Excited to see you!

Best,


Will

P.S. Any questions? Call or text Will at 512-775-2371

Will Taylor has a musical proposition for you -- a playful, dignified, off-kilter idea that brings honor to Austin's identity as "The Live Music Capital of the World." It's a cool concept. But it's just a bit . . . different.

Imagine what might happen, suggests Taylor, if we took Austin's most popular singer-songwriters -- Abra Moore, or Jimmy LaFave, or Patrice Pike, or Ray Wylie Hubbard -- and let them perform, live, in a church? Then imagine if you paired those artists with acoustic "chamber" instruments -- cello, violin, viola, trumpet and hand drums -- and wrote new arrangements, adding dashes of jazz and classical music, that revealed new facets of their most beautiful or familiar songs?

Imagine what might happen if you dared to blur all these boundaries between pop music and jazz, between rock music and classical music, between the musical realm and the lyrical realm, between the honky-tonk and the church, and in the spirit of art and fun and experimentation, you reached out for something . . . transcendent?

Karen Mal

Karen Mal sings. From raw sensuality to shimmering bell-like clarity, her voice is both tender and powerful, and as effortless as a waterfall. There's a river that flows between Karen and her audience. It's about love. The possibility and the unbearable beauty of it. Elusive and abundant at the same time.

Based in Austin, TX, Karen has created a name for herself as a captivating singer, instrumentalist and songwriter. Ranging from charming to seductive, impressionistic to philosophical, her songs have brought her nationwide acclaim. Shes won top awards from the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival in Texas, the Tucson Folk Festival and the Portland Songwriters Association and has also been a three time New Folk Finalist at Kerrville, emerging artist at Falcon Ridge and a finalist at the Sisters Folk Festival.

Karen has released three CDs on Waterbug records, starting with Mercury's Wings in 2002. Karen Mal is riding a musical high, raved Sing Out! Magazine about her debut. The title song is a beautiful tribute to her friend, mentor and collaborator, the late Fred Alley. Dark Eyed Sailor was next, a collection of traditional Celtic songs. The title cut won the Celtic Radio Music Award for best song in 2006. Her newest release, The Space Between, came out in late 2007 and has been getting extensive airplay, reaching #6 on the Folk DJ Chart in November.

When she's not singing her own songs she's in high demand as a mandolinist and bassist appearing with Ronny Cox, Buddy Mondlock, Jonathan Byrd, Sam Baker, Ken Gaines and many, many others at Kerrville, Woodyfest and stages across the country. Karen has worn so many hats for so long, that on stage, theres nothing she cant do. You dont just get hot licks; you get melody, counterpoint, and a sense of rhythm that eases the whole sound deeper into the groove. Just ask Celtic superstars Cherish the Ladies who invited Karen to tour with them in 2005.

"Risks are taken. Boundaries are broken. The musical realm and the lyrical realm become one, in the heart of downtown Austin, inside one of the oldest churches in Texas. Amazing grace, indeed."
- Brad Buchholtz, Austin American-Statesman

"The first time I heard an arrangement of one of my songs by Will Taylor, it was an a capella lullaby I had written for my daughter ("It's Alright"). Will brought a depth and lushness to my song that had me in tears, and I find that this is what I love about working with him. You hand Will an idea, and it becomes a grand symphonic piece that must be born of dreams, hard work, understanding and, perhaps, genius. His arrangements helped me create what I was seeking: aural arms of love that reach out and wrap around you."
- Sara Hickman

"It's a lot of fun! They are really fun guys and they have a good time with it, and Will does a lot of work beforehand to make it fun."
- Grammy Winner Shawn Colvin

"As program director for 107.1 KGSR Radio Austin, I have witnessed their development of a consistent body of work over time. In fact, their unique interactions with artists in our community (including Grammy winner Shawn Colvin, songwriting legend Chip Taylor and countless others) have motivated our station to broadcast the live performances of Will Taylor and Strings Attached. The work being done here is of a caliber to that being done anywhere on the planet. It is that sophisticated and singular. Will Taylor and Strings Attached are one of the reasons people call Austin 'The Live Music Capital of the World.' Long may their bows be strung!"
- Jody Denberg, Program Director, KGSR 107.1FM Austin

"It is truly a pleasure to work with Will Taylor and Strings Attached, to hear my music produced in such a sensitive and innovative form, and most importantly to be supportive of CASA's tireless efforts on behalf of abused children."
– Grammy nominee Eliza Gilkyson

"It's a credit to Taylor that an album this eclectic holds so strong at the seams... his inspired creativity and often amazing use of the violin make this album transcend the experimental to become art" - Christopher Hess, Austin Chronicle

"This finely nuanced, gorgeously recorded CD speaks volumes for Austin's music scene... imaginatively reworked, pensive and much to love."