Jazz Vocalist
Karen Gray is a Washington DC-based jazz vocalist whose love of the repertoire is evident in her sensitive and expressive interpretation. She's a big fan of the work of Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Cy Coleman, and her favorite lyricist, Johnny Mercer.
Karen's area performance resume includes: The Kennedy Center, The Smithsonian Jazz Cafe, Adams Morgan Day, the DC Jazz Festival, The Shepherdstown Opera House, Alice's Jazz and Cultural Society, and literally 1000s more club dates and private events.
Among other venues, Karen has been singing Fridays for over 20 years at Sala Thai restaurant in Bethesda, Maryland.
“Some of my favorite singers: Carmen McRae, Chris Connor, Peggy Lee, Nancy Wilson, Frank Sinatra. But there are so many!”
Karen at Sala Thai Bethesda with Eric Harper and Aleks Izotov
Something To Live For
Karen’s CD Something To Live For was recorded at Systems II in Brooklyn, was mixed and mastered with Gantt Kusher of Gizmo Studio, Silver Spring, Maryland, and produced by Jonathan Kutler. It features vocalist Karen Gray with pianist Don Friedman, saxophonist Lew Tabackin, bassist Phil Palombi, drummer Tony Jefferson.
Just About Everything
Karen’s CD Just About Everything features pianist Wayne Wilentz, guitarist Donato Soviero, bassist Tommy Cecil, drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd, saxophonist Lyle Link, and percussionist Roberto Berimbau.
In Good Company
Karen’s CD In Good Company, features guitarist Steve Herberman, pianist Wayne Wilentz, vibraphonist and drummer Pete Chauvette, bassist Hugh Johnson, and bassist Bhagwan Khalsa.
Karen at Brookside Gardens with Todd Simon, Tommy Cecil and Dominic Smith.
Around town
Karen has been featured on many of the Washington area's most exciting stages and at events including:
The Smithsonian Jazz Cafe
The Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage
The Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
The Adams Morgan Day Festival
Alice’s Jazz and Cultural Society (“AJACS”)
The Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
The Smithsonian American Art Museum's Steinway Concert Series
The Smithsonian American Art Museum's "Take-Five" Series
The Silver Spring Jazz Festival
The Shepherdstown Opera House
Mr Henry’s
A tiptop vocalist! —Washingtonian
