Search - Karen Akers :: Simply Styne

A FLAWED CONCEPT DONE BY A GREAT SINGER

Alan W. Petrucelli | THE ENTERTAINMENT REPORT (ALAN W. PETRUCELLI) | 05/08/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Karen Akers' new CD is something of a mixed bag. Rather than simply glorying in the gorgeous music of Julie Styne, it's muddled with a vain attempt at a concept album that illustrates, murkily, the life of and loves of a saloon singer. Originally done at the Oak Room in NYC, noted critic Stephen Holden calls the CD (in the liner notes) a "cabaret answer to Scenes from a Marriage." In this regard it is not entirely successful, so our advice is skip the concept and simply enjoy the songs. From the Oscar-winning "Three Coins in the Fountain" to the haunting "Who Are You Now?," from standards like "Time After Time" and "I've Heard that Song Before" to relative obscure songs like "My Own Morning" and "Ten Thousand Four Hundred Thirty Two Sheep," the lushness and expanse of Styne's talent is wonderful. Akers' voice is aging well, with some of the songs stylistically a bit bizarre in keeping with her idiosyncratic talent and the "concept" idea. Fans of Akers and cabaret will have a ball with this CD; others may have to tread a bit more carefully around its eccentricities."

Lovely Collection

Anthony J. Adam | 04/24/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Akers fans always look forward to a new release, and this one does not disappoint. Her interpretations of Styne's pieces are flawless, and the collection includes not only such standards as "Time After Time" and "I Fall In Love Too Easily," but such obscurities as "Ten Thousand Four Hundred Thirty Two Sheep." Perhaps we can convince Ms. Akers to follow the path of Michael Feinstein and produced a series of tribute cd's?"

Akers and Styne - Perfect Together

Joe Lang | Chatham, NJ USA | 08/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Karen Akers is simply one of the finest cabaret artists around. When I heard that she was going to do a show devoted to the songs of Jule Styne, I looked forward to it with eager anticipation. When I saw the show at the Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan, it was everything that I had expected and more. I left the room with one thought in mind - I hope that she records this material. Well, my wish has become reality, and I cannot recommend this disc highly enough. magnificent songs sung with style, grace and feeling!



Joe"