Karen Hammack is a native Californian and a second generation musician. Her father, Bobby Hammack, was a studio pianist and arranger so Karen’s talents came by her naturally.
Karen discovered blues piano at 14 which led her to the world of jazz, gospel, funk, soul, rock, pop and the singer-songwriter. “When I was growing up I was so lucky to be able to play every kind of music with great, great players. Because of those experiences there were and are so many diverse opportunities which is great because I really love doing it all.”
Karen has performed and recorded with Michael McDonald, Bill Frisell, Greg Leisz, Jackson Brown, Perla Batalla, Niki Haris, Tierney Sutton, Kate McGarry, Eric Marienthal, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Julie Christensen to name a few.
Having all these influences, Karen began writing in a highly intimate and personal style which has become her latest recording “My Beating Heart” of which Tierney Sutton said “This is the most true and sincere singing and writing I have heard, maybe ever….but at the very least, in a very, very long time.”
Karen is already hard at work on several new projects and continues to compose, arrange, perform, teach and record.
Selected discography
Karen Hammack- “My Beating Heart”
Karen Hammack/Paul Kreibich Quartet- “Lonesome Tree”
Above The Clouds- “Above The Clouds”
Kate McGarry- “Show Me”
Perla Batalla- “Discoteca Batalla”, “We Three Kings”, “Bird On The Wire”
Cris Barber- “Comes Love”, “This Moment To Be Free”
Julie Christensen- “Something Familiar”, “Soul Driver”, “Love Is Driving”, “Where The Fireworks Are”
Judy Akin- “More Than You Know”