"...utter musical fearlessness...a complete artist - one of the jazz world's finest..." - New York Times

Karrin Allyson© Dwight McCann

Her smoky alto, wide-ranging repertoire from ballad to samba to blues, and a presence that nearly pulls you onstage beside her are sufficient reasons to welcome three-time Grammy nominee Karrin Allyson back to the Dakota on June 23-24. And if you need further convincing, consider that she “can swing, she can scat, she can croon the blues—and she plays one mean piano” (Gary Giddens). It’s always a homecoming when Karrin performs in the Twin Cities, with her Midwest roots, appearances on Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion, and frequent associations with local pianist Laura Caviani. On her last visit in spring 2008, Karrin celebrated the release of Imagina, focusing on Brazilian songwriters; the recording garnered a Allyson a third Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Jazz Album of the year.

Karrin Allyson

Since her first release, Karrin has made eleven recordings for Concord reflecting classic American jazz roots as well as French and Brazilian influences. In fact, her minor in college was French (her major was music), and her love of both French and Portuguese seeps into her live performances as well as recordings, most notably on From Paris to Rio and now on Imagina, released in February 2008. Her 2001 CD, Ballads: Remembering John Coltrane, was nominated for a Grammy (best female vocalist). Wild for You (2005), a tribute to the popular songs of her youth, garnered another Grammy nomination. “These are the songs I grew up with,” she said, “the songs that made me want to sing in the first place. Before I got into jazz, I studied classical piano. But when I became a teenager, I heard these songs, and they piqued my interest. I got the sheet music and learned to play them and pretty soon thought, ‘I'd like to do this for a living.’ ”

Imagina

Imagina should be regarded among Karrin Allyson’s strongest recordings, which include some very powerful statements—Wild For You, Footprints, Ballads, In Blue. She can win you over in any language. 
 

Karrin Allyson’s performances at the Dakota are always popular so early reservations are strongly recommended. She’ll be on stage for two sets (7 and 9:30 pm) each night, June 23-24; reserve at www.dakotacooks.com or call 612-332-1010. The Dakota is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall, downtown Minneapolis.  
 
 
 

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