Karen Mantler, born on April 25, 1966, in New York City, is an American jazz pianist, singer, and composer. Her musical journey is not only remarkable but also rich in family heritage, being the daughter of the renowned musicians Carla Bley and Michael Mantler.
From a tender age, Karen’s musical talents shone through as she made her debut at just four years old by contributing vocals to her mother’s album “Escalator Over the Hill” in 1971. Her early exposure to music set the stage for her subsequent career. She went on to lend her musical prowess to Carla Bley’s “Tropic Appetites” in 1974, showcasing her multifaceted abilities.
As the years rolled on, Karen continued to expand her repertoire, demonstrating her versatility by playing glockenspiel, organ, and chromatic harmonica in various ensembles and projects under her mother’s guidance, starting from 1977 and continuing to the present day.
Karen’s commitment to her craft led her to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where she pursued her passion with dedication. She received a scholarship to support her studies from 1985 to 1987, further enhancing her musical prowess.
In 1987, she returned to New York City, where she took her musical destiny into her own hands. Here, she formed her ensemble and embarked on the journey to create her distinct sound. Her dedication culminated in the release of her first two albums, “My Cat Arnold” in 1989 and “Karen Mantler and Her Cat Arnold Get the Flu” in 1990, both under the XtraWATT record label, which is distributed by ECM Records.
Karen Mantler’s musical journey didn’t stop at recording albums. She ventured on tours across Europe and the United States, capturing the hearts of music enthusiasts. Her performances included notable appearances on David Sanborn’s “Night Music” television show and at the prestigious Montreal International Jazz Festival in 1991.
Over the years, Karen has continued to shape her music and her identity as a composer, leading to the creation of two more albums, “Farewell” (XtraWATT, 1996) and “Pet Project” (Virgin Classics, 2000). Her collaboration with Robert Wyatt on his album “Cuckooland” in 2003 further cemented her role as a multi-talented musician.
Karen Mantler’s career has been marked by collaborations with a diverse array of musicians, including Steve Swallow, Motohiko Hino, Michael Mantler, Terry Adams, Robbie Dupree, Artie Traum, Peter Blegvad, John Greaves, Chris Cutler, Dagmar Krause, Annie Whitehead, Anton Fier’s band The Golden Palominos, and Tony Scherr. Her presence has also graced Hal Willner productions.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Karen Mantler has showcased her artistic abilities in her role as the designer of every WATT and XtraWATT CD cover and booklet since 2003, adding another layer to her artistic portfolio.
Karen Mantler’s journey in the world of music has been an incredible one, marked by her innovation, creativity, and dedication. In recent years, she has been working with her trio featuring bassist Kato Hideki and multi-instrumentalist Doug Wieselman. Her fifth recording as a leader, “Business Is Bad,” was released in June 2014 under XtraWATT/14, adding another milestone to her successful career.
Through her unique musical contributions, Karen Mantler has become a prominent figure in the world of jazz and composition, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Her legacy as a gifted composer, singer, and pianist continues to inspire music enthusiasts around the world.