karen Blixt/The Dynamite New CD "Spin This"

CD: SPIN THIS

With all of the busy things on my agenda, it's taken me a moment to sit and review this new CD "Spin This" by Karen Blixt. What became immediately apparent, is that an extraordinary talent is on the verge of major discovery.

Being from Ohio, I spent a great deal of time in the woodland areas watching nature march in step with the Universal Concourse. In time, one becomes aware of balance and how it plays out in every expression of life. Karen is extremely balanced at the onset in her phrasing and rhythmic awareness. Her voice is crisp, pure, and well defined. In fact, it appears to be her own! Someone wise once admonished, "Study the Masters--and then consistently avoid them." Karen Blixt (whether consciously or subconsciously), has taken that piece of advice to heart.

The debut CD "Spin This" is flawless. Ten years in the making says a lot about the patience of an artist. Of course, the journey begins far earlier. Growing up in upstate New York undoubtedly gave Karen a New York "state of mind" where she frequently performed in church growing up. In her mid-twenties, a move to California and a supportive Berkeley environment, gave Karen the initial exposure necessary for her sense of directional development. She's been non stop ever since.

Her collaboration with Frank Martin (pianist, arranger, producer), and the first class ensemble consisting of Joey DeFrancesco, Paul McCandless, Russell, Ferrante, Alex Acuna, and Buddy Montgomery is a tour-de-force.

Where do these cats hide out at night?!

Karen Blixt is a beautiful blossom on the horizon of jazz--and one we'll all want to support and follow.