KARA

Kara

Razz: The free improvisation of jazz married to the power and beauty of rock.

Separately, both Kara and Mark are forces to be reckoned with. Karas range, power and vocal diversity has dazzled audiences time and again while rightfully earning her the vote for "Best Female Rock Artist" in San Antonio. Mark's distinct and soulful arrangements are influenced by his work with such legends as Bill Evans, Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Together, 'KARA' encompasses two unique styles that bring a new flavor to modern music that is both refreshing and well-received.And get this, they've written over 75 songs together! There's no doubt their appropriately named album is a testament to the passion of these two incredible artists.

Once DubbeD "the New Metal Queen" and more recently "the Queen of Razz," Kara Stevens released her 2-disc album this summer entitled "Passion" with Mark Little, veteran pianist and composer twice grammy nominated. (No big deal, Right?)

"It’s hard to comb over every little detail when there is so much to describe on a two-in one release, but what’s not to enjoy here I don’t know. It’s a big plate of groovy from song to song, and they just keep going."
- Todd Bauer, Indie Band Guru

Tell us about your greatest influences.

My vocal inspirations range from Nancy Wilson, Diana Krall, Celine Dion, Pat Benatar, Annie Lennox, Linda Ronstadt, Janis Joplin and Karen Carpenter. The band KARA has been influenced by Jazz, Blues, Broadway and Rock.

How did "KARA" come to be?

I met Mark through Mark's brother, Ken, who taught me at UTSA for years. at the time, I was picking up piano on my own and wanted to take lessons. As soon as Mark Met me and heard me sing the ballad "Feels like Home" by Bonnie Raitt, Mark and I knew it was meant to be and we wanted to work and write together. We then built the Band KARA.

What is your songwriting process?

There are different ways songs come to be. One way, Mark comes up with a chord progression and I become inspired to write the melody and lyrics. Sometimes we will write lyrics together.

another way, I will write the whole song and then Mark will help with the harmonies while transcribing my melodies. Yet another way, Mark will write the song, melody and chords and I will add the lyrics. These are just a few ways our songwriting happens.

What instruments do each of you play and what are your favorite brands?

I sing, play piano and play guitar. I like to use a Blue mic or a Shure mic, Yamaha piano and Gretsch guitar.
Mark plays piano, organ and keyboards. He uses Yamaha pianos and a Hammond organ.

What is your 'dream gig'?

To play Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Las Vegas, etc. Also festivals, arenas, Coliseums, cruise ships, but most importantly we want to be at the "higher end" clubs and venues.