Karen Tennison

Karen, like Anita O'Day, considers herself a "song stylist," meaning she uses her voice like an instrument, considering herself more of a jazz musician than a vocalist. Her sound is sweet, emotional, and will always leave you on the edge of your seat, wanting more. After the moment she bought her first Ella Fitzgerald CD at a used bookstore at the age of twelve, Karen has been hooked, finding herself always listening to jazz. Her passion only grew larger after attending The University of Northern Colorado for two years where she dove head first into the jazz scene, attending as many clinics, lectures, and performances that she could, and participating in the jazz choirs the university had to offer. Once moving back to Texas, Karen decided to attend Texas State University where she quickly became the leading vocalist in the top combo, directed by Butch Miles, and top big band, conducted by Dr. Russell Haight.

The charm and charisma emanating from her being allows for the music she creates to be timeless and flawless with each breath of song she sings. With a voice as captivating as Karen's, it's no surprise that she plays music at some of Austin's most premiere venues with some of the city's finest jazz musicians.

Her list of inspiring musicians goes on and on, and get's bigger as her knowledge of jazz increases. But for now, her main vocal influences are Blossom Dearie, Anita O'Day, Carmen McRae, Roberta Gambarini, Ella Fizgerald, Dena DeRose, and Cyrille Aimee. Her instrumental influences are Oscar Peterson, Art Blakey, Ray Brown, Bill Evans, Duke Ellington, Esperanza Spalding, and Thelonious Monk.

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