04/03/2004 Web Reviewer

'Once in a Lifetime' features Lanes refreshing revamps to classics such as 'Lullaby of Birdland', 'Love Me or Leave Me' and 'Devil May Care'. These arrangements, driven by groove or counterpoint within the rhythm section, reflect Lane's soulful heritage, while her undulating and evocative vocals blend traditional resonance and phrasing with decidedly modern inflections.

10/07/0004 Sue Anderson - Swindon

Review: Karen Lane - LIVE @ The Kings SwindonMichael Parkinson is developing a reputation as a talent scout for jazz stars in the making, and his latest find, young Aussie singer Karen Lane, demonstrated her prowess with a classy performance for Swindon Jazz Society at the Kings in Old Town. She's promoting her new album, Taste, a showcase of Bossa Nova and Samba, and the Latin beat pervaded almost every number, from Jobim's bossa nova, Meditation, with which she opened proceedings, to the encore, a delicious slow tempo ballad called Caramel. She has a remarkably adaptable voice. No sooner had I categorised it as crystal clear, for it to turn breathy and sensual. It sounded cool and sophisticated, only to develop a thin, haunting quality, remini-scent of Billie Holliday, on the mournful I'm a Fool to Want You. Guitarist Leon Stenning's Spanish style runs and blocked chords underlined the Latin feel. He and bass player Andy Hamill left the rhythm to drummer Nic France while they were showcased. By Sue Anderson