Who is Karen Thurber...

Musically Karen labels herself as a multi-genre song stylist and unlike most female artists, Karen's vocal influences were mostly male. With a deep alto voice she was more able to sing along to the likes of Elton John, Paul Simon and Lowell George. Their vocal gymnastics interested her to develop a soulful and dexterous style. Of course the usual female suspects were on her turntable as well such as Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon and Bonnie Raitt. But it was Joni's musical style that was instrumental in turning Karen's ear towards jazz. Once hooked on jazz her range extended and her vocal influences included Betty Carter, Ella FItzgerald and Mose Allison.

Interested in all kinds of music from show tunes to bluegrass, she even learned to play banjo at age 14. But rock music was always the mainstay before becoming interested in jazz and returned after she earned her degree in music from Sonoma State University emphasizing in vocal jazz and composition. Led Zepplin, Yes, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, and Robin Trower to name a few were always playing. She was also interested in the folk/rock singer/songwriter style of Neil Young, Jackson Browne and Paul Simon all of which inspired a desire in her to write her own songs.

Karen's eclectic ear and percussive sensibilities move to the groove of many genres and she has an ability to make them sound connected, fresh and new. Her debut CD In a Dream demonstrates this range of style and how they can connect. It includes tracks that rock, swing and groove with edgy introspective lyrics and a cool adventurous feeling. It’s an album with a unique sound, that is drippin’ with vibe, and catchy enough for radio airplay with instrumentation provided by seasoned guest professionals Kenny Edwards and Jeff Pevar.

Beyond her vocal expertise which she feels is her strong point, Karen started playing guitar at age 9 and included banjo at age 14, mandolin and bass in her 20's, plus keyboards, percussion and a range of other string, brass and wind instruments while in college. Although she doesn’t keep up with them all, she is always interested in learning new instruments if only to see how they work and her dream is to play drums in a rock band someday.