Karen Akers

Feels Like Home

Birdland, NYC, November 18, 2024

Reviewed by Alix Cohen

For much of veteran Karen Akers’ celebrated career, she has presented shows that have themes or comprised of songs that resonated at the time. Over the past few years, however, the artist has shared some of her thoughts and feelings about where she is in her life. Her material has been carefully and eclectically curated and mined for truth.

In this show, Akers focused on the concept of “home”: where the heart was or is, memories, peace of mind, love; a room, a mate, the country. “It’s a safe place where we discover where we are” she told us. Developed before the recent election was resolved, the show brimmed with anxious awareness and determined hope. “Home” (John Kander/Fred Ebb) opened the show and was wry and resigned as though it was being sung from a tenement apartment rife with constant disasters. “I’ve got another leak, oh/He’s (the super) in Puerto Rico.”

Randy Newman’s “Feels Like Home” centered on a loved one. “La, la, la, la, la …A window breaks down a long dark street/And a siren wails in the night/ That’s alright ’cause I have you here with me/And I can almost see through the dark there’s a light.” She sounded uneasy, as though she were clutching at the sides of a small boat and bobbing on the accompaniment.

“Growing up in Massachusetts, there were these two boys” Akers recalled as she dreamily introduced a low-key rendition of “Boys in the Trees” (Carly Simon). The performer looked back benevolently at her younger self. “Our House” (Graham Nash) evoked a sense of community. Music director/pianist Alex Rybeck echoed her and harmonized with her. Bassist Tom Hubbard smiled as if he were remembering. Twice married and coming from a large family, Akers has known this feeling, but it’s also one that can be shared by those joined in music.

Akers’ long professional relationship with the work of songwriter Craig Carnelia was tapped for the beautiful “Just Where They Should Be.” Her heart was in present in her voice. “There’s a light in the window/And a warmth in the light/Things are just where they should be tonight.” Every breath contributed to her interpretation. Stephen Flaherty’s droll “Torch Song” (about the very tall, green woman in New York’s harbor looking for a date) fit Akers’ graceful six-foot stature and her dry sense of humor.

Songwriter Julie Gold offered Akers “From a Distance” years ago. “And I foolishly refused to sing it because it spoke of God. Well I’m older now and I think of God as the capacity for love and hope.” A lovely piano bridge evoked wind chimes. “From a distance you look like my friend/Even though we’re at war.” With her eyes closed, she looked up lamenting. “God on high/Hear my prayer” began a heart-rending, compassionate version of “Bring Him Home.” (Claude-Michel Schonberg/Herbert Kretzmer & Alain Boublil). “Anthem” (Benny Andersson/Björn Ulvaeus) erupted with knife-like intensity. “No man, no madness/Can possess my country’s heart!” Rybeck weaved in a few bars of “My Country ’Tis of Thee” into the arrangement.

“Back in the ’80s when Ronald Reagan was president; “gosh, it’s funny how that can seem positive.” While Regan was president, Akers was invited to sing at the White House. As a confirmed Democrat, she didn’t want to go. Her friend Paul Hecht said, “It’s not his house, it’s ours.” A heady “Take Care of This House” (Alan Jay Lerner/Leonard Bernstein) followed as a touching entreaty. There was vulnerability in tonight’s bravado. “You’re My Home” (Billy Joel) embraced the audience with gratitude and resolution. Except for a conscious injection of theatrical levity, I didn’t understand the inclusion of “I Never Do Anything Twice” (Stephen Sondheim).