Karen Street

On the UK Jazz scene Karen has created a niche for herself on the accordion. She is a regular member of Mike Westbrook’s projects, has worked with Tim Garland, Phil Robson, Steve Arguelles, Tina May, Nikki Iles and Martin Taylor’s Spirit of Django’ and Guy Barker’s jazz orchestra.

Now a freelance musician, Karen also plays saxophone and her skills enable a diverse career encompassing classical, contemporary and jazz music.

Karen was a member of the all-girl saxophone quartet ‘The Fairer Sax’ who appeared all over the World. This led to a commission from Boosey & Hawkes to write educational music for the Saxophone.  Her jazz quartet is Streetworks and she recently formed a Tango ensemble, Càrismatico.

Karen’s debut CD titled ‘Finally a beginning’ consisting of original compositions, cemented her reputation, with her second CD ‘Accordion Crimes’ featuring Stan Sulzman, Fred T. Baker and Mike Outram.

As a classical player Karen has worked with Welsh National Opera, Ballet Rambert, Opera North BBC Philharmonic, the RPO, the LSO, the Matrix Ensemble, Chroma ensemble, Glyndbourne Opera, Royal Opera House and Royal Shakespeare Company. Other credits include Grace Jones, Ute Lemper, Andrea Bocelli and the Strictly Come Dancing touring band.  A highlight was playing at Ronnie Scott’s in Maria Schneider’s Big Band.

Karen also has publications with June Emerson and Saxtet Publications while her compositions often appear on exam syllabuses in the UK.  Karen studied music at Bath University, Welsh College of Music & Drama and Guildhall School of Music.