Karen Somerville
Love Cures
© 2001 Karen Somerville (656613263327)
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Sweet Jazz, Sassy Blues and soul erupting Gospel; all in one vocal stylist.
tracks
- 1 What A Difference A Day Made
- 2 It Might As Well Be Spring
- 3 I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face
- 4 Hit The Road Jack
- 5 Just Can't Keep It to Myself Alone
- 6 Come Sunday
- 7 Ain't Misbehavin'
- 8 Happiness Bossa Nova
- 9 Funny Valentine
- 10 Our Love Is Here to Stay
- 11 At Last
- 12 Live The Life........
- 13 At Calvary
- 14 For All We Know
- 15 Down By the Riverside
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Karensomerville was born the second oldest of four children in a real live 'back woods' town called Worton Point in Kent County, on the Upper Eastern Shore of Maryland. She laughs as she repeats a joke made by someone poking fun of her small surroundings.
"Someone once said to me that Worton Point was so far back in the woods that the stop signs read 'Whoa' and the horses could read them." She admits that while the stop signs are like any other stop sign; there is some truth in the sentiment of the joke. Her love for music began at home, and was cultivated in the church. Both parents play instruments and sing. And her PopPop played accordian and harmonica, though he called it a mouth-harp; he often played the instruments at the same time.
She can sing soprano, alto, tenor and an almost bass, if you will. She's sweet jazz like Sarah Vaughn and June Christy standards. She's Billie Holiday, and sassy blue like a Dinah Washington wake up call or a Shirley Horn lullaby. She's sunny, like Nancy Wilson and soul erupting like Mahalia Jackson. When you think you've heard it all; she'll get down on an a cappella sound with her Trio whose electrifying harmonies are so jelled it's amazing to discover just who is really singing which part. In this album Somerville (as called by many friends) is joined by longtime friends Lester Barrett Jr. and Wen Chamberlain. Two command performances by Nia (knee-yah) in 1998 and 1999 under the direction of Marlon Saunders of New York reunited her with several of Kent Counties' most celebrated gospel singers; Lester and Wen were among them.
They sing background in this project, fill out the a cappella trio and they each have a solo track on the CD. Their talent truly speaks for the fine company Somerville keeps. The music is lead by the talented Dick Durham of Church Hill, MD., jazz pianist extraordinaire. It's Gershwin rejuvenated with an Ellington finish. Fascinating rhythms that are fresh and enticing. The magic of her voice and the joy of Dick Durhams' piano is a duo you will want to hear more of,
Karensomerville is a natural talent, possessing the ability to captivate audiences in a medley of genres. Does she have a preference? "No, not so much of genres, but to moods," she says. "I've had seasons for blues and then I'd feel better in gospel. Later I'd chase down sulky jazz, and when I am satisfied in that I'll examine folk. My choice of music depends greatly upon what's happening to me and around me. But most assuredly, whatever I'm singing it's got to touch my soul."
Her performances are gaining notoriety across the Mid-Atlantic region at colleges, universities, in public schools, theaters and coffeehouses. She played the 11th annual GPU Berks Jazz Fest 2001 for the third consecutive year with 'Ladies Sing the Blues.' This feisty ensemble features Somerville with Sue Matthews and Melissa McGlynn of Chestertown, MD. and the late Kathe Reavis of Easton, MD. (1946-2004), accompanied by a 12-piece electric Blues Band who's sound is reminiscent of the 1940's and 50's. In this show they pay tribute the Blues Queens of America. That show has been called riveting, witty, fun and explosive. The brain-child of producer Tom McHugh of the Mainstay-Rock Hall, MD.; Ladies Sing the Blues has never ended without an encore.
Love Cures is another encore performance. In this project the singer/songwriter covers classic standards, blues and gospel tunes. She redefines these familiar melodies in her own stylish coo; moving you to settle back and listen, take it in with your heart and soul. The songs selection like the title of the album, avowal the concept. Love Cures is Somervilles' first CD release and was recorded live in the sold out Tawes Theatre at historic Washington College in Chestertown, MD.,February, 2001. The show, also produced by Somerville was a fundraising event co-sponsored by the Kent County Arts Council and Kent Youth, Inc. Somerville is a board member of both organizations and did the show for the benefit of Kent Youth, Inc., which provides residential and outreach services to at-risk youths. She has also donated a portion of the proceeds from sales of the CD to KYI. By popular demand, Love Cures II showed in March, 2002.
The rest of the band is made up of more friends; which explains why the show is billed; Karensomerville and Friends. The group works together in many different venues, in varying numbers and genres. Tom McHugh takes a spotlight entrance and wails a Cab Calloway styled 'Hit The Road Jack, while Tom Anthony(Pomona, MD.) fingers a mad prowl on his Upright Bass. Bill Matthews(Easton,MD.) lays down the rhythm on acoustic guitar. These three are also regulars in the Ladies Sing the Blues act. Also a part of Karensomerville and Friends in the Love Cures project are lead guitarist, Jim Cunningham of Annapolis, MD. and Ray Anthony of Betterton, MD. on drums.
A smorgasbord of fun!
Love Cures is a listening experience that you'll want to indulge in many times over. It's everything you expected and then some. Karensomerville gives it her all. A passion equal to singing is sharing her talents and time throughout the community in a variety of civic organizations.
Since March 1994, she has worked with her board of directors as founder of the African American Heritage Council; dedicated to the preservation of photographs, oral histories, and the documentation of the contribution of blacks in early Kent County, MD. This effort is notably supported by The Chestertown Jazz Festival, chaired by Dr. Melvin Rapelyea and held each year since 1996. Karen was a nominee for the Kent County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award 2000 by the Chester Valley Community and the Kent News.
Somerville's latest production is available now at Cdbaby; www.cdbaby.com/gospelites. It's the New Gospelites, an
a cappella gospel ensemble of six; from where else but Worton Point. The group just celebrated their 30th year anniversary on September14, 2003. Somerville gets few opportunities to travel with them, but she jumped on this chance to produce and sing with them. This is the ole' time gospel. The album is co-sponsored by the
Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation of Baltimore, MD. and the African American Heritage Council. The album is entitled "Everyday Is Sunday, The Heritage Of A cappella Gospel", it was released on Thanksgiving Weekend at the Open House of the Schoolhouse Museum in W Pt. The museum was showing it's latest finds in late 19th century photographs and artifacts representating the life and time of Blacks families in early Kent County.
Serious injuries from an on-the-job accident have taken Karen off the circuit,lately. She says the majority of her time is spent in physical therapy. But, her faith is in God while her mind is on singing, writing, and producing. When you've purchased your copy of Love Cures you won't have to wonder what to look forward too.
Karensomerville doesn't list her greatest influences from famous names on billboard charts, but rather from the names of black women listed as soloist on Sunday morning bullentins of churches around Kent County. "Some of them still with us,she says, most of them gone,Home."
Get Love Cures and get lifted!
reviews
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Time to make another
author: Clark BjorkeTruth in advertising - I stage managed the Love Cures show and continue to work with Karen regularly. She is doing a program now, with Stefan Scaggiari, dedicated to the music of Billie Holiday which blows me away. Make another album Karen.
You Were Awesome!!!
author: Suzanne ManleyHow wonderful my husband and I thought you were this past weekend. We saw you perform with Joe Holt on Friday evening, then again on Saturday with the Bad Cafe Blues Band and Joe Holt. You were awesome!!! It was a joy to finally hear you sing and you are worth the price of admission! Hope to HEAR you again soon!
You are right at the top!
author: Dick EvansCongratulations on two great performances, Karen. We caught your Friday show with Joe, and Saturday's Ladies Sing the Blues. You were outstanding in both! What a terrific asset you are to Kent County. It blows my mind when I think about all the talent that is in this area, and you are right at the top. Hope to see you again soon. Dick Evans
Let yourself get carried away
author: EllenLet Karen and Friends return you to what music is supposed to be. Every word and every note a rhymthic match that carries you into the worlds of the songs... deep, rich, and poetic and soulful, each song slightly changing the rhythm and mood... they get you movin' and singin' with them...Thanks and congratuations.
Mellow, classy and smooth
author: Greg - BDG RecordsThe CD is put together in a complete manner. The music and the vocals are so complimentary. If you like the classics and the balads you will like the CD. It's nice !!!
Mellow and sweet, quite a treat!
author: Prisca MolotsiWonderful mixture of songs on this CD. She has a very sweet voice, I only wish she had added a peppery number to give us a break from the honey that makes up the CD.
Puttin' on the Ritz.....You go Girl. This album is off the hook!
author: Carrie Leatherberry - Gary, IndianaIf I had a dollar for every hour I've listened to this CD I could never retired off the money, but I feel so rich whenever I listen. Just me and my sweet man cuddling and relaxing around the house. Often, while working in my garden letting life be life. This is the sound of music. There's a surprise in every cut. The vocals are thrilling and angelic; like a few old favorites (Christy, Vaughn, Clooney) yet brand new. I'm just waiting for the next release. Hurry, Hurry!
Very mellow, relaxing and soulful. Love it!!
author: Jettie TaylorI enjoyed the variety. The music puts you in modes. Your mind flows and you're taken from place to place. Good for casual to classy settings (just lounging around or a dinner party).
A pot pourri of musical treats by a versatile artist
author: Ann Hennessy, columnist, Kent County NewsKaren Somerville sings jazz, blues, gospel, and show tunes with equal finesse on this album recorded live before a packed audience of enthusiastic fans. Whether rendering a Rogers and Hammerstein favorite, a Mahalia Jackson gospel song, or a Duke Ellington jazz number, Karen sings from her heart and soul. This is definitely an album worth owning.
- author: Wayne (California)
Absolutely fabulous CD. "Non-traditional" from a contemporary standpoint, which makes it so special. Such talent and versatility from the performers is astounding. Anticipating the next CD, and based on this one, it will be a hard act to follow. The range that Ms. Somerville has "blew me away!"