It doesn’t take long to realize that Karen Marguth has a beautiful voice that is well suited for a variety of genres. In fact, hints of other genres truly makes her cd, “The Best Things,” a great listen for just about anyone. Take “Dress Me Up, Dress Me Down,” for instance, which is downright folksy. “Baryshnikov” sounds like an opening to a musical. Then “Marie Laveaux” has more of a blues-rock feel (actually, it has a “stuck in the middle with you” quality to it). Jazz fans will also be happy with the standards on this compilation, including “Love is Here to Stay,” the 6/8 rendition of “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “Paper Moon,” and “A Kiss to Build a Dream On.”

One of my favorites on this cd is the energetic “Lullaby of Birdland.” Be careful if you listen to this one while you’re out walking, unless you don’t mind people thinking you’re auditioning for Singing in the Rain or the Wizard of Oz. Well balanced against this peppy tune is my second favorite, the down-in-the-dumps “Good Morning Heartache.” This one makes me feel like sitting alone in a 1920s hotel bar, sipping a martini, sighing, and resting my head in the palm of my right hand, clogging my pores – in a good way, I assure you, because I really like this track!

Other tracks in this cd are Sentimental Journey, Lush Life, The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing, It Never Entered My Mind, Someone to Watch Over Me, Tenderly, I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart, Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand, and I’ve Grown Accustomed to Your Face. Karen Marguth’s energetic vocals, impeccable articulation, story telling, emotion, and bright tone unify the variety in the 18 tracks on this cd. A Fresno resident, Karen is joined by other Fresno musicians on this recording with excellent instrumentals and soloing. Featured artists include Jason Wanner (piano), Jason Jurzak (bass and guitars), Nate Ketner (reeds), Forrest Helmick (flugel horn), Dave Ruffner (trombone), Rick Canfield (drums), Kevin Hill (bass),and Kevin Gary (guitar and mandolin).

Karen Marguth often performs in Fresno and in California Jazz Festivals. According to her web site (http://karenmarguth.com/), Karen will be performing at Fagan’s Irish Pub with Rick Canfield, Kevin Hill, and Eva Scow at 8:30pm on September 20, 2006. Karen’s cd is available for $15 at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/marguth