Bent Horseshoe presents Karen Clarke and Krissy Jackson

Taranaki-based blues woman Karen Clarke and fiddler Krissy Jackson are performing in Palmerston North this Saturday night.

“We have been working on getting Karen here for a while now so I’m delighted that locals will finally get a chance to enjoy her powerhouse mahogany vocals – she’s got a great voice and very warm on stage presence” says promoter Steve Tolley. “Karen was born in Palmerston North, and raised in Tokomaru, so it’s something of a homecoming gig for her. She writes some great songs too. She released her second album of original material last year which was co-produced by Andrew London and features some heavyweights from the Wellington music scene like Wayne Mason on keys, and guitarists Nick Granville and John O’Conner and Andrew too so she’s in good company”.

“Karen is bringing talented fiddler Krissy Jackson with her. Krissy’s impressive improvisation skills never fail to enchant her audiences up and down the country. Together these two women bring some serious on stage muscle and sass. It’s a magic combination.”

The gig will feature an upbeat selection of originals and up-cycled favourites spanning alt-country, blues and jazz flavours with Karen playing a range of 3 and 6 string guitars. Audiences will be treated to soaring melodies from one of New Zealand’s finest fiddlers, driving rhythms, close harmony and affable on-stage banter.

“Another highlight will be a cameo appearance by Ashhurst-based musician Grant Stevenson on harmonica, or blues harp as its often called. That will get even more on-stage jam sparks flying. Actually I’m not sure I should have mentioned that. I think it was meant to be a surprise on the night”.