Williams has performed throughout the Caribbean,
the United States and South America. She began her musical career
by performing with reggae and calypso bands gaining valuable experience
while developing her vocal style and technique. During that time,
she and childhood friend, Lori Simons formed
the female reggae duo, "D’luxx."
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The group signed on with reggae label Flynn & Flynn
and quickly hit the reggae
charts with their second single, "Feelin’ Kinda
Lonely." The song, written and co-produced
by Williams, was featured on several reggae compilations. The group
fulfilled their childhood dream of recording together by following
up with a debut CD entitled "Mission
Accomplished." Williams has also shared the stage
with such reggae luminaries as The Wailers, Dennis
Brown, Shabba Ranks, Bares Hammond, Third World
and Sugar Minot.
After years on the reggae touring circuit,
Williams began exploring other musical genres. Realizing that diversity
was essential to her growth as a vocalist and an artist, she expanded
her repertoire and made the transition from reggae to
R&B and then, finally, to jazz. Her earliest jazz performances
were with the dynamic Latin jazz band “Espada.”
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After years of touring with the nine-piece band, Williams ventured
out and formed a smaller group for more intimate venues.
Her love of music eventually led her to the birthplace of jazz,
New Orleans, Louisiana, where she met the
single most influential person in her music career, pianist, Ellis
Marsalis. While at the University of New
Orleans [],
Marsalis encouraged Williams to pursue her interest in Brazilian
music. Williams went on to study Brazilian music and the Portuguese
language. Her love of Brazilian music inspired her to initiate
a music exchange program between the Universidade Federal da Bihia
and the University of New Orleans. While under the tutelage of
Marsalis, Williams spent two years singing with the University
Jazz Orchestra. To celebrate the music exchange program Williams,
Marsalis and the UNO Orchestra flew to Brazil to perform at a sold
out concert. Williams now incorporates a mix of Brazilian and jazz
music into her sets, creating a delightfully soothing atmosphere
for her audience. The number of notable
jazz artists with whom she has performed includes
Nicholas Payton [],
Roland Guerin, Jeremy Davenport, Ellis Marsalis
and
Harold Battiste. Williams’ self-titled
debut CD was released in the Spring of 2003.
As one of the newest additions to the eclectic
New Orleans music scene, Karin Williams adds yet another distinctive
spice to the Crescent City’s musical menu.
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