Anika Larsen: Sing You to Sleep

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Anika Larsen

Sing You to Sleep

(Yellow Sound)

February 2, 2015

Reviewed by John Hoglund for Cabaret Scenes

Anika-Larsen-Sing-You-to-Sleep-Cabaret-Scenes-Magazine_212Tony nominee (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) Anika Larsen debut recording, Sing You to Sleep, is a soft collection of sweet, eclectic songs which are based on her lifelong relationships with adults and children. In lesser hands, this might prove risky, but the multi-talented Larsen pulls it off with imaginative flair and some classy turns.

Singing in a laid back, expressive mezzo, she liltingly performs story songs that appeal to those grownups and kids. While some are very simple and compelling, others are cozy homilies to life. For instance, a childlike gentleness permeates “Baby Mine” and “Sleepy Man” in the way a lullaby whispers gently, while Sting’s yearning “Fields of Gold” and “Somewhere Out There” (from the animated movie An American Tale) balance the album well with a classic understanding of traditional pop musical values and a forlorn heart that is reflective. “You Can Close Your Eyes,” a duet with Tony winner (and Beautiful co-star) Jessie Mueller is just perfect.

Collectively, the results are riveting from this Broadway baby who has stitched pieces of time together in a personalized album drawn from her life. Other highlights include a heartfelt delivery on “Annie’s Song” and a magnificent “To Make You Feel My Love” that is the album’s finest cut.
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She cleverly uses vocal restraint, allowing her voice to flow and breathe with the instruments and have the song speak for itself. Consequently, this album presents a singer of deep contemplation with her selections seemingly autobiographical or, moreover, dreams where Larsen muses out loud in a captivating, pretty voice that lingers.

It’s all offered with intelligent phrasing complementing her dreamy vocals that are repeatedly punctuated by Jared Schonig’s pulsating underpinning drums and a percussion beat that only adds to David Cook’s exceptional arrangements throughout. Other great musicians include Peter McCann (guitar), Alan Hampton (bass), Freddie Maxwell (trumpet/flugelhorn), Sara Caswell (fiddle) and Kenita Miller (backup vocals).
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John Hoglund

For over 30 years, John Hoglund has been a respected entertainment writer covering cabaret, jazz, theater and recordings. His writings have appeared in numerous outlets including the Bistro Bits column for Back Stage. John moderated seminars and forums for the International Cabaret Conference At Yale. He produced many celebrity fundraisers in NYC including one of the first benefits after 9/11: “HeartSong:The Heroes' Concert” at The Bottom Line featuring 36 major stars. He co-produced “HeartSong2: The Heroes' Concert” for Katrina victims at Symphony Space and “Miracle On 35th Street” with a star-studded lineup. Other fund raising efforts include the first benefits for Broadway Cares and God's Love, We Deliver. John served on the Board of Directors of MAC for 12 years. He is well known for championing new and rising talents.