Karen Francis is a force of nature. She blows in like a gale-force wind on "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise," and barely slows down as she powerfully redefines jazz vocals with standards and originals.....Better Days is one of the best vocal jazz albums released this year. Let us hope there are many more to come.
- C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz

"The relaxed, conversational intimacy of her style is delivered with innate confidence. She confronts the challenge of slow ballad standards with tact and rare taste. Francis hints at limitless potential; the intimate timbre of her voice is matched by a sophisticated, low-key approach that indicates she understands the drama of restraint."
- Cadence Magazine

"If you've never heard of singer Karen Francis, you owe it to yourself to get acquainted with her and consider this recording (Where Is Love? ) your engraved invitation. Her ballads tug at you as she sings with a genuine passion, and her cookers lighten your load and make you smile." You want effortless delivery? Then listen to the opening "I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry," a tune that Karen nails, singing it with a sense of despair but with a glimmer of hope that tomorrow will be a better day."
- Jazz Quarterly

"The ballads radiate a sincerity and soulfulness that stem from Francis' unaffected interpretations."
- The Washington Post

"...many of these singers are well worth seeking out, either in person, on record: Tony Bennett, Carmen Bradford, Jay Clayton, Ethel Ennis, Karen Francis, Aretha Franklin, Astrud Gilberto..."
- Singing Jazz: The Singers and their Styles

"Who is that?!" Have you heard her before?!"
- Downbeat Magazine

"A young American singer with enormous charm and potential. If Francis never gets any better than this, she will go far. I suspect that she will move on and up."
- Jazz Journal

"Little Sunflower will serve to further spread the word about this immensely gifted young lady, who is progressing by leaps and bounds, yet has her feed planted firmly on the ground."
- The Blackwell Guide to Recorded Jazz

"The track (New World on 'Mandara Blossoms') shows Miss Francis is totally at home in this context, while Daydream, in complete contrast, with its quality lyrics, emphasizes her control at ultra-slow tempo, indisputably proving this lady is a name to watch."
- Brian Davis, Jazz Journal

"Karen Francis and her cohorts are some of the greatest musicians I've ever worked with. Karen is not only a fine vocalist, but she is a fantastic musician. Not all vocalists are musicians, you know?"
- Christian McBride, Jazz Bassist

"I've had the chance to work with a number of very special singers in my career, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Lena Horne, Vanessa Rubin, Carla Cook and Karen Francis is definitely among them. I have enjoyed her voice, repertoire and interpretation of songs, because she brings something delightful and fresh to the music that tells a deeper story than just giving a literal reading of the song and lyrics. She is of the tradition but not confined by it! "
- Cecil Bridgewater, Jazz Trumpeter and Jazz Educator

"We heard this wonderful sound and quickly discovered her talent also came with a very sophisticated repertoire of classics. What a delightful experience! "
- Stanley Cowell, Jazz Pianist, Producer, Educator

Often compared to Nancy Wilson and Dinah Washington, her tonal quality is more reminiscent of Sarah Vaughan - with the relaxed quality of a diva.
- Pure Jazz Magazine