Jennifer Warnes -
Patsy Cline -
Hank Williams -
George and Ira Gershwin -
Rogers and Hart -
Cole Porter -
Andy Razaf and Fats Waller -
Nanci Griffith -
Henri Dès -
k.d. lang -
Merle Haggard -
Lyle Lovett -
Lucinda Williams -
my kids -
Asleep at the Wheel -
Dwight Yoakam -
Kelly Willis -
Alison Kraus -
Leonard Cohen
My childhood disdain for country music was turned upside down in 1989 when I moved from Montreal to Texas. With hurtin’ songs, Western swing, and Honky Tonk filling the airwaves, I couldn’t help loving the stuff and writing some of my own. When my first baby was born, a whole new musical interest was born as well. I vividly remember that sweaty June day when I paced my Dallas driveway, squalling baby in my arms, and wrote my first kids’ song, 'Baby’s in a Slump.' (Mom was in a bit of a slump too.) The boys and I have been back in Montreal for 15 years now, that first baby is 17 now and his younger brother is 14. I’ve written a lot of songs – kids’ stuff, country, blues, and pop – in the intervening years. __________________________________________________________________
In May 2008 I released my debut CD, 'Can’t Help But Love You, Baby'. It’s a 2009 Parent’s Choice Award Winner! Here’s what Parent’s Choice says about my CD: ''Karen Potje's appealing new release sparkles with sophisticated vocal stylings and a dash of quirky humor -- "Look Before You Eat," "Let's Give the Baby a Bath," "Better Keep Your Shoes On" ("they will keep your tootsies neat/that way you'll be sure your toes stay fastened to your feet") -- reminiscent at times of Jessica Harper's melodic and lyrical prowess. '' I’m backed by a group of terrific Montreal jazz men: Jordan Officer on guitar, Josh Lebofsky on piano, Phil Hornsey on percussion, Alex Kehler on violin, and Rob Fahie on stand-up bass. Singers Avery Gietz and Seán Dagher provide fabulous jazz doo-wops and shoobie-doos. The feel is country/jazz, with just a little bit of rock and roll and cha-cha thrown in for fun. __________________________________________________________________
Since the CD release I’ve given a series of concerts for kids and parents in Montreal and in my home town of Kitchener, Ontario. I’ll continue to perform for children but I’m also beginning a series of "grown-up" shows. I’ll sing bar-stompin’ country, blue-grass, blues and Texas swing – all originals (unless I can’t resist performing a Hank Williams song or two) - with guitarist Dan Kelly and bass player (and veteran of the Montreal country and blue-grass scene) John (Sam) Samborsky.
Thanks Karen, Good to hear from you. I have to tell you, my nephew, Sam, absolutely LOVES your CD. My sister-in-law says he goes nuts for it whenever they put it on. You're pleasing the harshest critics, :)
Ne manquez pas le spectacle Impressions Humaines de Sébastien Lacombe le 6 mars prochain à la Boite à chansons de l'Assomption. La salle est située au 255 rue St-Étienne. Vous pouvez vous procurer dès maintenant vos billets au Théâtre Hector-Charland situé au 225 boul. de l'Ange-Gardien ou en téléphonant au (450) 589-9198 Poste 5.
Hey Karen,
Love the new songs! 'Bunnies on my PJ's' is priceless, and 'I wrote it down' is a real bar stompin', patsy cline, kick-ass tune. Way to go. And kudos to both soloists in your band.
Looking forward to the next ones!
I would have been first......if she hadn't accidentally deleted my profile !!! (....accidental my foot....!!! I still think she did it deliberately....!!!)
Wow - I'm your first friend, and your first comment! What an honour.
Welcome to myspace - hope all is well chez vous. Coming back to Humber again this year??
Online Now!
