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Cincinnati Post
December 18, 1995

by Rick Bird

OTR VOCALIST STUNNING--NEAR SELLOUT AT THE EMERY

One of the year's big musical stories is the rise of several compelling female vocalists. It is fitting that as the year winds down, Cincinnati music fans were reminded that the area boasts its own woman who deserves national prominence on the modern music scene - Karin Bergquist.

The lead singer for Over the Rhine put on a stunning performance at the band's nearly sold-out Emery Theater concert Saturday night.

Ms. Bergquist can hold her own with - and in many ways far surpasses - many of the top divas of the year who have achieved so much modern music acclaim, such as Alanis Morissette, Natalie Merchant, Joan Osborne, Heather Nova, Lisa Loeb or Sheryl Crow.

Over the Rhine performed for over two hours, a mostly acoustic set that matched the spirit of the season: reverent, yet not maudlin; low-keyed, but still joyful.

The band used no formal stage lighting-- only several drawing-room lamps on the stage. The OtR Victorian "living room" came complete with a grand piano that bassist Linford Detweiler occasionally played, especially when it came time for the several Christmas carols the band performed.

The group played a mix of favorites from its three albums and tried out at least four new songs for the audience. OtR plans to record its next album for IRS early next year. Judging by the mellow nature of the new material, the group is planning a return to its more acoustic roots.

The band's last album, "Eve," was a more electric, rocking album showing off the considerable talents of guitarist Ric Hordinksi. It was almost an hour into Saturday's show before Hordinski plugged in his electric guitar and flashed some of his Hendrix and Neil Young-inspired licks.

But it was Ms. Bergquist who powered the band this time with her haunting vocals.

She has a unique talent for not singing, but possessing and caressing her lyrics. Ms. Bergquist's rendition of "Silent Night" made the even timeless carol sound like an Over the Rhine original. She has never sounded more forceful and passionate on such OtR classics as "Jacksie" and "Circle of Quiet."

Gone was Ms. Bergquist's occasional fault of being a shy singer. Her performance was compelling and aggressive.

She captivated the audience with a new song, "Latter Days," a powerful ballad of longing and regrets.

And the band even wrote its own Christmas song for the evening, an upbeat traditional sounding carol.

Over the Rhine concerts are a bit like attending church. After applauding, the audience sits in respectful silence while the band tunes up for its next song.

This is the second year for the OtR Christmas-time concert at the elegant Emery, which is a perfect setting for the band's intimate concerts.

Here's hoping OtR's wonderful Christmas present to the city has become a yearly tradition.