A REVIEW FOR 'T.V. WEEK MAGAZINE' FEBRUARY, 2009 - FOR DEBUT ALBUM KAREN LARSON'S DEBUT ALBUM "FIRE AND ICE
Local chanteuse with a rapturous voice and beautifully crafted country-tinged songs. Shawn Colvin and Emmylou Harris spring to mind, especially given the crisp, uncluttered production and deeply personal lyrics. Mercifully free of annoying samples, ersatz twang and “the Nashville Sound.” Authentic Canadiana played on instruments of wood and steel. Download this: “Blue” (Independent) FOUR STARS.
Having released her debut album "Fire and Ice" showcasing some of Vancouver's finest musicians, Eric Reed, Geoff Hicks, Rob Becker, Pat Covernton and with a second album on the way, Karen has been proving herself to be an incredibly honest, talented and hardworking artist.. Her soulful vocals and songs move seamlessly between rootsy country-tinged pop and smoldering jazzy blues. A talented songwriter that digs deep for her lyrics and turns the personal into universal. Larson's honesty translates well. Her performance resume ranges from festivals all the way to Manitoba and back, countless invitations to "songwriters showcases", a yearly invitation to perform at the Vancouver Jazz Fest, Douglas College Theatre, Vancouver's beautiful St.James Hall. Karen organized, hosted and performed with a list of many other local artists for a 20 week concert series for the Vancouver Food Bank.