Karen Oberlin - Live At The Algonquin (2010)

Multi award-winning Oberlin received these ravesamong othersfor her three-week engagement at the legendary Oak Room at the Algonquinwhen this CD was recorded:

“Karen Oberlin is a demure pop-jazz singer who radiates a subdued glamour… Beyond having a pretty voicepoise and interpretive insightMs. Oberlin is a thorough researcher who placed many of the songs in a historical or personal context… A smartpolished show.” -- Stephen HoldenThe New York Times

“A Christmas tree angel named Karen Oberlin is lighting up the Algonquin’s Oak Room with a show that sends you out humming. I loved the bebop jawbreakersand she excels on the love songs. Subtleelegant and musically spot onthe lovely Ms. Oberlin is such a welcome addition to the often noisy and pointless cabaret scene that one can even imagine her accompanied by a celesta without causing the slightest hint of boredom. She’s a keeper.” – Rex ReedNew York Observer

“How would you like your own private one-to-one performance by a sophisticated singer? All rightso there are other people with you in the Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel. But everyone seems to fade away as Karen Oberlin has a love affair with the music and lyrics she has chosen and sings so intimately that it’s as if her songs are meant only for you. She sets the bar for her purity of tone and interpretation at the outset with “If I Were a Bell” from “Guys and Dolls” sung with utmost clarity and attention to detail. She liltingly sings such ballads as “I Don’t Want to Walk Without You” (music in this case by Jule Styne)“I’ve Never Been in Love Before” from “Guys and Dolls” and “I Wish I Didn’t Love You So” from the 1947 film “Perils of Pauline.” Honoring the prolific composer and lyricist could not be in better hands.” – William WolfWilliam Wolf’s Entertainment Guide

"Her voice warms like melting butter to infuse her love songs with emotion and passion. With shades of the whispery Doris Day intimacyshe luxuriates over the long lines and romantic intent of "Wanting to Be Wanted"an intense song cut from Most Happy Fella just before its New York opening... With her warmth and introspectionFrank Loesser's songs come to us as fresh and contemporary as the annual question"What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?". Karen Oberlin has followed a straight upward path since she began her career. In a three-week engagement in the Oak Roomshe proves her audiences were right and her critical acclaim is well-deserved." -- Elizabeth AhlforsCurtainup.com

“Like a breath of springKaren Oberlin’s lush vocal renditions of the songs of one of America’s foremost writers of the American theater filled the air of the historic Oak Room. Oberlinalways in controlcleverly weaves lyrical wonders whether it’s a sensitive and plaintive “I Don’t Want to Walk Without You” (music by Jule Styne) or a meticulously sung novelty“Hamlet” (1949 film: RedHot and Blue). Musical Director Jon Weberskillful in his accompaniment and arrangingadded vocal counterpoint to a sultry “BabyIt’s Cold Outside.” From Pulitzer Prize winner How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (slated for a Broadway revival in 2011)Oberlin showed off flawless styling on “I Believe in You.” A mix of pop and jazz with an easy deliveryit feels as if she hugs each lyricOberlin is joyous to behold.” – Sandi DurellCabaret Scenes Magazine