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What the Critics Are Saying About…
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KAREN OBERLIN
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2007 FINALIST IN NY NIGHTLIFE AWARDS FOR
OUTSTANDING FEMALE VOCALIST
2002 NY BACK STAGE BISTRO AWARD WINNER FOR OUTSTANDING VOCALIST OF THE
YEAR |
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FOR "THE WIZARD OF WORDS: YIP HARBURG'S SONGS OF WIT AND WISDOM" |
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"Impeccable pop style...
Ms. Oberlin brought a steady musical intelligence to (songs). (Her singing
has) purity, naturalness and polished phrasing, with added colors and a
jazzy spontaneity. In the show’s perfect moment, Ms. Oberlin’s calm,
beautifully shaped reading in the classic pop tradition was one that (Doris)
Day in her prime might well have envied."
-- Stephen Holden,
The New York Times, January 15, 2008
Read the whole review |
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"Thrilling! Oberlin is as lovely to look at as she is to hear, and diversity
fills the air. Breathless when the song is as romantic as a country road,
then forceful and full-speed-ahead when the mood turns onto a musical
freeway, (her singing) rings true and funny and flawless."
-- Rex Reed,
New York Observer, January 22, 2008
Read
the whole review |
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| "Oberlin presented
songs of wit, wisdom and passion in a tightly assembled and entertaining
flow. Her lush vocal tone and intelligent flair held the point of the story.
In 'Last Night When We Were Young,' Oberlin evinced (its) poignancy, (and)
the pain was palpable in its simplicity. (She) built up a narrative tower of
tension and passion... Few of today's singers elicit the sense of rapture as
naturally and intimately as Karen Oberlin."
-- Elizabeth Ahlfors, Cabaret Scenes |
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| "A superb
production...(Oberlin has) a deep understanding and appreciation of the
lyrics. She has a great feeling for Harburg songs and the style and talent
to perform them. Meanwhile, the show reviewed
here could easily be reprised (at the Metropolitan Room) or many places out
of New York. It is strong enough to have a good long life."
Jan Wallman, CabaretExchange
Read the whole review |
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"After the show I was so warm from Karen's spectacular performance and
delightfully heartwarming show, it took me the 8 blocks (nearly 1/2 mile) to
cool down to the reality of the outdoor temperatures. You simply must see
this finely crafted and elegantly presented performance!"
-- Stu
Hamstra, Cabaret Hotline Online |
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FOR "LIKE LOVE: THE POPULAR SONGS OF ANDRE
PREVIN:" |
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"Stellar… enchanting… Oberlin's winsome voice and delicate phrasing are a
perfect match for Previn's compositions. (She) will entertain you so
thoroughly that you'll actually come away believing that Previn was – or, at
least should have been – as popular as Richard Rodgers."
-- Barbara & Scott
Siegel, Two of Clubs, TalkinBroadway.com
Read the whole review
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"Ms. Oberlin's
vocals can only be described as heavenly, and her flawless performance made
for a fascinating look at the Previn songbook. You simply must see and hear
(this show)… (It) is perfection, and Ms. Oberlin's silk-smooth vocals and
the wonderful Previn tunes, along with some very interesting background
information, make this one of the fine-crafted performances that only
cabaret can deliver."
-- Stu Hamstra,
Cabaret Hotline Online
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"(Oberlin’s new show) 'Like Love' is unique, not only because of the
intriguing lineup of Previn tunes… but Oberlin brings each to life with its
own story. She has a vocal tone like silk chiffon, light and floating,
sometimes aiming for the heights, sometimes settling down to earth. What
sets it flowing is an evocation of the story, her voice taking on nuances to
set the moods –- (her voice is) as communicative as the lyrics... Oberlin's
patter is kept tight and relevant, with space for her own personality and
humor to shine through."
-- Elizabeth
Ahlfors, Cabaret Scenes |
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FOR OTHER SHOWS AND CD’S: |
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"Because singer Oberlin is an artful straddler, moving gracefully between
show tunes, jazz and pop, it comes as no surprise that on 'My Standards' the
definition of 'standard' is pleasantly fuzzy. On this velvety song set, she
offers moving versions of tunes by Elvis Costello, Joni Mitchell, Randy
Newman, and even the 'Theme From "Valley of the Dolls."' On the
jazz-standard tip, she also shows a wise take on 'How Deep Is the Ocean'
backed by ever-tasteful pianist Fred Hersch. Her standards are high, and
her ears are open."
-- Josef Woodard, Entertainment
Weekly Magazine |
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"A bright, clear voice and sensual charm… Oberlin has a distinctive sound
and phrases sumptuous evergreens with a fresh and appealing approach.
(She) invests ballads with a breathless intimacy and lays the allure at
the listener’s feet."
-- Robert L.
Daniels, Variety |
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"As far as
concept albums go, (Oberlin’s Doris Day tribute, “Secret Love: The Music
of Doris Day”) provokes an initial reaction of "so what?" It could be
useful as a goody for next Mother's Day or as a campy birthday present,
but it couldn't actually be any good, right? Oh, how wrong we were.
Oberlin's refreshingly muted approach to such gee-whiz chestnuts as 'Que
Sera Sera,' 'How Are Things In Glocca Morra?' and the title track (done as
a caliente bossa nova number) lifts such tunes away from their cheesy
'50s-film contexts, presenting them as lusciously lyrical tales told for
the very first time. Musical director Tedd Firth continues to prove his
skill with endlessly fresh arrangements."
-- David
Murphy, Time Out New York |
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"Karen Oberlin's terrific new recording, Secret Love — The Music of Doris
Day, is an inspired tribute to one of the greatest singers who ever
stepped in front of a microphone or an audience...(her) jazzy homage makes
clear what a lovely artist Oberlin is with a lilting, light voice that is
clean, honest and refreshing free of artifice."
-- David Hurst,
Show Business Weekly |
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"Riveting… Exciting… Poignant… Oberlin mixes exquisite singing with pithy
and charming patter. A gifted writer and performer… (She) is gorgeous
enough to be a movie star...but no posing, no posturing, no faking for her.
There is a fundamental honesty and confidence in Oberlin's persona that
comes through not just in her attitude but in her approach to the music.
Oberlin sings (her songs) with full attention to the lyrics."
-- Barbara & Scott
Siegel, TheaterMania.com |
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"Karen Oberlin is my favorite vocal discovery of the year! Oberlin is one
of those rare singers blessed with a clear, gorgeous, evocative
voice...there is nothing to distract from the purity of tone, nor her
connection to the lyric and the audience. Oberlin treats each number with
the care of a master jeweler handling a fine gem."
-- Jonathan Frank,
Cabaret Corner & Talkin' Broadway |
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"Not only does the variety of music make this album ("My Standards")
bracing, but so does the way it is presented. Oberlin's primary genre is
cabaret with a smattering of musical comedy. Yet she takes fascinating turns
with the music within that framework. Her pure and
crystalline-like-a-mountain-lake voice comes in loud and clear... A 16 year
veteran of the singing scene, one can say with the release of this album,
'it's about time'. Recommended."
--Dave Nathan, AllAboutJazz.com |
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"The Algonquin gave Karen Oberlin a chance to show off her polished style
and intelligent approach to singing via 'My Standards' (which she also
pressed as a CD). She is courageous… lithe, friendly and a great singer. No
gimmicks. Just good songs purveyed with sincere interest and understanding."
-- Gary Stevens, Syndicated
Columnist |
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"(Oberlin) displayed exceptional phrasing and vocals."
-- John Hoglund,
Back Stage |
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"(At the Algonquin) she was self possessed, good with repartee and
possessed a voice that makes one want to stop and listen."
-- Peter Leavy, Cabaret
Scenes Magazine |
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"She is quite charming and very talented. She dazzles me from the moment she
steps onstage. Audiences are captivated by her rich voice and her charm."
-- David Kenney, WBAI Radio |
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"I’m so enjoying your CD! You have a beautiful sound and tone so I am
very flattered that you have enjoyed my work. You brought me to
tears."
-- Doris Day |
