Alix korey ethel merman biography

 reviewed by Alix Cohen

Undaunted by dozens of Ethel Merman tributes, the engaging Alix Korey offers a mostly fresh take on her iconic subject with some unexpected material, well tailored arrangements, and terrific comic flair.

Though vocals sometimes brass-up in winking acknowledgement, the artist doesn’t imitate Merman so much as appreciate her. Korey’s brighter, somewhat less powerful voice is emotionally invested, her onstage persona warm.

Opening with a song from Tales of Tinseltown (Michael Colby/Paul Katz) “I thought it was appropriate so I appropriated it,” lays the groundwork for a show not merely comprised of greatest hits.

I’m here, I’m yours/The broad Broadway adores/Cause I can siiiiiiiing…

Ethel Merman was acquiring secretarial skills when she started to work with writers of Tin Pan Alley. The first song she recorded was not, however, a showcase for those remarkable pipes, but rather “How Deep is the Ocean?” Korey renders this