbon Street in Sao Paulo and Mistura Fina in Rio are great and the promoters take very good care of us. Many thanks to Inez, Herbie and Christian. The audiences were/are always glad to hear Brazilian songs and sing along which I love. It's a very special feeling when that happens. They're also very familiar with the “new material” of Wild For You (as are Europeans). This was a nice surprise to me, very welcoming.

One of the last “off” days in Rio we were invited to a friend's friend's for dinner in Barra di Tjuca - a suburb of Rio ... a drive up the coast, looking at the amazing favellas. These friends are great people who do great work for the poor children in Rio. I hope to work with her someday, she has an incredible MUCH needed foundation.

After the long trip home to the US, I had a week with my family in Minneapolis and in Wisconsin (where it was a record cold of 48! Non-stop rain) BUT we saw beautiful wildlife: eagles, loons (and heard their incredible sound too) deer, blue birds, and heron. This was lovely.

Onto California this week, then two weeks in NYC at Le Jazz Au Bar with special guest Bruce Barth.

Thank you for listening.
Karrin

Groovin' Away

2006-07-01T11:33:00.004-04:00

Greetings, it's been awhile!

Way back in February Rod Fleeman and I performed with the Jazz Surge Big Band in Florida, a very nice group of players and great crowds. Singing with a big band is fun for me and I enjoy the change. It's also great when the band leader is flexible and open to ideas, which he was!

Onto Pittsburgh, PA at the Manchester's Craftman's Guild with Rod, Todd and Bob - This was a very cool venue. We need more of those! We double billed with the Freddy Cole Trio for four nights. Really enjoyed them. Next, onto Erie, PA for the Jazz Society concert. They were very good to us. I hope their series continues to be successful. Next, we played in Kansas City at the Heartland Theater. It’s always good to be back there. Played along side some KC favorites for this fund raiser - great fun!

Kennedy Center was a treat. We enjoyed the beautiful hall and the wonderful crowd. Bruce Barth, Rod, Bob and the addition of drummer (and native Omahan - like me), Victor Lewis was one swingin' band. In April, we went to Sioux Falls, SD. I saw many familiar faces there: friends who had driven from several different areas, even my Mom! Also a good venue.

Onto Philadelphia, PA for shows at the Zanzibar Blue. I really enjoy Philly and that club. Bruce, bassist Doug Weiss, Todd and I had a great weekend. Then, a week at the Blue Note in NYC double billing again with Ron Carter. 'Footprints' was just released and this was a good send off. Along with Bruce, Todd and bassist Ed Howard and the wonderful sax man, Steve Wilson made up the band. We had an excellent week there. Next was another great city - Boston, and at another favorite venue - Scullers. Bassist Vicente Archer joined Bruce, Todd and I there. It’s always a pleasure to be in that club.

Then I journeyed across the country to the lovely area of Yakima, Washington where guitarist Dan Balmer and bassist Jeff Johnson joined Todd and me. It was a very fun band and special venue. That's a series definitely worth checking out. Back in NYC, we got to hear Nancy King and Fred Hersch at the Jazz Standard, It was a wonderful evening, both are amazing musicians.

Bruce and I were invited to Toronto to perform in a JazzFM 91 celebration - great group of people at that station. On some time off, Bill and I went to see birds in Cape May. Beautiful wildlife sanctuaries there and we saw some amazing dolphins too! We dined at The Merion Inn where our friends/pianist, George Mesterhazy and Vicki run a wonderful restaurant with jazz (George!) What a charming place!

Bruce invited me to join him on a benefit for “John Hall for Congress.” It was a fun event with good music and a good cause. Ed Howard and Montez Coleman joined us too. The very next day, onto LA to play Catalina's. I got to work a little with good friend (and lyricist on “Footprints”), Chris Caswell on some projects. I also appeared (as pianist/singer) on an episode of the popular soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful.” Interesting experience! Pianist Bill Cunliffe, bassist Tom Warrington, guitarist Larry Koonse, Todd and I had all a great week at Catalina's. I'd never been to “The Hampton's” before and this venue was beautiful. Got a glimpse of the beach too. Unfortunately there's not usually enough time to sight see. We try to when we can and would like to go back there.

The Rochester International Jazz Festival was one of the most enjoyable festivals I've ever played. They really know how to put it on there. They had great crowds, beautiful venues, and varied artists. We (Bruce, Todd, Vicente and I) played two full shows and one was filmed for PBS. We will try to let people know if that is aired nationally.

Onto the Toledo, OH Festival where I had invited Nancy King to join us. Ann Arbor bassist Paul Keller joined us too. We were all looking forward to a great outdoor set but the weather had a different idea. We were caught in a huge storm and after four very wild attempts at playing, we all had to ‘high-tail it’ for shelter. Jon Hendricks was set to join us for a tune or two, but none of that got to happen - too bad! After it let up, Jon did do an abbreviated (but spirited, of course) set. Then the weather cleared up and Al Jareau played. Very fun to hear him groovin' away. We hope to go back and "finish it” sometime!

I got to hear the Vanguard Orchestra the other night. They very kindly played the Thad Jones tune, “Tiptoe” at my request. They sounded great! Just back from Coral Gables, FL. Speaking of weather, last year Katrina was just on her way through when we went there. It was quite an experience. But, we played the concert this time to an enthusiastic, sold out crowd in a beautifully renovated church that has an interesting, eclectic series, also very worth checking out.

I am now looking forward to a low-key summer with some travel for fun too. Also, I’ll be spending time at home in NYC working on different projects.

I want to thank those of you who write in to comment about our performances and how you are enjoying “Footprints.” I appreciate your words of encouragement and your support. Also MANY thanks to Jazz Radio for helping make “Footprints” #1 for 7 weeks!! This is fantastic! THANK YOU!!!

Hope to see you down the road somewhere and
Thank you for listening . . .
Karrin

Cool Smoke, Sweet Rhythms & Dizzy Fun

2006-11-01T11:33:00.001-05:00

Hi there -

It’s been awhile...

I had some time off in June and July so I took that opportunity to hear and sit in with some folks. Bruce Barth had the weekend gig at the cool uptown NYC club called “Smoke.” Sang a tune or two with them which was a treat for me and they sounded great. In Rochester, NY at the Woodcliff Lodge I was a guest with pianist Eldar Djangirov and his trio. That was quite fun. And what energy! This great venue is sadly not happening for awhile due to a change of ownership. Pete McCrossen was the very gracious host and talent buyer. We will really miss him and the venue.

Next, in Kansas City to play a favorite venue in August, “The Blue Room.” Always good to be there with Bob, Rod and Todd. Saw many friends and lots of family. The Blue Room (part of the American Jazz Museum) is in the historic area of KC called “18th and Vine.” We love and appreciate them for being part of what keeps jazz ALIVE in KC. Back in NYC, I sat in at Sweet Rhythm with the wonderful tenor player, Bob Kindred (also with Kansas City roots). He and his band sounded sweet and lovely.

In September, from the Big Apple to the Little Apple. We played a very cool benefit event at the Kansas State University Alumni Center, Manhattan, KS, for Friend of the Beach Art Museum. I truly loved being 'back on the prairie' at that time of year. While hiking in the area we even heard coyotes and owls at night. (OK, we had to go searching for them a little, but they were there!) While in the area, we were also invited to visit a lovely horse and buffalo farm. We had wonderful hosts during that whole visit to Manhattan. We left there to play a private event in Austin, Texas at the Four Seasons. What a neat city! I wish I'd had more time in it.

Seattle at Jazz Alley was next. Always love being there. That trip also included singing the US National and Canadian anthems for a Seattle Mariner's vs. Toronto Blue Jay’s baseball game. I had done that before and it's a kick!

The next week was in Oakland, CA at Yoshi’s. My Mom and I took an over-night train together from Seattle to Oakland. That was really fun - trains ROCK! Yoshi’s is a great venue. I sang there with both Nancy King and Jon Hendricks. What great nights of music we had! The band (Bruce, Todd and Peter Barshay) played beautifully. We hope to do more of those shows with Jon and Nancy - the Footprints team. Also got to meet Rita Moreno who was in the audience. What a great lady! The wonderful singers Madeline Eastman and Paula West also dropped by.

Back to NYC at Dizzy's (Lincoln Center) with Nancy, Bruce, Todd and bassist Vicente Archer for a great week there. Many 'luminaries' drop in throughout the week: Wynton Marsalis, Eric Clapton (who had been playing across the hall), Mark Murphy, Freddie Cole, Jackie Cain, Helen Merrill and Barbara Feldon. The pianist David Budway played with us the last night. It was great fun.

Our next stop with Nancy was in St. Paul, MN at the Fitzgerald Theatre (where the movie, “Prairie Home Companion” was recently filmed). Loved working there and saw many friends and family. Pianist Laura Caviani, along with Bob and Todd sounded beautiful.

Following were some one-nighters, double billing with Diane Schuur. We played beautiful theaters in Birmingham, AL; Atlanta, GA; and Charlottesville, VA. Great fun. From there we went West to another great venue in El Cerritos CA. in their Performing Arts Center. Todd and I played with favorite 'local' LA players: guitarist, Larry Koonse and bassist Tom Warrington. We were treated to great audiences in a great venue.

Heading East to the Windy City for gigs at a favorite historic Chicago 'joint' (the one and only owner- Dave Jemilo would approve of that term), “The Green Mill.” He runs that place like nobody's business and we love being there. The first time I played there (one of my first 'national' gigs way back when) he gave me a “life-time verbal contract” which I'm happy to still be fulfilling. Todd and I played with great Chicago bassist Larry Kohut and wonderful Seattle pianist Randy Halberstadt. Bill McGlaughlin joined us there and was accompanied by many of his radio colleagues at WFMT.

The next stops were in Omaha and Lincoln. We did a masterclass at my alma mater, University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) for music students. They were held in the same auditorium where as a student, I had attended soooo many concerts, given both my junior/senior piano recitals, and heard Dizzy Gillespie and Mel Torme give masterclasses. It was quite a feeling! That night we performed for the UNO Alumni folks and were happy to do so.

In the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL) we performed at the beautiful Lied Center with the Nebraska Jazz Orchestra. They've been together for over 25 years. It was thrilling to play with such a great big band. We did lots of masterclasses with UNL students while there and really enjoyed it. Next was in Denver at a great new club called The Soiled Dove. Strange name for a jazz club but don't let that throw you. It's a great place and I hope to go back soon.

That’s it for now. The year will soon be over which is hard to believe. Peace and love to all and
Thank you for listening . . .

Karrin

Gigs Across America

2007-02-01T11:33:00.001-05:00

Greetings!

Last time I wrote it was late October 2006. A very belated Happy New Year to you.

In November we played Washington D.C.'s historic club, Blues Alley. It's got that old true jazz club feel and was great fun with Rod, Todd and bassist Ed Howard who is from DC. He was Shirley Horn's last bassist and is a beautiful player. The Sharon Lyn Center for the Arts in Brookfield, Wisconsin (suburb of Milwaukee) was sold out and a beautiful theater. Bruce, Bob, Todd and Rod played beautiful as ever too.

Salt Lake City, Utah we had another sold out concert. This WONDERFUL series is headed by Gordon Hanks who really knows how to run it and how to treat musicians (and the audience). We had one more 2006 concert (in warmer climes!) in amazing Palm Springs. CA at the Annenburg Theater. It’s a lovely place to be, especially for a few days.

Just before Christmas we suffered a real blow when our drummer, Todd Strait broke his collar bone. It has been a real challenge for him and us. He is a trooper and still dealing with it not being totally healed. How did he do it? I'll let you ask him but it was very scary bad luck and we're lucky and glad he's alive.

So, needless to say Todd needed to take some time off. We were very lucky to get the wonderful KC based drummer, Tommy Ruskin, on very short notice for our New Year’s Eve performance at the KC Repertory Theatre (and the National Public Radio live broadcast for “Toast of the Nation”). He also played with us at our Inaugural Performance for Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius. Danny Embrey and Paul Smith joined us for the the New Year’s Eve gig. It was great to play with both of them again. It was an honor to be part of both of these gigs!

While in KC a dear friend and I visited a beautiful bird refuge called Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Many eagles hang out there because there are a lot of geese around. It’s beautiful to watch the formations and hear that incredible racket they make as a group - pretty intense!

Between each of the KC area gigs, we rushed in the new year with a lovely time in Sanibel, Florida. We were lucky in finding the great drummer for this concert. Marty Morrell is based near there. (Remember Marty from the Bill Evans Trio days.) It is a real pleasure to work with him as well as Rod, Bruce and Bob. While there I visited another refuge (the "Ding Darling") by myself. I came across a very large crocodile, fortunately with some warning by other tourists. We found out later that ‘she’ is a regular there. We steered clear and were pretty astounded. What a lovely place! I'm always on the look out for these natural places, especially if I have time while on the road (and when I can make time). It's very important to me to GET OUTSIDE!

Back in New York Bill and I attended some fun holiday gatherings for some favorite musicians and other folks in the biz ... the annual Nola Recording Studio party (with host Jim Czak) in the Steinway building. Saw tons of musicians there including Blossom Dearie, George Shearing, Grady Tate, Jackie Williams, guitarists Howard Alden and Joe Giglio, pianists Mike Renzi, Larry Ham and Lawrence Hobgood. We heard several very cool duo and trio piano tunes (lots of pianos in there of course). What a treat!

Also attended the 10-year celebration for the independent label “ArtistLed” of David Finckel and Wu Hann (talented cellist and pianist dynamic duo). No small feat and they were forerunners of the idea of artists running and owning their records/label. They have been very successful.

During IAJE in NYC we went to hear Nancy King at The Jazz Standard, also Terrell Stafford. We got to hear Jon Hendricks and his group at Birdland and I sat in with them (a very quick 'Cloudburst' - Lord help me!). They all sounded great. Very sadly, it was also announced during this time that we lost Alice Coltrane and Michael Brecker. Big losses for us all.

Our next gig was in the LA area (Fullerton) at Steamers with Nancy King and her wonderful pianist Steve Christofferson, Todd (his first gig back and sounded amazing) and our dear friend and great bassist, Tom Warrington. Many of my family members were there (Mom, two sisters and Bill).

Then, we all attended the Grammy's. I had been asked to be a presenter during the pre-telecast portion (this is from about 1:30 until 4:30 when the telecast part starts). I presented 15 Grammy’s in all. Among them some amazing artists like, Ruby Dee (for Best Spoken Word), Chic Corea, Tony Bennett, several to Michael Brecker presented posthumously, Dave Douglas, and Peter Frampton (!). Among my fellow presenters were Lynn Redgrave and Charlie Pride.

I was truly happy for Nancy Wilson who also won this year. For me to be nominated in the same category is a great honor, especially with two of my inspirations: Nancy King and Nancy Wilson. The after party was great fun. We found the room with "Kool and the Gang" playing their hearts out and danced ours out. Love that band!

Back to reality: the weather and trying to fly in it. Trying to make it to Omaha to do our POPS concerts with the Omaha Symphony was a challenge. It took 36 hours to make it from NYC to Omaha. So, we missed our first rehearsal completely (stuck in Detroit) and Rod, coming in from Europe, missed both rehearsals and of course, lost his luggage. The show must go on and everyone rose to the occasion. It was a real thrill for me to sing and play with my band (in this case, Rod, Paul, Bob and Todd) and a symphony orchestral with Bill (McGlaughlin) conducting. I hope to record that way some day. Bill's arrangements fit our approach very well as he had heard our band countless times.

I saw so many old friends, even my first grade teacher! It was wonderful to be a part of all that and also to see my Dad and Ardi in the audience.

After Sunday's performance we went to hear Luigi and his band at Mr. Toad's in the Old Market - my old stomping grounds. It was great to hear them and we loved it.

Looks like it's onto Europe in about three weeks and we are looking forward to it.

Peace and Love to all and thank you for listening ...
Karrin

Recommendations from the Road

2007-06-08T11:33:00.002-04:00

Some live music I've heard and loved lately:

Al Foster @ the Vanguard;
Violinist, Maria Bachmann at Merkin Hall;
Gene Bertoncini @ Le Madeline;
'Joyce' and Dori Caymmi at Birdland;
Paula West at the Jazz Standard;
and Steve Nelson at Smoke.

Books I've read:

Kurt Vonnegut's latest short memoirs,
Lies my Teacher Taught Me,
The Bone People.

Nature Places I've visited:

Jamaica Bay in Queens,
The parks of NYC!!

AND-

Check this website out to RECYCLE YOUR CELL PHONE! Its' FREE! recycleyourcellphone.org

The International Language of Jazz

2007-06-07T11:32:00.001-04:00

Hi there -

Last time I wrote Rod Fleeman and I were headed for Europe. Our first performances were at the Blue Note in Milan, Italy. I had been there before and enjoyed this trip even more. I find Italian audiences to be extremely warm and enthusiastic. Throughout Europe, I tried to greet each audience with a SHORT greeting in THEIR language. They seemed to appreciate that, even when I fumbled. Since languages have always interested me, this is not a chore; it's a fun challenge.

In Milan (and London and Turkey) we played with the London players: Alec Dankworth on bass and Tristan Maillot on drums. We had played with them 'way back when' while at Pizza on the Park in London, so it was great to see them again.

After Milan, we played Ronnie Scotts in London. It was my first time there. Aside from our sets, it was fun listening to the house band there and the big band. There was a lot of music happening on those nights! We met some wonderful 'local' players and hung out with them along with some great singers as well. It's amazing how this music can bring folks together all over the world. Speaking of which, we then went for a 1-nighter in Vienna at Birdland. What a great place! Rod and I met the wonderful young bassist that same day, who played with us that night. He was also the leader in the house band after our sets, so we got to hear them.

We were out early the very next day and on to Poland. It was my very first time there. Our first stop was in Warsaw. We met our promoter, Yavuz (wonderful man), who really treated us with such gracious hospitality. Played two nights in Warsaw and met some wonderful local folks along the way. One new friend even gave me a spa treatment on a very rare day off - how lovely! We played with two local players there. They were great guys. We also did a workshop at the Chopin Academy of the Arts. What a thrill to be in this historic place! Then, we even had tea with the American Ambassador of Poland. He also came to our performance which was a lovely experience. The next day we all took the train to Poznan, just outside Krakow. Very sweet town and if I say the people were great too often, that's because it's the truth!

Taking the train back to Warsaw the very next day, a cab from the train station to the airport, a plane through Istanbul to Ankara (capital of Turkey), THAT was a LONG DAY! At least we had the 'night off,' getting in around 11:00 pm! In Ankara we played a beautiful theatre. I was told the Turkish Ambassador was there. Something I find interesting is how it seems that government officials in other countries really enjoy jazz and make an effort to get to the concerts. What an unusual thing that is! In Brazil and Japan this is certainly true as well.

The next day we were off to the amazing city of Istanbul. What a place - unlike anywhere I've seen! We stayed on the Bosphorous and could see Asia from the hotel room. (What I didn't know was that Istanbul is part of both Europe and Asia.) The beautiful club we played is really THE place to be there. They packed the place and so many people knew our music. That was really true everywhere. It’s a real a thrill to go so far away and get requests for songs we've recorded over the last 15 years. The three gentlemen who own it are great entrepreneurs with real style and a great love for jazz. We met a wonderful young pianist (Uraz) who sat in with us. He was Yavuz's son. They also took us to a bizarre in Istanbul. That was quite an experience to bargain with the shop owners. We saw several beautiful mosques. I truly can't wait to return to all these places. They were all so very kind to us.

Back in the US, our gig in Jacksonville, FL was great in spite of the gale force winds that blew everything and everyone all over the place! What a great festival though! After Jacksonville we headed south to Miami to the Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club. It’s a very cool place in a very old, grand hotel. Great crowd there too. We loved playing with the Omaha Symphony again at the Holland Center. This was a celebration for Cancer Survivors. Bill McGlaughlin conducted and my 'KC band' played beautifully.

Then, we went to Minneapolis’ Dakota Bar & Grill, a favorite place. We had a great band there with Steve Wilson, Laura Caviani, Larry Kohut and Phil Hey. And it's always good to see family and friends there.

Then to another favorite spot: Birdland in NYC. We had another amazing band there: Steve Nelson, Rod Fleeman, Todd Strait and Doug Weiss. It was a wonderful week in that great club.

We played a very sweet festival in Edmond's WA, where they are focused on music in the schools (yeh!) and also a fund raiser for kids who are burn victims. The kids and community orchestra bands played concerts all week long. It was a very good vibe for all and great to be a part of.

We record at the end of June. We’ve been working hard on that. Hope it will be released at the beginning of '08.

Hope to see you out and about soon and THANK YOU for listening.
Karrin

Harmony with Garrison Keillor

2002-08-12T20:45:00.001-04:00

Hi there -

No better place to write road notes than the airport ... especially waiting for a delayed flight. This is just one of the very glamorous parts of the job. Wouldn't it be great to find a way to fine airlines somehow when they are several hours late and don't bother to let us know? They definitely demand better behavior from passengers .... they show no mercy! Anyway!!!

Last time I wrote I think we'd just gotten back from Japan. Since then, many travels ... a lifetime of them! Performed on Garrison Keillor's A Prarie Home Companion in Tanglewood at the end of June. Such an interesting production to watch too, as well as hear. Tanglewood is of course, the home of the Boston Symphony and is a beautiful place. The Juilliard String Quartet was also on the show. What a treat! We did something from In Blue and a few others. I also got to sing a harmony line with Garrison on one of his sweet original tunes. It's great to see the cast do the voice talent/sound effects!

On to the Nemacolin Festival in Pennsylvania - another pretty place and resort. Then to the Deerhead Inn in Water Gap, PA ... this is an experience. A funky great place that's been featuring live jazz since...? Many years anyway. Met Bob Dorough - it's a hang for many musicians who live around there. Also Phil Woods bassist and drummer - it was a very cool experience. My band (Danny, Paul Bob & Todd) played beautifully and were - as always - troopers! Then onto our favorite LA club for the week - Catalina's in Hollywood. Wonderful crowds (all of these have been). Playing a lot of material from In Blue that we're enjoying. Pianist Bill Cunliffe joined Danny, Tom Warrington, Joe LaBarbera and me. That was a treat.

After that I got to spend a few days with my sister and niece in Hawaii ... went kayaking, and saw beautiful sea turtles, rainbows, all that Hawaii has to offer. Then to Kansas City at the Blue Room (always fun). Drove to the Dakota in St Paul for 3 nights - great to be back there, and onto Chicago's Green Mill for the weekend, all great and spirited clubs.

I had never been to Ann Arbor before but played there at the Firefly last weekend. The owner, Susan is tireless and a singer herself. Check that club out - it's another winner.

So, now (next day) I'm off to Santa Barbara's SOhO with Danny, Paul Todd and Tom Warrington. Get to see good friends along the way, celebrate the release of In Blue (August 13th), then to Yoshi's in Oakland for the weekend, and onto Seattle's Jazz Alley for the week.

I'll stop there although there's more, along with MANY radio and press interviews, which certainly help get the word out; KRML's Jazz & Blues Store, Filoli Jazz Fest & Spazio's in LA for a one night CD celebration in their concert space.

Thank you for checking in. I've truly enjoyed all these places and appreciate people showing up in such numbers! And so enthusiastically!

Warmly,
Karrin

The Next Phase of My Musical Journey

2007-10-01T20:50:00.002-04:00

Hi there -

Last I wrote was way back in May! Hard to believe the summer is over and we are into fall and winter with the holiday season just around the corner.

As you may have noticed on the new and “in progress” website, I have a new and exciting management and agency team. I had a good 5-year run with the folks at Stiletto Entertainment and William Morris Agency and appreciate all they have done.

On this next phase of my musical journey and career I welcome AMS Artists - Anna Sala (Management) and Treelawn Artists - Eric Hanson (Agency). Holding down the web site and MySpace duties, I welcome back Dean Hampton from Webjazz. This new team will be of great help to me in reaching the same goals for great music making and getting it to more and more people like yourselves.

Before going into the studio at the end of June, we made a quick stop in San Diego at the lovely new club "Anthology." Worked with some of my favorite west coast players: Larry Koonse, Tom Warrington and Joe LaBarbera. It’s always a pleasure to work with them. When in the LA area I also try to take the opportunity to see and work with my colleague, Chris Caswell, which we did. Writing with him is a wonderful and inspiring experience.

A few New York State gigs like Norwood - way up there and a beautiful area. Paul Meyers, Ed Howard and Todd Strait were a great trio to play with.

Then we started rehearsals for the new recording here at home in NYC with Rod Fleeman and Todd. We went into the studio on June 29. Steve Nelson (vibes), Gil Goldstein(piano & accordion, David Finck (bass) joined Rod, Todd and myself. What a band! It is a Brazilian project. It includes a varied selection of well-known and lesser-known tunes of Jobim, Vinicius de Moraes, Edu Lobo, Rosa Passos, among others. Also there are a few new English lyrics by Chris Caswell, Susannah McCorckle, Paul Williams and Gene Lees.

After recording, I had welcome visitors from Hawaii. It was my sister and niece’s 1st visit ever to NYC! While they were here, we played Huntington, NY It was a beautiful outdoor venue there with a great new piano given by Billy Joel. Played with Paul Bollenback, Ed Howard and drummer Mark Ferber. It was under the stars and lovely!

Then we headed to Worcester Mass at the Ecotarium. The folks at WICN have supported and played our music ever since our very 1st CD, "I Didn't Know About You." It's always a pleasure to be back there. I played with another great trio consisting of Paul Bollenback, Todd and bassist John Lockwood.

The next stop was Buffalo, NY for an outdoor gig on a very hot day. They were wonderful people to play for. The trio on this was Paul Meyers, Vicente Archer and Todd. They did a great job.

Next came Scullers in Boston and then the Litchfield, CT Jazz Festival with Steve Nelson, Doug Weiss, Rod and Todd. I loved playing with this group and in these great venues.

Heading West we did another outdoor concert in Madison WI, then to Chicago at the Green Mill. Bassist Larry Kohut joined Rod, Todd and myself. Wonderful group in a favorite club.

We went to Berkeley, CA at the Fantasy Studios to mix the Brazilian project. Working with Bill McGlaughlin (Producer), Nick Phillips (Producer) and Josiah Gluck (Engineer) is a treat. What an interesting process! One always learns a lot from these sessions.

Then a whole different thing for me: a big band performance with the US Air Force Big Band, The Airmen of Note. This was a great experience with an amazing band and lovely people.

This gig was recorded before live audience with MC for a later radio broadcast. Watch my web site schedule for more information about the broadcast - probably on NPR. I also tried out some new big band arrangements which is always fun.

Back to LA at Catalina's, we had another good week with Todd, Larry Koonse and Tom Warrington. Chris Caswell sat in and played accordion. He knocked everybody out!

Next was at Seattle's Jazz Alley, a jazz home away from home for us. My Mom usually joins me for the week while there and my Uncle Dave lives there so it is literally a family affair! Steve Nelson, Rod, Todd and Jeff Johnson formed a wonderful band. The Jazz Alley staff have also become our family! I Did a live on air performance with KPLU- FM. It’s also great to work with these people.

We headed back to the midwest for a quick minute in Kansas City at the Starlight Theater. It was for a fund raiser for the Midwest Ear Institute’s HEARAid Gala titled, “The Cool Sounds of Jazz.” Got to see favorite friends Paul Smith and family, Dean, Gerald Spaits, among others.

After that back west to Yakima, WA at the Season's for two special concerts: one with the Yakima Symphony with Bill McGlaughlin conducting, and then our quintet the next night. This is a great series that I admire so much. Pat Strosahl at the Seasons really knows how to make musicians feel at home and therefore, gets great results! If you're ever in that area, check this special series out.

I stopped off in Portland after that to play at the newly renovated Jimmy Mac's, a lovely club I played with the Mel Brown Group and what fun that was. The next night I got to play with Nancy King at the Old Church, along with Steve Christofferson, Todd, and Ed Bennett.

Finally back home to play a week at the great club, Dizzy's at Lincoln Center. Pianist and accordionist Joe Chindamo from Melbourne Australia joined Peter Washington, Todd, Nancy and I for a wonderful week.

Most recently, we played in Dahlonega, GA. I really admire Andy for bringing more jazz to that area with beautiful rolling hills right outside of Atlanta. Keep up the good work Andy!

OK, thank you for checking in! We are finally seeing signs of the colorful fall season here in NYC. I have been enjoying the parks here when I can I have seen some great migrating birds here and there - always inspiring to me.

Here's hoping and striving for Peace for all.
Karrin