Karen Oberlin

His Aim Is True: The Singular Songs of Elvis Costello

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Last Show: Saturday 24 th June 2023

The Pheasantry (Chelsea)

Karen Oberlin has been a fan of Elvis Costello since her early teens, when his young angst, disillusionment and vulnerable heart seemed perfectly in synch with her own. One of the most versatile and prolific contemporary artists, over the years Elvis has delved into innumerable genres and styles with passion and intelligence, including classical, jazz and pop. His many collaborative partners have included Burt Bacharach, the Brodsky String Quartet, Paul McCartney, Bill Frisell and the Jazz Passengers. For her new show, Karen brings forth a collection of material from her more than 30 years of following his eclectic, fascinating career to express some of the most intriguing elements of this unique singer/songwriter’s work and life. 

"Karen Oberlin’s extensively researched, beautifully executed tribute to the music of Elvis Costello... is a major leap forward into full-scale noir, an artistic demimonde that she illuminates with a dark blue glow."

Stephen Holden, The New York Times

Hailed as one of the "saviours of the American Songbook" by the New York Times and London's Classical Source, Karen Oberlin believes that if one takes a close and discerning look, that songbook is still being written. She is a recipient of the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Donald F. Smith Award, along with Bistro, BroadwayWorld, Nightlife and multiple MAC awards, and an honorary doctorate in music. She has four acclaimed solo albums and she has headlined at all the major New York nightclub venues including the Algonquin’s Oak Room, Feinstein's at the Regency, the Café Carlyle, and Birdland, and concert halls include Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Town Hall and Caramoor. Her performances take her all over the world, the centerpiece being annual engagements at the wonderful Pheasantry. 

karenoberlin.com 

Band Line Up

Karen Oberlin (vocals)

Simon Wallace (piano)

TBA (bass)