Bermuda Music Festival - Page 6

Karen Briggs Karen’s unique sound combines the rock of Jimi Hendrix, the soul of Aretha Franklin, the swing of Charlie Parker and even throws in a little Latin rhythm for good measure—all on the violin. With every piece, Karen brings classical technique to this eclectic and soulful mix.

Born in Manhattan to a musically inclined family, Karen began violin lessons at the age of twelve. Over time, she became a passionate violinist of gospel, jazz, classical, pop, and Latin music. This diversity would come to define her music. Karen has been featured internationally as a soloist everywhere from the legendary Apollo Theater to the Taj Mahal.

Karen made her Carnegie Hall debut in the 1994 production, “Fiddlefest,” which later became the theme music for the motion picture, Music of the Heart. She has recorded and performed with such notable artists as Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Soul II Soul, Chaka Khan, and Kenny Loggins. Yet it is her work with keyboardist/composer, Yanni, that has brought her the biggest following. As Yanni’s single most featured performer on tour, TV and video, Karen has won the resounding applause of both critics and audiences around the world.

A resident of California, Karen continues to both record with Hidden Beach Records and is featured solo artist with the Unwrapped Band. Her standout violin performance is featured on the CD, “Unwrapped Vol. 2,” as well as a cover version of the #1 hit, “It’s Hot in Here.”

Keiko Matsui
Fusion/new age keyboard player Keiko Matsui grew up in Tokyo, and took her first piano lesson at the age of five. Influenced by Stevie Wonder and Rachmaninov as well as early fusion masters Maurice Jarre and Chick Corea, Matsui began composing while in junior high, but studied children’s culture at the Japan Women’s University (Nihon Joshidaigaku). She moved to the Yamaha Music Foundation in Tokyo after graduation and formed Cosmos, recording four albums with the new age group.

Her first album as a leader, 1987’s “A Drop of Water,” was released in the U.S. two years after the fact. The LP also featured her touring partner and husband, Kazu Matsui, and was financed with their honeymoon money. A contract with MCA that year resulted in two albums, “No Borders” and “Under Northern Lights.” In 1992, Matsui began charting in the contemporary jazz charts. Her 1995 album “Sapphire” hit number one on the charts, and its follow-up also reached the Top Ten the following year. “Whisper From the Mirror” followed in 2000 and “Deep Blue” appeared a year later.

Kindred the Family Soul
For singer/songwriters and husband/wife Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon, the message is definitely in the music. The Philadelphia-based R&B duo performs music that includes poetic lyrics and soulful melodies, with jazz and Latin influences. Drawing on the legacy of Ashford & Simpson, they sing about love, life, stresses, the challenges of parenthood, and following one’s dreams.

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Article Author: Eric Olsen

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