Gerard Jouannest

BWW Review: Karen Akers Dives Deep and Soars at Urban Stages' WINTER RHYTHMS

Karen Akers' ardent 'Francophilia--- and I don't care whether or not it's a real word' was seeded in adolescence and brought to bloom by living in France, becoming fluent in the language, and absorbing European sensibilities (reincarnation is also a distinct possibility). Offering a show of French material is, to the artist, like sharing a part of her soul. Never has this been so clear and affecting as Aker's muscular performance tonight, enriched by maturity and new vocal elasticity. With the formidable Alex Rybeck acting as musical director/pianist and emotional collaborator, the evening soared.