BIOGRAPHY She grew up listening to her mum playing classical and jazz pieces on the piano, and sometimes joined in and sang when they held jam sessions in the front room. Born in North London, England, her parents were both dancers and toured Europe with a dance troop before deciding to move to Trinidad when she was six years old. As a child she spent hours listening to soul, jazz and funk records, and adored artists like, Carol King, Karen Carpenter, and Stevie Wonder. She also sang in school choirs and later on in church as a soloist. After completing A’levels in Math and Physics she headed back to London where she later completed a degree in Commercial Music at the University of Westminster. Karen sang both in church and in jazz clubs, before teaming up with Italian producers Souled Out, with whom she co-wrote a track called “Troubled Girl’ and secured a contract with Manifesto Records. Karen also recorded a Spanish version of ‘Troubled Girl’ which went on to be included on volume 5 of the famous ‘Café del Mar’ compilation and later on, ‘The Best of Café’ del Mar’. The Italian team also produced her debut album, ‘Distant Dreams’, which received a favourable critical reception when it was released in Summer 1998. ‘Looking For Love’ the first single from the album was an infectious piece of feelgood pop and reached number 7 in the UK singles chart. Three other singles, “Lies”, “Trouble Girl” and “If we try” were released and all topped the UK dance charts, with remixes by Masters at work, Dave Sears and Boris Duglosh. In October/ November of 1998 Karen supported the “Lighthouse Family” on their European tour. She played in cities like Munich, Copenhagen, Vienna, Madrid and London Wembley Arena. Karen and her band also opened for James Brown at The Point in Dublin and performed in various festivals in the UK. ‘Distant Dreams Live highlights the excellent vibe that Karen and band experienced while on tour with the Lighthouse Family in 1999. It features the hit songs ‘Looking For Love’, ‘Lies’, ‘Troubled Girl’ and ‘If We Try’. Thomas Lang’s excellent drumming brings new energy and excitement to the album, along with the amazing playing of Tony Remy on guitar, Jingles on bass , Michael Martin on Keyboards and Donald Gamble on percussion.