Karen Briggs
was born August 12, 1963, in Manhattan, New York to a family with a long-standing tradition
of musical interest and involvement. Her natural acumen on the violin
surfaced with her first lessons at the age of twelve. Since that time, she
has evolved into a master violinist of gospel, jazz, classical, pop, Latin
and New Age musical idioms. This diversity has allowed her to develop an
unmistakably identifiable and contemporary style that continues to
comprise itself of all of her musical encounters.
Briggs has performed internationally as a featured soloist in concerts and
venues ranging from the Harlem’s Apollo Theater to the Agra India’s
Taj Mahal. In 1994 she made her Carnegie Hall debut with noted pianist,
Dave Gruisin. The performance then entitled “Fiddlefest,” later became
the theme for the current motion picture, “Music of the Heart” in
which Briggs has a cameo appearance. Versatility has played a major role
in her accomplishment as a musician. She continues to be accepted and
celebrated for her fiery solo presentations in Salsa music. She has also
been called upon to record and /or to perform as a featured soloist with
such other notable artists and producers and Diano Ross and Arif Mardin,
Stanley Clarke, the Wu Tang Clan, Soul II Soul, En Vogue, Chaka Khan and
Juan Sebastian, among others.
Briggs’ influences are unique . . . especially for a violinist. Her
sound combines the rip and rock of Jimi Hendrix, the rich soulfulness of
Aretha Franklin, the bop and swing phrasing of Charlie Parker, embellished
with Latin rhythm, but delivered with respectable classical technique.
Briggs was catapulted into international recognition as the featured
artist on two world tours with Grammy-winning New Age Composer/Performer,
Yanni. The multi-platinum-selling video/CD presentation and PBS television
special of both “Yanni Live: At the Acropolis” in Athens, Greece, and
“Tribute” performed and televised at the Taj Mahal, Agra, India and in
the Forbidden City, China featured an array of international talent. Over
a period of nine years, Briggs was featured and interviewed as a solo
performer.
Currently, Briggs' second instrumental solo project is in production. She
continues to be in international demand for live concerts, guest artist
recordings and artist tours, demonstration lectures and for private
instruction. She and her family quietly reside in Maryland.