Karen grew up listening to her mum playing classical and jazz pieces on the piano, and sometimes joined in and sang when they held jam sessions in their front room. Born in North London, England, her parents were both dancers and toured Europe with a dance troop before deciding to move to Trinidad when she was six years old. As a child she spent hours listening to soul, jazz and funk records, and adored artists like, Carol King, Karen Carpenter, and Stevie Wonder. She also sang in school choirs and later on in church as a soloist. After completing Alevels in Math and Physics she headed back to London where she later completed a degree in Commercial Music at the University of Westminster. Karen sang both in church and in jazz clubs, before teaming up with Italian producers Souled Out, with whom she co-wrote a track called Troubled Girl and secured a contract with Manifesto Records. Karen also recorded a Spanish version of Troubled Girl which went on to be included on volume 5 of the famous Café del Mar compilation and later on, The Best of Café del Mar. The Italian team also produced her debut album, Distant Dreams, which received a favourable critical reception when it was released in Summer 1998. Looking For Love the first single from the album was an infectious piece of feelgood pop and reached number 7 in the UK singles chart. Three other singles, Lies, Trouble Girl and If we try were released and all topped the UK dance charts, with remixes by Masters at work, Dave pierce and Boris Duglosh.
In October/ November of 1998 Karen supported the Lighthouse Family on their European tour. She played in cities like Munich, Copenhagen, Vienna, Madrid and London Wembley Arena. Karen and her band also opened for James Brown at The Point in Dublin and performed in various festivals in the UK.
In 2001 she started writing for her second album, collaborating with the likes of Point Four, Cathy Denis and jazz guitarist Tony Remy. Karen has been doing acoustic gigs and PAs in London and other European cities, like Madrid, Moscow, Brussels and St Petersburgh. where she sings and plays acoustic guitar and bass and sometimes the piano.
Years of writing and co-producing has resulted in her latest albums:
Bees in The Trees
Bees in The Trees is a collection of vibrant, heart felt, songs written and co-produced by Karen herself. Her Inspiring lyrics and distinctive voice blend perfectly with a wide spectrum of grooves and influences, from folk, and reggae to jazz and soul. Influenced by people ranging from Joni Mitchell and Joan Armatrading to Sarah Vaughn and Stevie Wonder, Karen has managed to write a very rich album performing beautiful soothing ballads and also great uptempo tunes. It features Tony Remy on guitar in tunes like Ghosts and Rainbows. Available soon.
Distant Dreams (Live in Glasgow)
This album highlights the excellent vibe that Karen and band experienced while on tour with the Lighthouse Family in 1999. It features the hit songs 'Looking For Love', 'Lies', 'Troubled Girl' and 'If We Try'. Thomas Lang's excellent drumming brings new energy and excitement to the album, along with the amazing playing of Tony Remy on guitar, Jingles on bass , Michael Martin boards and Donald Gamble on percussion.
Out now on itunes.
www.karenramirez.net
