Karen Manion: Press-Acclaim

"Young local jazz songstress Karen Manion impresses with the light vocal touch displayed on her new debut CD, Yours In Song. She covers such standards as "Comes Love," and "I'll Never Fall In Love Again," and includes a cool take on "Theme From Spiderman." She's given fine accompaniment by the likes of Jake Langley, Denis Keldie and producer/bassist Mauro Bellotto. Check out www.karenmanion.com"

Kerry Doole, On the Beat, New Jazz Series, Tandem News - Canada's News, Arts & Sports Paper - 1st CD Review

"Is there something in the Toronto water that's producing so many young female jazz singers these days? One of the more interesting newcomers is Karen Manion, who debuts in this nine-track, self-produced CD. While playing the CD, I found an intriguing good girl, bad girl thing going on. Manion is both innocent and sexy, cool and sultry. On 'I'll Never Fall in Love Again' the singer's both chirpy and melancholy, as if she knows that the proclamation of independence from romance is an empty one. Same thing with 'Deed I Do: She may be singing "Do I love you? My my, do I! Honey, 'deed I do!" but it sounds as if the singer is trying to convince herself it's true. Manion can make Whatever Lola Wants (from Damn Yankees) sound like the pact with the devil it is, while her version of Spiderman reveals the sex beneath the costumed skin. A very promising debut; it'll be interesting to see where Manion goes from here."

Martin Levin, in an article titled "Northern Divas", The Women's Post, Canada's National Newpaper for Professional Women - 1st CD Review

"And to think that because of some silly heart condition of mine,I might have deprived myself a shot at reviewing the towering talents of our northern neighbor. Canada's own jazz chanteuse Karen Manion. A true master of our beloved American Songbook, Karen brings individuality to the pop-jazz vocal style, polishing her phrasing to perfection, while at the same time delivering a vocal knockout punch to us her listeners! Karen and her fine quintet are worth searching out for their challenging song choices,ingenious musical interplay, and last, the highest standard of performance."

George W. Carroll, The Musicians' Ombudsman, ejazznews & Jazz Promo, 1st CD Review

"Having live jazz music at our wedding reception was very important to my husband and I. We wanted the music to create a warm ambiance, that complimented the guests' socializing. Karen Manion Jazz were the perfect choice. From planning to performance, Karen had it all under control. And her performance was outstanding, without taking anything away from the bride and and groom. The guests loved it and we continue to receive compliments about the great music. Thanks Karen Manion Jazz, for being a part of our very special day."

Liz MacLeod, Happy Bride, Toronto, Canada

"Beauty, Brilliance and Talent!"

Danie Cortese, President & CEO, Danie Cortese Entertainment Inc., Toronto, Canada

"Thanks Karen. You were awesome, and definitely surpassed expectations! Great music!"

Sunny Yik, Relationship Manager, Capital One, Toronto, Canada

"It was a pleasure having you and the band included at our special day! I look forward to us being able to enjoy the sounds of youand the group again soon!"

Joanne Moody & David Deys, August Bride & Groom, Toronto, Canada

"Thanks so much again Karen. You were lovely! I've had a lot of great comments about your performance. The music was fabulous!"

Gina Fotopoulos, Account Assistant, Doner Canada Advertising

"Karen Manion and Company were professional, and their music set the stage for a wonderful fundraising event for Second Harvest. Karen's voice wrapped itself around our guests, and created a lovely ambience for the evening."

Abbey Robbins, Communications Manager, Second Harvest, Toronto, Canada

"Thank you soooooo much for playing at our wedding reception. I had so many compliments on your music and everyone said you were fabulous. Summertime was mentioned time and time again by our guests. I even had comments from two neighbours that were home! Thanks again."

(Mrs) Sue Fischer, Happy Bride, Toronto, Canada

"Karen Manion Jazz was such an enjoyable part of our function. What a fun way to inject life and energy into the party!! This dynamic group was definitely a crowd pleaser. Karen and her team have an amazing sound, but are also very professional and a pleasure to work with. I look forward to inviting Karen to perform at future events."

Sarah Neilson, ICI Colour Studio, Toronto, Canada

"Hi Karen! We just got back from the honeymoon (late) last night! I'm still getting compliments on the music from guests - you guys were definitely a hit! As for my family, I think the "bossa nova Macarena" dance move is going to be something of a trend at weddings from now on. We had a great time and wholeheartedly agree that you played a great set, and with poise to boot! You guys are the best! Thanks again for everything!"

Bevin Shores & Derek Pavlakovich, Toronto, Canada

"You were born to be a Star!! Thank you for the mention in a well appointed article. You have been a pleasure to work with and deserve your success. You have done a great job for us, and we would love to have you back again in the future. Please feel free to stop in and see us when ever you are in the Falls."

Alex Fraser, Manager Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe, Niagara Falls, Canada

"First I must say your performance made the evening. I (along with everybody else) was absolutely blown away with your stage presence and style. I have received glowing praise from all who attended, so thanks for making me look so good ;) The night would have not been complete without you! Thanks again. You were spectacular."

Derek de Luis, Sales and Marketing Manager, Jolera, Toronto, Canada

"Thank you for your fantastic talents on our special day! We all enjoyed it very much!"

Barbara Kapuscinski, Happy Bride, Toronto, Canada

"The client LOVED you at the CN Tower! Thanks again!"

Jay Bradley Knudsen, red dedicated event representatives, Toronto, Canada

"Karen, thank you very much for the everything! You were wonderful and the guests really enjoyed your music."

Natasha Oliveira, Communique, Toronto, Canada

"Hi Karen. I just wanted to let you know how wonderful you all were...the music really set the stage for the evening...and you all were such pros at making the music flow perfectly. Thank you to you, to the band for everything!"

Stephanie Briskin Happy Bride, Toronto, Canada

"Thanks Karen, it was the perfect touch for a great evening."

Liz Chisholm, Executive Assistant, Enns Partners Inc., Toronto, Canada

"Karen, your group was TERRIFIC! Lots of positive feedback from the guests. We can't wait to have another event so we can have you back to entertain. Thanks so much for all your hard work!"

Frank & Milli Richmond, Toronto, Canada

"I had a great time... What a band! Be in touch to book your next performance."

Lothar Lang, Owner/Operator, The (legendary and now defunct) Montreal Bistro, Toronto, Canada

"Hey Karen, Congrats on a fantastic performance at the Montreal Bistro! You & the guys were really wonderful. I hope the recording sounded good & that you were happy with the outcome. You should be! Val & I enjoyed it a lot. See you soon. xoxo"  

Jay Bradley Knudsen, red - dedicated event representatives, Toronto, Canada

"Karen and her jazz band not only sound amazing, but her ability to connect with the crowd is heartwarming. Guests feel like they are personally serenaded! Not only do they play great music, but Karen's great self-promotion filled my cafe every time she played!" 

Lisa Shamai Cuisiniere, Toronto, Canada