Karin Parker

O ESTADO DE SAO PAULO “Karin Parker a marvelous American singer with much swing, much scat, much wit, with a successful repertoire including Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. Her interpretation My Funny Valentine is breathtaking.”

*Steve Morse, Boston Globe
An elegant presence with a knockout voice, she has a strong command of jazz standards, along with a more contemporary R&B side in tunes associated with Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, and Aretha Franklin. The irrepressible Parker also has an outstanding, multinational backup band. Highly worth checking out.”

Boston Phoenix “If you haven’t seen the Jazz Spectacular, Karin Parker You are missing out big time!”*Boston Globe Haley Kaufman “Karin Parker certainly knows how to work a room! First she'll burst out with a little Ella or Billie, then she'll wow them with some Sarah Vaughan Etta James. Pretty soon,the honey voiced singer will have every Jazz fan in the room snuggled in the palm of her hand” THERE'S something about the way Karin Parker sings that commands attention. It's her tone and approach that makes you soon realize that a song is being sung by a performer who's taste and style adds new dimensions to every tune she touches. It's her treatment of a song that makes Karin Parker more than just another vocalist. The intimacy and warmth of her jazz style began developing the night she walked into Wally's Jazz Cafe', Boston's historical jazz institution, she listened to the band awhile, decided to ask to “sit in” and sing a song. This particular club accommodates nothing less than pure Jazz credibility. On that night, Karin Parker rededicated herself to a new vocation. At Wally's she got to hone her vocal chops with emerging talents Roy Hargrove, Andre' Hayward, Igor Butman, John Blackwell. That's where a girl learns to win over a tough room and quick! “Aside from working with amazing musicians, there was the availed opportunity to absorb and learn the importance of dicipline and dedication to musicianship, as well as a sense of the traditions and history of this great fine art called jazz. Native Bostonian, Karin Parker, is a unique vocalist who is notable among the jazz community. Karin appreciates her voice and uses it as an instrument to create an atmosphere that is warm, smooth and true to her jazz roots. To hear her is an experience. In addition to performing,Karin is passionate about preserving and perpetuating the traditions and history of jazz throughout New England and abroad. Ms Parker has built longstanding, loyal audiences within national and international jazz communities. She has produced several acclaimed concert series in Boston saluting New England jazz legends, as well as hosting events for the community, making jazz performances accessible to listeners that may not other wise be exposed to jazz.For her dedication and support of jazz as an art form in Massachusetts, Speaker of the House Charles Flaherty presented Karin Parker with a citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of Represenatives. Ms Parker has performed command engagements at many elite and notable venues for high government officials and community organizations.Part of leaving her mark on vocal jazz is to perform with the best musicians. Among Karin's retinue you'll find meteoric talent's like Andre Hayward, Bob Moses, Igor Butman, Barry Reis, Wayne Escoffrey, Baggy Grant, Anthony Wonsey, Kubota Power Jazz, Yasko Kubuta, Christian Scott, Rachel Z, Barron Brown, Ruben Roger's, White Heat Orchestra, John Blackwell, Kai Alexander,Teddy Crockett, Antonio Dangerfield, Les Roger's Quartet, Sara Jane Cion, Chow, Esparanza Spauldin, Michael Shea TrioShe's also shared the stage with special guest luminaries, Sergio Mendez (Sao Paulo Brazil) Wynton Marsalis, George Clinton, Cab Calloway Orchestra, Herlin Riley, Wess Anderson, Antonio Hart, Donal Fox, Russell Malone, Billy Joel, Gary Cherone, Livingston Taylor, Aimee Mann, with whom she appeared live in Boston. Back from her engagements in Brazil, Ms Parker continues to delight listeners with her sound, range of musical choices and warm personality. Parker is engaging and continues to capture the hearts of everyone. “Performing is a great pleasure”. “To promote the beauty,,joy and magnificent history of America's original art form, is an obligation of every jazz singer,instrumentalist and composer."