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Karen Gold
Karen Gold grew up in Toronto in a musically diverse family. In her teens, she performed at the Stratford Festival Theatre in concert with Perth County Conspiracy. Up next was the National Rock Opera Company's Jesus Christ Superstar, under musical director Bill King. Continuing with stage work, Karen had a feature role in the Salome Bey musical, Sweetmama at the Leah Posluns Theatre. Karen joined a “top forty” band called Network. They travelled across Canada, playing four sets a night. During the day, Karen started writing her own songs and eventually decided to go it alone. After performing her songs in clubs for about a year, accompanying herself on guitar, Karen hooked up with pianist / singer / songwriter, David-Paul Erhart. The duo played extensively in cafés and concerts, and appeared on numerous radio and television shows. At one point, they expanded to a trio, Kadabra, adding vocalist Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, now artistic director and conductor of the Nathaniel Dett Chorale. At times, bass player, David Piltch (kd lang, Holly Cole) joined the group as well. Karen sang lead vocals and harmonies for trio, Palais Royale, alongside jazz guitarist / composer, Tony Quarrington, and bass player / singer / songwriter, Allan Soberman. They performed a wide range of material from the ‘40s and ‘50s, including jazz standards, through country classics, to romantic ballads. Throughout the years, Karen worked as a session singer for commercial jingles and on albums by Tony Quarrington, Quarrington Worthy, Graeme Card (of Humphrey and the Dumptrucks, and The Chattering Class) and Peter Foldy. On some sessions, Karen worked with renowned producer, Daniel Lanois. Karen also sang some lead vocals on album, The Children’s Corner, including a duet with Shirley Eikhard. An indie label, Qwurke Records, released Karen’s self-penned single, Tell It To My Face, which received national airplay. Karen wrote and recorded her debut solo album, Damsel in Distress, released September 8, 2008 on Refrain Records. On this album, Karen sings about a covert romance (Rendezvous); an attempted “break and enter” (Unlock Your Heart); toughing it out in the “big city” (Damsel In Distress); procrastination (Too Tired); living an unconventional life (Night Owl); an unusual friend and confidante (Java Joe); taking a risk for love (In Love’s Favour); escaping from life’s stresses (Tranquility); counting on a shady character (Love By Numbers); and a clandestine affaire (Nos rendez-vous cachés) with lyrics by David-Paul Erhart.
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“There are palpable influences of torchy divas like Laura
Nyro and Linda Ronstadt. Some of the songs are poignant, as
is the title track, Damsel In Distress, as well as my
favourite, the hauntingly unforgettable, In Love's Favour.
Other songs are witty and "fun-poking" such as the blues-
influenced, Love By Numbers, which is set in a nightclub and
done with audience participation. To me, the marvel is that
Karen Gold composed and performed all these songs and
arrangements, playing all the instruments herself. She sings
all the lead vocals and harmony backups too. Her lyrics are
sensitive, insightful, and always so clearly crafted. All of
this yields to the listener a relentless authenticity that
is worth so much to those of us who yearn for it, in the
output of artists.”
David-Paul Erhart, The Inner Bouquet, Montreal, QC
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson
