This is my first time getting to hear Taranaki Blues performer Karen Clarke, and I can safely say that we have yet another act to add to the freakishly high number of top tier acts coming from the ‘Naki region.

Her new single Bruised And Wondering is a powerhouse release, a definitive statement of intent. You will listen to her! The EPK mentions the track’s blues/jazz combination engendering visions of a back-stage affair between Amy Winehouse and Bo Diddley. Hah, I like that. I see where the analogy comes from with this one, too.

Produced by Kiwi Blues legend Darren Watson in his Wellington based Lamington Studios, Karen has got the man to play his geetars on the track too. Mike Gibson at Kapiti’s Munki Studio mastered. Darren adds some Doo Wop style BVs which add some really neat 50’s-esque retro vocal beats to the overall blend. He’s not singing “doo wop” though, he’s singing words. It ain’t actually 1957.

Anyway, onto the performer I’m here to review. Karen Clarke has a stunning mezzo-soprano vocal. Rich and honeyed, she can bring forth sounds from the depths of her soul, trust me! It was the vocal performance that I found the highlight of a song full of highlights. She can sure as hell hold a tune!

The song is, as mentioned above, a kinda blues/jazz blend. The melody feels jazzy to me, and it suits the orchestration and composition that backs it. It’s got a viper’s snap to it. It’s not sugary. It sure as hell jams though. Beneath the great vocal performance, Darren has set up his guitar work and a really impressive bottom end. The bass performance is ripping through it, and the drumming is on point and no BS.

This one has a really cool vid too. The You Tube link is live so pop in and have a nosie. It’s got a retro montage of shots with Karen performing throughout, blending in and out of shot smoothly and neatly. The montage feels like a homage to the idyllic vision of 1950s USA life from the visual advertisement world aimed at the females of the time; which is an intriguing juxtaposition to the empowerment message to the lyrics. Go have a look – it’s really enjoyable, works well and prompts you to think.

What a strong release. I can imagine how powerful Karen‘s vocal is live, so I hope she’ll be round this neck of the woods soon. Based on this single, and the performance alone, I am convinced in her touring chops.

Get into it, you Blues and Jazz cats. You will listen to Karen Clarke Blues Woman. I did, and I’m a convert.