Album Notes

Karen Gray is a vocalist in the Washington, DC, area. She was first introduced to jazz standards by - - no kidding - - Willie Nelson. At age 16, working in a record store, she fell in love with the tunes on his Stardust album, took the record home, and played it nonstop. Her father surprised her with the fact that "Stardust," "September Song," and "All of Me," were long loved "standards." Karen liked Willie Nelson just fine. But the tunes were the real draw, and her interest was established. The American Songbook standards, which make up much of the jazz repertoire were her favorites. What's nice about the unusual introduction though, is that Karen has never been restricted in her love of various deliveries of the great songs. She's an open-minded listener, and an innovative song stylist. Her favorite artists and influeces include Anita O'Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, Nancy Wilson, Mel Torme and other superstars of the repertoire. Karen performs throughout the Washington, DC, area, with a variety of ensembles, from duos to seven-piece bands. On her CD, In Good Company, she features guitar, vibes, piano, bass and drums, in an appealing variety of groups.