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Imagine yourself in Cincinnati, Ohio in the early nineties.  In walks an unknown female singer who begins belting out a mixture of pop, alternative, standards, and does all of this in a sultry, understated way that makes you an immediate fan.   You do some follow up, find out the band is called Over the Rhine, and that the female singer's name is Karin Bergquist. Fifteen years later, you're still a fan, and eagerly await her next disc, or appearance near you. 

Check with me in the year 2021.  I imagine that I will be doing the same thing with Katrina Parker.   Only Dreaming is an EP that incorporates a dreamy intimacy into adult pop music, reminding the listener of Madeline Peyroux, Imogen Heap, or some of Feist's works.  

Parker is a chanteuse, ranging from the haunting "Killing Me," to "Thinking It Over," and "All You Need," which are reminiscent of Over the Rhine's best slow songs.   With the ethereal sound, and quiet introspection, the only thing missing here is a painfully raw tune in the vein of Tori Amos.  These six songs contain romance, hopefulness, wistful longing, and a search for faith.   The first listen hit me hard enough that I had to give it a few more tries so as not to go overboard on this one.  If Katrina Parker has more songs in her, Only Dreaming may be the start of something very, very big.

Brian A. Smith
3 April 2006