Karen began playing the accordion by chance at the age of seven. Later she learnt to play clarinet and saxophone and consequently has had an unusual career encompassing many different genres. She was drawn back to the accordion and particularly to jazz when she was invited to join Make Westbrook’s big band.
Other jazz credits include Tim Garland’s Lammas, the Phil Robson Octet, Steve Arguelles, Tina May, Nikki Iles and Martin Taylor’s ‘Spirit of Django’ with Guy Barker’s jazz orchestra . A recent highlight was playing at Ronnie Scotts in Maria Schneider’s Big Band.
Karen’s debut CD “Finally a beginning”was released 2001 and received great reviews. Her reputation as a jazz accordionist and composer was firmly establishes with ‘Accordion Crimes’ her second CD, inspired by the book of the same name by E.Annie Proulx. Joining her on this album is Stan Sulzmann, Fred T Baker and Mike Outram. Karen’s third CD ‘Another Story’ was released in November 2008. A fourth album “Unfurled” under the name of, Streetworks featured Mike Outram, guitar, Will Harris, bass and Andy Tweed on saxophone.
She also has a Tango band, Carismàtico and a jazz quartet called L’esprit du Jazz.
“Street proves herself to be a thoughtful but vigorous soloist, intelligently exploiting the considerable textural possibilities of the instrument with great aplomb'”-Chris Parker
The combination of Karen Street’s lyrical compositions with her responsive and unique accordion playing is classy, spritely stuff.
Fiona Ord-Shrimpton June 12, 2015 all about jazz
Musicians who have given the accordion a genuine voice are rare, but Karen Street is undoubtedly among them. – Jazz UK
Together with her first CD Finally …..a beginning, Accordion Crimes cements Karen’s standing as one of the most evocative and dexterous accordionists in the country. Folk jazz at its unique best.
Jazz UK
Link to Band Camp
https://karenstreet.bandcamp.com/
Chesterfield Jazz Club 