My passion for transforming iconic 80s songs into unexpected Jazz covers continues! This 1983 Men at Work classic was written by frontman, Colin Hay. He said that the song reflected his fear that he might be consumed by success, especially with regard to his tendency toward addiction and how he must avoid the pitfalls of fame. It also contains the lyric that inspired the title of my upcoming album, 'Especially at Night'! This is the first time I've featured a clarinet, and Ken Peplowski brings the fire to this track. Mel Torme quoted: “Since the advent of Benny Goodman, there have been too few clarinetists to fill the void that Goodman left. Ken Peplowski is most certainly one of those few. The man is magic.” I loved working with Ken, and am so grateful that he has graced this track with his passion and artistry. More about Ken here: https://www.kenpeplowski.com/
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Kari's Second Studio album
if (when you go) released on January 13, 2023
January 13, 2023 marked the release date for Kari's second studio album, 'if (when you go)'.
Collaborating once again with Shelly Berg, the duo assembled an all-star ensemble featuring the legendary Peter Erskine, Dean Parks, Kevin Axt, Brian Kilgore, with feature performances by Terell Stafford and Carlitos del Puerto.
Led by Kirkland’s intimate, honest vocal style, the unique arrangements encapsulate an essence of hope in this collection of contemporary songs including Sting’s Fragile, Coldplay’s Fix You, and Jeff Buckley’s Lover, You Should’ve Come Over.
Recorded at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Kari's vocals soar over a sonic landscape of pristinely recorded, masterful jazz musicianship, big-band-esque horn lines, lush string arrangements, and top tier production.
Kari Kirkland | Vocals, Co-production Shelly Berg | Keyboards, Arrangements, Co-production Peter Erskine | Drums Dean Parks | Guitar Brian Kilgore | Percussion Kevin Axt | Bass Terrel Stafford | Trumpet Carlitos del Puerto | Bass Jason Arkins | Saxophone David Mason | Saxophone Camilo Molina | Trumpet Michael Gutierrez | Trumpet Brandon Bryant | Trombone Budapest Scoring Orchestra | Strings
I'm a 90s chick to the core, and Duncan Sheik's music had a huge influence on me in my 20s. Co-arranging with Shelly Berg, the first time I played the original, his eyebrows raised, and I knew we had something rich in the works. I love covering songs originally recorded by men as it tends to give the lyrics a fresh meaning, and an unexpected sound. These lyrics MOVE me: "then you know there comes a time / you need her more than anything / you may believe yours are wounds that only she can heal". Here's hoping. xxx
‘California’ is the first single from my third studio album, ‘Especially at Night’. Written and recorded in 1971 by Joni Mitchell, the song is a love letter to her home (at the time), filled with a mix of wanderlust and longing for comfort, relationships, and connection. As a Canadian now living full time in the Golden State, I understand the pull of the sun, the sea, and the vibe more than ever. Working with Shelly Berg on the arrangement, I wanted to bring a blues-y, aching feel to the song, taking the feeling of homesickness straight to the forefront. Joining us in the studio once again was Peter Erskine, Kevin Axt, and Brian Kilgore (with that funky Cuíca!), as well as Anthony Wilson.