About Karen Gold

In the beginning…

Karen Gold grew up in Toronto, the youngest child in a musically diverse family. In her early teens, she performed at the Stratford Festival Theatre in a concert with Perth County Conspiracy. Her next job was in the National Rock Opera Company production of Jesus Christ Superstar, under the musical direction of Bill King. Continuing with stage work, Karen had a feature role in the Salome Bey musical, Sweetmama at the Leah Posluns Theatre.

Touring…

Karen joined a “top forty” band called Network. They travelled all over Ontario, playing four sets a night. During the day, Karen started writing her own songs and eventually decided to go it alone. After performing original songs in folk clubs for about a year, accompanying herself on guitar, Karen hooked up with pianist/singer/songwriter, David-Paul Erhart. The duo played extensively in cafés and concerts, and appeared on numerous radio and television shows. At one point, they expanded to a trio called Kadabra, adding vocalist Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, now artistic director and conductor of the Nathaniel Dett Chorale. At times, bass player, David Piltch (kd lang, Holly Cole) joined the group as well. Karen received an invitation to become the third member of the trio, Palais Royale, alongside jazz guitarist/composer, Tony Quarrington, and bass player/singer/songwriter, Allan Soberman. They performed a wide range of material from the ‘40s and ‘50s, including jazz standards, through country classics, to romantic ballads.

Recording…

Throughout the years, Karen often worked as a session singer for commercial jingles as well as on albums by other local musicians, such as Tony Quarrington, Quarrington Worthy, Graeme Card (of Humphrey and the Dumptrucks, and The Chattering Class) and Peter Foldy. On some of these sessions, Karen had the opportunity of working with renowned producer, Daniel Lanois. Karen also did some lead vocals on a children’s album, The Children’s Corner, including a duet with Shirley Eikhard. An indie label, Qwurke Records, released Karen’s self-penned single, Tell It To My Face, which received national airplay.

A new beginning…

During the past two years, Karen wrote and recorded her debut solo album, Damsel in Distress, available Sept. 8, 2008 on Refrain Records. On this album, Karen sings about a covert romance (Rendezvous); an attempted “break and enter” (Unlock Your Heart); toughing it out in the “big city” (Damsel In Distress); procrastination (Too Tired); living an unconventional life (Night Owl); an unusual friend and confidante (Java Joe); taking a risk for love (In Love’s Favour); escaping from life’s stresses (Tranquility); counting on a shady character (Love By Numbers); and a clandestine affaire (Nos rendez-vous cachés) with lyrics by David-Paul Erhart.