Album Notes

This debut CD, "Right From the Start...the Songs of Karen Benedetto," contains 17 original songs that display a broad range of lyric and musical treatments. A "something-for-everyone" offering, you'll find selections from this versatile songwriter that span genres of Pop Ballads, some Country and Folk crossover, Cabaret, Light Rock, Inspirational/Gospel, and a little Special Material.

A poet as far back as she can remember, Karen gained her great appreciation for and joy of music from her Mom's love of Broadway show tunes and her Dad's interest in the jazz greats. Receiving her first guitar at the age of 12 - and teaching herself to play it - she was then able to set her poems to music. She has continued to write both the words and the music through the years... "Right From the Start..." CD is just a sampling from the song catalog of this multitalented writer.

Early songwriting influences included Joni Mitchell; Judy Collins; James Taylor; John Denver; Crosby, Stills & Nash; Linda Ronstadt; Anne Murray and Karen Carpenter. (In fact, she is often told she has the vocal quality of Karen Carpenter-sweet and rich at the same time.) She was then, and continues to be, a huge fan of the female voice in any form. Adult songwriting influences include Karla Bonoff, Amanda McBroom, Carole King, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

Included in the collection is "Sister Thing," a Hip-Hop number, written for Girl Scouts of the USA, which is included in the Girl Scouts 90th Anniversary CD, "Sisters Hand in Hand."

"It has been an amazing and wonderful journey to produce these songs with so many wonderfully talented people," says Benedetto. In addition to two tracks performed by the songwriter, herself, the collection features a wide variety of stellar talent from the New York City and world stages of cabaret, concert, and Broadway. "Matching the singers with the songs has been a pleasure beyond expectation, and we are grateful for not only their awesome talents but also for the generous Spirit each one so lovingly gave to this project!"

This CD is, in itself, a resource for established signed artists; A&R reps; developing singers putting together their first or second CD; cabaret performers and concert artists seeking new material; independent filmmakers and television executives looking for exciting and interesting music to track their projects; churches and spiritual centers who are seeking new spirational/Gospel songs; and, the music-loving public. All will be delighted by this unique collection. Enjoy!