Linda Kosut: Press, Reviews, PDFs

JAZZ REVIEW - Don Heckman, Special to the L.A. Times Linda Kosut finds her groove in Oscar Brown Jr.'s music The singer hits all the right notes on her 'Long as You're Living' tribute to the musician at the Jazz Bakery.

OSCAR BROWN JR. was an authentic American original, a 20th century Whitmanesque voice of insight, reason and imagination. Accomplished as a songwriter, performer, playwright, poet, essayist, activist and much more, he may simply have been too diverse to garner the acknowledgment that his enormous talents so clearly deserved.

Two years after his death at the age of 78, the creative legacy of this African American from Chicago is beginning to receive some attention via the efforts of an unlikely source: singer LINDA KOSUT, a self-described "white Jewish girl from the Bronx." Kosut has released "Long as You're Living," a recording of Brown's songs and poetry, and her nightclub show tribute bearing the same title has been performed in venues around the country for the last year.

On Tuesday, "Long As You're Living" made it to the Jazz Bakery for a one-night presentation. It deserved a far longer run.

Kosut is correct to note the differences between her background and Brown's. But it was precisely those differences that underscored the universality of Brown's art as well as the versatility Kosut brought to her interpretations. Wisely, she never attempted to sing the Brown songs in any style other than her own, with its warm, dark sound and articulate, theatrically trained phrasing.

Her rendering of Brown's lyrics for Thelonious Monk's " 'Round Midnight," for example, blended late-night storytelling with the life-defining metaphors of his poem "This Beach." A seemingly unlikely combination, it was, instead, an illuminating view into the complex byways of Brown's imagination.

Other songs -- "Mr. Kicks," "A Dime Away From a Hot Dog" and "Long as You're Living" -- displayed Brown's extraordinary capacity to combine multilayered insights with engagingly communicative language.

Kosut, accompanied by the Max Perkoff Trio, tackled it all with splendid results. And she was the first to acknowledge, after the set, that for all its entertaining excellence, "Long as You're Living" only opens the door to Brown's treasure trove of creative works.

Songs and Stories: Linda Kosut Live at Jazz At Pearls
Multi-award-winning singer Linda Kosut brought her tribute to Oscar Brown, Jr. (1926-2005), “Long As You’re Living” to Jazz at Pearls June 22 for two sets. I was there among the capacity crowd for the first set.

Linda possesses a stage presence that is naturally relaxed while also being able to convey the emotions of each song’s story. The set was made up of songs from her Oscar Brown show with which she has been touring the country, interspersed with standards that shared similar emotional cadence and feel. In between songs Linda would talk with the audience, sharing the background of a piece’s history. This never disrupted the flow of the set and never felt show-bizzy. There was an instant rapport with the audience, which lent an intimacy to the entire set.

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Diversity is the Key at Bistros
Linda Kosut was equally powerful in her rendition of an Oscar Brown Jr. song about a slave auction. Read the entire article here.

The "Oscar" Award!
The pairing of the legendary African-American composer, lyricist, performer, poet, playwright, essayist, actor, television series host, journalist, political candidate, activist, (etc.,) OSCAR BROWN JR., and vocalist LINDA KOSUT, a self-described "nice, white Jewish girl from the Bronx," has proved to be as surpassingly successful as it was unlikely.

"She swings, she’s bluesy, dramatic and playful paying homage to Brown’s thought- provoking material; bringing her own subtlety and emotion to the stage."

Ms. Kosut is a charming, talented and straightforward performer. One could tell she was truly excited about her subject matter - and it showed in her performance. Even with the competition of the most-watched television event going on [Super Bowl Sunday in NY with the NY Giants], there was a decent number in the audience, and everyone came away captivated, informed and entertained.

Oscar Brown, Jr.'s writing is sometimes fiercely passionate, sometimes heartbreakingly tender and sometimes wryly humorous - and always poetic. Linda Kosut has the musical chops and interpretive skill to do it all full justice. The evening left me richly satisfied yet at the same time eager to hear more gems from the Brown/Kosut collaboration.

EXCERPTS ...

”You might think Linda is not the ideal choice for this repertoire, but she's not trying to be Brown or duplicate his grit or pretend she's coming from his point of view. And Brown's song topics actually were quite eclectic, covering everything from love to philosophy to nature to character/story songs. Linda succeeds in showing the man's versatility as a writer. This is hardly your conventional cabaret act. The sense of drama is something that this performer can call upon, and when she does, the act is at its most engaging. She has those theatre-cabaret muscles that are used well. The show is a welcome reminder of the multi-faceted work of the man who proudly defied being categorized or pigeon-holed by one kind of music. Linda Kosut doesn't seem to have much interest in being labeled either.”

"Brown's ... ambitious material presented with the charm and earnestness Kosut brings to her performances ... hits the mark ... Linda can swing and vamp ... then switch to a poignancy ... [she] brings this timeless material to life for a new generation of listeners. Do I want to know more about Oscar Brown Jr.? You bet." -

An Oscar Brown, Jr. Collaboration

by Dr. Elyse Curtis, New York

Norman Curtis, composer/pianist (husband of Elyse Donathan) collaborated with his fellow Chicagoan, Oscar Brown, Jr. on some of his songs from 1955-1960. Oscar passed on a few years ago, but his creativity lives on. One of the songs on which Norman collaborated: "Rags and Old Iron," recorded by Nina Simone, was reborn when it was used in a mix called, "Love Story."

Currently, there is a renaissance of Oscar's life and work through a documentary, The Oscar Brown, Jr. Story, Music Is My Life, Politics My Mistress, which has been shown on PBS and film festivals, and "A Tribute To Oscar Brown, Jr." by singer, Linda Kosut, a native New Yorker, who now lives in San Francisco.

While researching her subject and collecting material for her tribute, Linda kept running into Norman's name on the music. Her effort to follow all leads to contact anyone connected with the work, led her to the Internet. After many Google searches, she came across my site: solministry.com and a Norman Curtis. She contacted me and I confirmed that indeed it was the right person. Last year, Linda visited us before heading to Chicago to meet with Oscar's daughters.

This year, Linda returned with a complete theatre piece. It was a brilliant tour de force, an emotional roller coaster: pathos, tears, humor, the whole gamut. She captured his life, his work, the times in which he lived and the state of the country and the world. I was grateful that she did "Bid 'Em In," Oscar's song of an auction of a young black enslaved girl, in dim light. As it was, I could barely control my tears. And at one point she introduced [my husband] Norman, who accompanied her in one of the songs for which he wrote the music.”

This Tribute to Oscar Brown Jr. was one of the best shows that I have seen all year so far. The research, the tunes, the flow, the band, YOUR VOICE, the charts...it was a perfect show to me. I knew a bit about Mr. Brown as I have been performing "The Snake" for years, but you literally gave me a history lesson. However, your lessons came not with endless patter but with his words. Your flawless patter moved the show, but allowed, as you said at the top of your show, for Mr. Brown to be the "star" of the evening. He was, but as channeled through you. The show-stopping "Bid ‘Em In" song about a slave caller was chillingly wonderful and your delivery was breath-taking. (I have chills as I type this remembering the moment.) This is a product that needs about 4-5 more tunes, some major backers and an Off-Broadway run. I also think that this show should play every high school and university in the country as a history lesson on how, if you study this man's words, horrifically and shamefully, nothing has really changed and that they are as topical and applicable today as when he wrote them. Thank you for doing this show...it was just stunning! Congratulations.

Listen to Linda on the Joey Reynolds Show in New York with Max Perkoff and Norman Curtis as they talk about Linda's show and CD, "Long As You're Living - the songs & poetry of Oscar Brown Jr."

Those of you who missed Linda's Oscar Brown Jr. show missed a very special evening. I really did not know Oscar's material before then - what interesting and original lyrics -- and Linda did them proud! Linda, break a leg back in SF!

A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO A GREAT STORYTELLER Among the tributes to Brown is a two-night engagement at Davenport's in Wicker Park, featuring San Francisco cabaret singer Linda Kosut, who has just released a CD of Brown material, "Long As You're Living." Special guest singer for Brown's 81st birthday on Oct. 10 will be his daughter Maggie Brown. READ REST OF ARTICLE

I saw this show when I was in NYC last week. It's incredibly good and cool. Oscar Brown Jr. was an artist and activist who reminded me a lot of my mother. Linda does a great job presenting not only his work but his life.

Linda Kosut Gives Tribute to Oscar Brown Jr. It is interesting to see how artists evolve and grow. It is also fascinating how artists (whether they are singers, writers, painters, etc.) influence one another. This seems evident when talking to singer Linda Kosut who will present a tribute show and CD Release on Oct. 29 at the Empire Plush Room, in honor of songwriter and performer extraordinaire Oscar Brown, Jr. She has been performing this show for a year and now brings it and the CD accompanying it, back home to San Francisco. CLICK BELOW FOR FULL ARTICLE

"Oh it was amazing, really. I read everyone's comments about it being an off-broadway show and I was saying the same thing. Such a smart evening!"

I was SO impressed by not only the work, but by YOUR work! You have a beautiful voice and great musical sensibilities, but I was personally most impressed by your subtle skill as an actress! Your text work and verse skills were incredibly
evident and made the evening that much richer.
You introduced me to so much more of Oscar's material than I could have possibly found on my usual musical travels (and I get around)!
"A Column Of Birds" is STILL with me. I made a promise to myself to sing it someday. It is simply one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever heard and your performance was WONDERFUL.
I've been enjoying both CDs. You and Max Perkoff make for a wonderful team. And you and our own Barry Lloyd are great on your first CD. Lots of talent out there in my home town. . . ;-)
Thank you so much for bringing such a generous gift to us here in NY.

Bay Times Critics Pick ... the Best of Theatre of 2006

This past weekend, I had the immense pleasure of attending Linda's show at the Triad in NYC.
I had not been familiar with her work until now, but I DID know that she is an incredibly giving and supportive member of our community and came with a great reputation and a very nice review for her show, "Long as You're Living."
Well, I was totally blown away by her performance, her material, her band and her CD! Everything pulled into one, created an unforgettable tribute to Oscar Brown, Jr. As a lyricist, I was compelled by each word and Linda gave each word its due respect while inflecting it with her own wit, style and grace.
The CD is now firmly rooted on my iPod and played many, many times in the few days I've had it.
I, for one, would love to see her expand this show a little more (add some more tunes) and it could easily go off-Broadway.

The 10+ Best Shows of 2006 Special Mentions —-
... The Plush Room hosts many, many terrific performers, most notably last year were Paula West and Maude Maggart, as well as local cabaret performers Vandana Bali, Barry Lloyd, Linda Kosut, and Lua Hadar.

“The music, the poetry, everything about the show was outstanding. Yes, it was classic Jazz and very soul-filled. Yet to say only that is an understatement. The show deserves spotlight attention [from mainstream media].”

As long as she's living, San Francisco jazz singer Linda Kosut will show her affection, and loyalty to Oscar Brown Jr., the great singer/ songwriter who composed Brother, Where Are You?, The Snake, and Dat Dere. She's paying homage to her hero with a show, "Long As You're Living: the Songs of Oscar Brown Jr." at Jazz at Pearl's in North Beach, on Nov. 16. She's backed by the Max Perkoff Jazz Ensemble. San Francisco is the launching pad for her tour with the show.

But the Jazz at Pearl's show will be a bit different. Maggie Brown, Oscar Brown Jr.'s daughter, will appear with Linda Kosut, and sit in on a few numbers. How cool is that? … read the entire article

“Her voice … silky and sinuous … a smoky plaintiveness similar to Sarah Vaughn, but with an edge worthy of Janis Joplin. Accompanied by the Max Perkoff Jazz Trio, she made smooth transitions between widely different styles … the assortment drawn from [Brown’s body of work] made a lively, varied program.”

"In a New York Times obituary, Peter Keepnews noted, 'Mr. Brown was often described as a jazz singer … [but] preferred to call himself an entertainer, although even that broad term did not go far enough.' Indeed, he [OBJ] was as consummate an actor as he was a singer and songwriter, and it takes as fine an actor as Brown to do proper justice to his songs.
So, it seems altogether fitting that a female cabaret performer (the best of such artists renowned for their superior ability to act more than sing songs), particularly one as gutsy as Linda Kosut, should pay album-length tribute to Brown.

She gives Brown’s songs a fresh slant ... songs that showcase her vocal ability ... bang in the groove ... slinky and sly in unraveling the blues ... show her mettle as a jazz singer.

This album is almost like a collaboration. Linda’s voice is definitely one of the stars of the show, yet Oscar’s personality is ever present. His lyrical intent is never lost or buried even as Linda manages to artistically sit by his side. She is a singer of great ability. The organic strength of her voice is deftly wielded so that she can handle complicated passages without any dead spaces being created from having to rein back.

Linda Kosut has caught the meaning of his work, the profundity and the humour. I have enjoyed the CD at home and played it on air, and I will play it again. Her voice suits the lyrics and the backing charts are very supportive without getting in the way of all the nuances of the words. My congratulations to Linda and the guys, for doing their research and getting this tribute right without just singing the words and playing the notes.

"An accomplished and respectful tribute to the late songwriter-performer Oscar Brown, Jr. - The challenging repertoire - a classy and intimate listening experience"

It's your one chance to witness an intimate tribute to a jazz legend. Singer Linda Kosut and a special guest reveal the passion behind the eagerly anticipated performance.
Jazz singer Linda Kosut's voice has drawn comparisons to that of Sarah Vaughn with a mix of Janis Joplin. Tonight at Pearl's, San Francisco's premier jazz room, she performs a tribute to the late jazz legend Oscar Brown, Jr. Linda and singer Maggie Brown, the daughter of Oscar Brown, Jr., stopped by The View from the Bay to visit with Spencer and Janelle.

"I am honored to know that you are talented and inspired enough to put together this one-woman show using our father's material. This makes you our sister, too.

I am touched to know that you have been so inspired by Dad, who has been such an inspiration in my life."

It is so welcome that your diligent focus and hard work has created the reality of an up and running evening of theater and music, and I trust you know that when you are "back big time in the Apple," me and my accomplished accomplices will be big time supportive.

(Love it when someone in the 'class crowd' actually gets it done and on!)

Also, Oscar would have loved the concept of a tribute show by "a nice white Jewish girl" since he so much wanted to be regarded as more than 'preaching to the congregation' - in fact, he was desperately tired of being considered a "cross under artist" (my phrase which immensely entertained him and which he immediately adopted).

"The CD is simply exquisite! Everything about it: vocals, arrangements,
and variety. I really can't say enough. I wonder if Oscar [Brown Jr.] ever got a
chance to hear your Dat Dere. I'm sure he would have been delighted. Your album is a breath of fresh air from San Francisco!" Norman Curtis, New York based BMI songwriter & composer, pianist; Oscar Brown Jr.’s music collaborator from 1955-60; performed in Europe & extensively in U.S.

I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy what you're doing with his material, it's kind of a surprise, you know? Thank you and keep it up. My whole family appreciates it!

"Just wanted to give you a shout thanking you for having Maggie as part of your show at the Jazz at Pearl’s. I saw the video clip and thought it was great. I enjoyed the whole 9 minutes. If you couldn’t sing I would be pissed - I thought it was great and the people who will be at Jazz at Pearl’s on the night you and Maggie perform will be in for a treat, I don't think they know what they're in for."