Engaging her audiences with vibrant vocals that range from quiet vulnerability to soul-tinged power, jazz vocalist Karla Harris has earned a reputation for delivering melodies with a sincere zest and spirit, capturing listeners with expressive vocals that breathe skill and heartfelt nuance.

Karla's career began in her hometown of St. Louis at an early age, singing alongside one of the Midwest’s most revered jazz singers, Jeanne Trevor. It wasn’t long before Karla was sharing the limelight, performing with many of the area’s best instrumentalists. Her strong, wide-ranged vocals and compelling stage presence quickly captured musicians and listeners alike, and established her as one of the area’s most lively performers, one who delivers a song with warmth and spirit uniquely hers.

Working as a session artist over the years, Karla has provided lead and background vocals for soundtracks, music videos, educational and inspirational products, multimedia presentations and documentaries. Throughout her career her reputation has grown, bringing her voice to premier venues on the west coast and in the Midwest where she shares the stage with top musicians.

In 2004, Karla was invited to team with Tom Kennedy, an internationally acclaimed jazz bassist known for his work with such jazz greats as Rosemary Clooney, Freddie Hubbard and Dave Weckl. With Tom’s quartet, Karla once again delved more deeply into her jazz beginnings. The collaboration moved from stage to studio when the two recorded “Twice as Nice,” a CD featuring popular melodies from several favorite composers of jazz and pop standards. Of the recording, Jazz Scene by the Jazz Society of Oregon writes, “Always respectful of her American Songbook choices, Harris has superb intonation and a somewhat contemporary, yet appealing approach to the songs.”

Karla resides on the west coast where she performs regularly, including featured work at festivals and revues, weaving an entrancing tapestry of standards and soul. Regarding her show, Clubscene magazine writes, “Karla Harris engages the audience and makes us happy to be sharing the evening with her,” and“Powering from somewhere out of the Midwest came Karla Harris to thrill us… She tends to take the stage by storm and doesn't let go till it's all over.”