JOHN ABERNATHY: Look Straight Ahead

John Abernathy

Look Straight Ahead

© 2005 John Abernathy (786851106824)

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An uplifting mix of musical theatre, original songs, jazz, and pop is presented in this deeply personal debut.

notes

"Rhode Island performer John Abernathy is someone to keep an eye on, with his smooth vocals, appealing style and personal way with a song." -- Cabaret Scenes Magazine

"Mr. Abernathy is an accomplished pianist/singer, and is now developing his own 'out-front' performing. Not only does he have great chops--both vocally and instrumentally, he is handsome, charming, funny, smart and perfectly engaging. I'd like to see him more around town and New England. All this artist needs now is more performance time." -- Cabaret Hotline Online

JOHN ABERNATHY received a 2005 nomination for Best Male Cabaret Performer from the Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) for his show "A Cock-Eyed Optimist" at Club Café in Boston. Originally from Tennessee and now living in Rhode Island, John has worked in theatre as an actor/singer/dancer/musician appearing as Tony in WEST SIDE STORY, Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, L.M. in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, and in musical revues of such composers as George Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Hoagy Carmichael, and Cole Porter. He toured internationally as pianist and soloist with the musical group "Up With People" including a performance with the National Symphony Orchestra in Constitution Hall. In 2004, John participated in the Second Annual Cabaret Conference at Yale University. He was recently featured in the 16th Annual New York Cabaret Convention at Frederick P. Rose Hall (Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center) in an evening dedicated to the music and lyrics of Broadway composer Jerry Herman sharing the stage with legendary performers Lee Roy Reams, Michael Feinstein, Marilyn Maye, and Mr. Herman himself.

LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD

Produced by: John Abernathy and Tom LaMark
Arrangements by: Tom LaMark and John Abernathy
Orchestrations by: Tom LaMark

Musicians:

John Abernathy - vocals, piano (4), accordion (14)
Tom LaMark - piano
Marshall Wood - bass
Jim Gwin - drums
Mike Monaghan - soprano & tenor saxophone, flute
Dave Burdett - trumpet, flugel horn
Jane Hemenway - violin
Melissa Spevacek - background vocals (13)

Find out more about John on his website,
www.john-abernathy.com

reviews

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  • Likable, Likable, Likable
    author: Tracy Adams

    What's not to like on John's debut CD? His interpretations are warm, sincere, and upbeat. The only thing more pleasing than his voice is the impression you get of what a great person this guy is. Cabaret lovers, this CD should be on your shelf.

  • He has an instantly likeable sound, refreshing and invigorating.
    author: Rob Lester, TalkinBroadway.com

    The title of John Abernathy's CD, Look Straight Ahead, is a line from the lyric of "I Can See Clearly Now," one of the life-affirming tunes he does so well. John lives in Rhode Island and has just returned to his first love, performing, after a dozen years. He has an instantly likeable sound, refreshing and invigorating. His musical accompaniment is solid, with arrangements and production in collaboration with his pianist Tom LaMark, who also did the orchestrations. This is not one of those quickie, made-on-the-cheap self-produced CDs. It's done with care and polish. A highlight of the album is "I Was Here" from Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahren's score, The Glorious Ones. What a gem of a song and what an intelligent reading John gives it. The lyric is about making your mark, the desire to leave something behind, with specific references to the drive of a performer despite hardships. From John Bucchino's anthem, "Taking the Wheel," to "Infinite Joy" by William Finn, the album is full of welcome song choices. Some of the subject matter is intense, but the going doesn't get too heavy. John's naturalness in phrasing and sound production prevents that fate. Two forays into songwriting bring the kind of product you'd expect from a singer who gravitates to material that confronts emotion. They are deeply felt and highly personal stories, determinedly honest in looking at the past as it informs the future.

  • author: Tom Fronczak

    This is a remarkable CD. Just a wonderful collection of music to bring a smile to the spirit! Im so impressed and happy for John to put this collection of favorites together. Especially since he wrote two of the tracks which happy to be my favorites. His ode of love for his grandmother is literally beautiful. No reason it couldnt be number one on country chart! And I find myself walking around during the day singing "I dont wanna grow up"... Its such a catchy song. You wont be disappointed with this wonderful collection. A true talent and just wonderfully happy music.

  • Look Straight Ahead is a CD you can't afford to miss!
    author: Alonzo Luzod

    Look Straight Ahead displays a mastery of interpretation. The depth of emotion that John Abernathy conveys leaves the listener feeling great and wanting more. Five stars, without a doubt.

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