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KARIN WILLIAMS : Vocalist


 
 

Vocalist Karin Williams has been captivating audiences performing an array of musical styles including jazz, reggae, bossa nova and samba. Born on the island of Jamaica, where her passion for music was first realized, she spent much of her youth absorbed in the exotic rhythms of the island. After relocating to the United States, she spent many years performing with various bands on the east coast. Her love of music eventually led her to New Orleans, the jazz capital, where she studied music under the guidance of legendary jazz pianist and educator, Ellis Marsalis [] and vocalist extraordinaire, Leah Chase.


Williams has performed throughout the Caribbean, the United States and South America. She began her musical career by performing with reggae and calypso bands gaining valuable experience while developing her vocal style and technique. During that time, she and childhood friend, Lori Simons formed the female reggae duo, "D’luxx." [] The group signed on with reggae label Flynn & Flynn and quickly hit the reggae charts with their second single, "Feelin’ Kinda Lonely." The song, written and co-produced by Williams, was featured on several reggae compilations. The group fulfilled their childhood dream of recording together by following up with a debut CD entitled "Mission Accomplished." Williams has also shared the stage with such reggae luminaries as The Wailers, Dennis Brown, Shabba Ranks, Bares Hammond, Third World and Sugar Minot.

After years on the reggae touring circuit, Williams began exploring other musical genres. Realizing that diversity was essential to her growth as a vocalist and an artist, she expanded her repertoire and made the transition from reggae to R&B and then, finally, to jazz. Her earliest jazz performances were with the dynamic Latin jazz band “Espada.” [] After years of touring with the nine-piece band, Williams ventured out and formed a smaller group for more intimate venues.

Her love of music eventually led her to the birthplace of jazz,
New Orleans, Louisiana, where she met the single most influential person in her music career, pianist, Ellis Marsalis. While at the University of New Orleans [], Marsalis encouraged Williams to pursue her interest in Brazilian music. Williams went on to study Brazilian music and the Portuguese language. Her love of Brazilian music inspired her to initiate a music exchange program between the Universidade Federal da Bihia and the University of New Orleans. While under the tutelage of Marsalis, Williams spent two years singing with the University Jazz Orchestra. To celebrate the music exchange program Williams, Marsalis and the UNO Orchestra flew to Brazil to perform at a sold out concert. Williams now incorporates a mix of Brazilian and jazz music into her sets, creating a delightfully soothing atmosphere for her audience. The number of notable jazz artists with whom she has performed includes Nicholas Payton [], Roland Guerin, Jeremy Davenport, Ellis Marsalis and Harold Battiste. Williams’ self-titled debut CD is IN STORES NOW or ONLINE HERE:

As one of the newest additions to the eclectic New Orleans music scene, Karin Williams adds yet another distinctive spice to the Crescent City’s musical menu.

Currently, Karin is in the process of relocating to Atlanta...We'll keep you updated.

 
 

 

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