Karen Johns and Company

Artist Information

Biography

Booked as the feature jazz artist for Alabama’s City Lights and Stars Summer Concert Series, vocalist/songwriter Karen Johns and her husband guitarist James Johns gave a live, in-studio interview on FM radio stations WJAB and WLRH-NPR the morning of the concert. After their spellbinding, acoustic jazz performance, the station phone lines lit up with people wanting tickets to what would be a sold out performance that evening.

Karen and her cast of acclaimed musicians are indeed, taking the Southeast by storm. Here’s what others are saying about Karen Johns & Company:

“… Nashville’s smoothest vocals…”
The City Paper, Nashville, Tenn.

“The songs Karen Johns writes are so poetic and narrative… it appears that she has added a few more pages to the book of jazz standards…” – Live interview with Ginny Kennedy on Morning Blend, WLRH Public Radio, Huntsville, Ala.

“When I first listened to Karen Johns’ CD, I was blown away! ... Now hearing this jazz recording artist perform live in our studio, I realize her album Lucky Day, is just scratching the surface…”
Live, in-studio interview & performance with Joe Cook, WJAB 90.9 FM,
Huntsville, Ala.

“Jazz may have been the ‘poor man’s’ music, but when it comes to the music of Karen Johns, the jazz is rich and all woman”.
Williamson Herald, Franklin, Tenn.

“Johns’ flair with lyrics and timing is evident… Johns confidently delivers the melody and soars through elegant and energetic exchanges...”
Interview with Ron Wynn, The City Paper, Nashville, Tenn.

“Johns writes songs that mirror original jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Louie Armstrong.”
The Tennessean, Williamson A.M., interview with Ashley Northington.

“Karen Johns’ smooth jazz sounds are in the tradition of giants like Ella and Louie, but with her own fresh twist.”
Williamson Herald, Franklin, Tenn.

“Karen Johns & Company performs a smooth and sophisticated blend of jazz standards with a handful of standard style originals… though the group is based out of Nashville… they express that the jazz scene is alive and well.”
Williamson County Fair, Tenn.

“…with vocals from Karen that remind me of a young Ella Fitzgerald… fine horn arrangements… and one tight rhythm section, then you have one of the best and rare jazz recordings to come out of Nashville”.
CD Review by Ernie Durawa of the Texas Tornados, Austin, Tex.

Raised in Alaska, singer/songwriter Karen Johns trained in the “triple threat”. She was privately and formally educated in acting, music, vocal performance, and dancing, graduating from the Alaska Conservatory of Music and studying voice under Gloria Marinacci (retired Bella Donna for the Portland Opera and Northwest Regional Judge for the Metropolitan Opera). She was named Alaska State Champion Actor for her work in theater. With a number of performing arts scholarships to her credit, she began her undergraduate studies at San Francisco State University. In pursuit of her BA degree in Music, Karen transferred to University of Oregon. Through the Danish International Studies program at U of O, she also studied at University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Karen continued to win a number of performing arts scholarships. After college, Karen moved to Seattle where she met and married guitarist/songwriter/ producer James Johns. After working one year on a commercial fishing vessel to pay for their first recording studio, Karen and James moved to Nashville. Karen Johns, who also holds an MA degree, has previously written and recorded five gospel albums, and has recorded numerous lead vocals for Stormworks Productions film soundtrack recordings by composer/conductor Stephem Melillo. Her recorded rendition of the ballad “I Never Had a Love Like You” was featured on the Miramax motion picture Benefit of the Doubt starring Donald Sutherland and Amy Irving.


Bassist/Recording Engineer, Brook Sutton, is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. Sutton’s credits include work with jazz artists Ellis Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, Marianne McPartland, Henry Butler, and Johnny Vidocovich. In addition to his work as a prominent recording engineer in New Orleans, Sutton focused his musical studies to bass. He studied with Bill Huntington, George Porter, and Robert Elliott. Sutton enjoys playing roots jazz as well as other experimental musical styles. Sutton is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Music Education at Tennessee State University with emphasis in music technology.

Pianist Kevin Sanders, a Nashville native now living in Franklin , Tenn., received his early formal training in classical piano while working in several local pop and R&B bands. He later honed his jazz skills with Nashville greats Lori Mechem, Beegie Adair, and Bruce Dudley. Teaming up with Karen Johns, the two have co-composed jazz standard hit originals on the upcoming Karen Johns & Company jazz album, due for release later this year. An accomplished musician in any style, Kevin is in high demand.

Producer/Guitarist/Songwriter/Recording Engineer James Johns began formal, private study in guitar in Washington state in his early teens. He built his first analog recording studio in Seattle where he song wrote, performed and recorded with a number of bands in the Seattle music scene. A couple years later, he and his wife Karen Johns, moved the recording studio to Nashville where they founded the publishing company Vital Force (ASCAP). James Johns co-wrote, recorded and produced five contemporary Christian albums for Isaiah 12 Records, and developed Faith Song Mission, an intercultural music ministry. James holds a BA degree from Canadian Bible College, and is co-founder and producer of the indie jazz label, PtarmiganMusic/Jazz.

Drummer/Percussionist/Arranger/Composer Bart Elliott is known for his creative energy, versatility and skill in all music styles, making him a highly sought after studio drummer, percussionist, producer, composer and arranger. His credits include work with such jazz artists as the legendary trumpeter Clark Terry, Butch Cornell (Stanley Turrentine), Ernie Watts, Jim Snidero, Bill Tillman (Blood, Sweat & Tears), Warren Sneed, Hugo Loewenstern Jr. (Tommy Dorsey), and a recorded performance at Carnegie Hall with clarinetist Eddie Daniels. Bart holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Performance from West Texas State University with post-graduate work at Southwest Texas State University. Founder of DrummerCafe.com, Bart is widely known as a top music educator and gifted teacher, appearing as a guest artist and clinician throughout the country.

Instrumentation

Karen Johns- Vocalist/Songwriter
James Johns- Guitarist
Kevin Sanders- Pianist
Brook Sutton- Upright Bassist
Bart Elliott- Drummer

Discography

CD Album: LUCKY DAY by Karen Johns; PtarmiganMusic/Jazz; Vital Force (ASCAP), 2006.
CD Album Due for Release in late 2007: SOUTHLAND SUMMER by Karen Johns & Company; PtarmiganMusic/Jazz; Vital Force (ASCAP).

Audio

• Lucky Day
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• All About Ronnie
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• Silver Fox Chalet
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Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Live interview with Ginny Kennedy on Morning Blend, WLRH Public Radio [+ Show ]
  

  “The songs Karen Johns writes are so poetic and narrative… it appears that she has added a few more ...“The songs Karen Johns writes are so poetic and narrative… it appears that she has added a few more pages to the book of jazz standards…” --Live interview with Ginny Kennedy on Morning Blend, WLRH Public Radio, Friday, June 1, 2007.

• Live Interview with Joe Cook, WJAB FM Radio [+ Show ]
  

  “When I first listened to Karen Johns’ CD, I was blown away! ... Now hearing this jazz recording art...“When I first listened to Karen Johns’ CD, I was blown away! ... Now hearing this jazz recording artist perform live in our studio, I realize her album Lucky Day, is just scratching the surface…”
  --Live, in-studio interview & performance with Joe Cook, WJAB 90.9 FM, Huntsville, Alabama, January 19, 2007 (full album feature, January 18, 2007).
  

• Jazz Vocalist- Feature Story, The City Paper [+ Show ]
  

  Jazz vocalist blends classical training, improvisational skills... “Johns’ flair with lyrics and ti...Jazz vocalist blends classical training, improvisational skills...
  “Johns’ flair with lyrics and timing is evident… Johns confidently delivers the melody and soars through elegant and energetic exchanges...”-- Interview with Ron Wynn, The City Paper, March 31, 2006.
  

• All That Jazz- Feature Story, Williamson Herald [+ Show ]
  

  “Jazz may have been the ‘poor man’s’ music, but when it comes to the music of Karen Johns, the jazz ...“Jazz may have been the ‘poor man’s’ music, but when it comes to the music of Karen Johns, the jazz is rich and all woman...”. Williamson Herald, Interview with Liz Baker, February 2, 2006.
  

• Johns to play songs from her debut jazz album... Feature Story, Tennessean [+ Show ]
  

  Johns to play songs from her debut jazz album this evening "...Johns writes songs that mirror origi...Johns to play songs from her debut jazz album this evening
  "...Johns writes songs that mirror original jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Louie Armstrong.” --The Tennessean, Williamson A.M., interview with Ashley Northington, February 3, 2006.
  

• Jazz fans, Friday could be your 'Lucky Day' -Huntsville Times [+ Show ]
  

  “Jazz fans, Friday could be your ‘Lucky Day’… The combo’s debut CD, “Lucky Day”, features standards ...“Jazz fans, Friday could be your ‘Lucky Day’… The combo’s debut CD, “Lucky Day”, features standards as well as originals co-written by Karen Johns and noted Nashville songwriters, and included performances by leading Nashville session players….” –The Huntsville Times, Thursday, May 31, 2007.
  
  

• "City Picks"- The City Paper [+ Show ]
  

  "Enjoy Nashville's smoothest vocals at Kimbro's Cafe' tonight, as Karen Johns & Company perform at 7..."Enjoy Nashville's smoothest vocals at Kimbro's Cafe' tonight, as Karen Johns & Company perform at 7:30 p.m."
  Friday, Aug. 11, 2006.

• Karen Johns- Williamson Herald [+ Show ]
  

  “Karen Johns’ smooth jazz sounds are in the tradition of giants like Ella and Louie, but with her ow...“Karen Johns’ smooth jazz sounds are in the tradition of giants like Ella and Louie, but with her own fresh twist.”
  Williamson Herald, January 26, 2006.
  

• CD Review by Ernie Durawa, Texas Tonados, Austin [+ Show ]
  

  “…with vocals from Karen that remind me of a young Ella Fitzgerald… fine horn arrangements… and one ...“…with vocals from Karen that remind me of a young Ella Fitzgerald… fine horn arrangements… and one tight rhythm section, then you have one of the best and rare jazz recordings to come out of Nashville”.
  CD Review by Ernie Durawa (Texas Tornados, Austin, Texas), January 6, 2006.
  

• Karen Johns & Company, Williamson County Fair [+ Show ]
  

  “Karen Johns & Company performs a smooth and sophisticated blend of jazz standards with a handful of...“Karen Johns & Company performs a smooth and sophisticated blend of jazz standards with a handful of standard style originals… though the group is based out of Nashville… they express that the jazz scene is alive and well.”
  Williamson County Fair, August 4, 2006.
  

Setlist

One, two, three or four 45 minute to 1 hour long sets of jazz standards with vocals and instrumental, inclusive of all standard jazz styles: swing, fox trot, tango, bossa nova, samba, cha cha, rumba, waltz, etc.

A Child Is Born, T. Jones.
A Fine Romance, Kern/Fields.
A Foggy Day, Gershwin.
Ain’t Misbehavin’, F. Waller.
Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone, B. Withers.
All About Ronnie, Joe Green.
All Of Me, Simons/Marks.
All the Way, Cahn/Van Heusen.
All the Things You Are, J. Kern.
Angel Eyes, Dennis/Brant.
Angels In the Snow, K. Johns/K. Sanders.
April In Paris, V. Duke.
At Last, Warren/Gordon
Autumn Leaves, J. Mercer.
Beyond the Sea, Lawrence/Trenet.
Blue Room, Rogers/Hart.
Blues In the Night, Arlen/Mercer.
Body and Soul, Green.
Boy From Ipanema, A.C. Jobim.
Carry Me Away, K. Johns/K. Sanders.
Charade, Mancini/Mercer.
China Town, K. Johns/K. Sanders
Come Rain or Come Shine, Mercer/Arlen.
Cordovado, A.C. Jobim.
Dancing In the Dark, Dietz/Schwartz.
Days of Wine and Roses, H. Mancini.
Desafinado, A.C. Jobim.
Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, Russell/Ellington..
Easy To Love, C. Porter.
Embraceable You, Gershwin.
Five O’clock Shadow, K. Johns/L. Mechem.
Georgia On My Mind, H. Carmichall.
God Bless the Child, B. Holliday/A. Heriog.
Golden Lady, S. Wonder.
Goldfinger, J. Berry.
Green Dolphin Street, Kaper/Washington.
Heaven, D. Ellington.
How High The Moon, Lewis/Hamilton.
How Long Has This Been Going On, Gershwin.
I Didn’t Know What Time It Was, Rodgers/Hart.
I Got Rhythm, Gershwin.
I Only Have Eyes For You, Warren/Dubin.
I Remember You, Mercer.
I’ve Got a Crush On You, Gershwin.
Johnny One Note, Rodgers/Hart. Lady Bird, Dameron/Cornfield.
Lavonne, K. Johns.
Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off, Gershwin.
Long Ago and Far Away, Kern/Gershwin.
Louisiana Fairytale, Parish/Gilsepie/Coots.
Lucky Day, K. Johns.
Mack The Knife, Weill/Butzstein.
Maiden Voyage, H. Hancock.
(This) Masquerade, L. Russell.
Meditation, A.C. Jobim.
Midnight Sun, Mercer.
Miss Otis Regrets, C. Porter.
Misty, Garner/Burke.
Mood Indigo, D. Ellington.
Moon Dance, V. Morrison.
My Funny Valentine, Rogers/Hart.
My Romance, Rodgers/Hart.
Night and Day, C. Porter.
Please Don’t Talk About M When I’m Gone, Clare/Stept/Palmer.
Precious Find, K. Johns/L. Mechem.
On a Clear Day, Lane/Lerner.
One For My Baby, Arlen/Mercer.
(The) Shadow of Your Smile, J. Mandel.
Silver Fox Chalet, K. Johns.
Skylark, Carmiechael/Mercer.
Some Day My Prince Will Come, Morey/Churchill.
Song for My Father, H. Silver.
Speak Low, Weill/Nash.
Southland Summer, K. Johns/K. Sanders.
Stars Fell On Alabama, Frank Perkins.
Stella By Starlight, Young/Washington.
Stollen Moments, O. Nelson.
Stormy Weather, Koehler/Arlen.
Summertime, Gershwin/Heyward.
Sunny, B. Hebb.
Sweetheart, K. Johns
Tell the Bride, K. Johns/J. Bolen.
Them There Eyes, Zinkard/Tracy/Tauber.
They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Gershwin/Gershwin.
Time On My Hands, Youmans/Gordon.
Triste, A.C. Jobim.
Unfinished Symphony, K. Johns/J. Kessler.
Until the Real Thing Comes Along, Holmer/Nichols/Cohn.
Wait Till You See Him, Rogers/Hart.
Watermelon Man, h. Hancock.
Wave, A.C. Jobim.
We’ll Be Together Again, Fischer/Laine.
When I Fall In Love, Heyman/Young.
Where or When, Rodgers/Hart.
While the Moon, K. Johns/K. Sanders
Wild Flower, W. Shorter.
Yesterday, Lennon/McCartney.
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, S. Wonder.
You Are Too Beautiful, Rodgers/Hart.
You Don’t Know What Love Is, Raye/DePaul.
You’re Everything, Corea/Potter.
You Stepped Out of a Dream, Kahn/Brown.

Basic Requirements

Calendar