Karen Bernod celebrates 25 with reissue and concert

(New York, NY — June 19, 2025) — Continuing to make her mark in her return to the music scene, renowned Soul and Jazz singer-songwriter Karen Bernod will celebrate the milestone 25^th anniversary of her debut album with the digital release of Some Othaness For U (25th Anniversary Edition). Set to debut on Friday, June 27, 2025, the recording will be available on all streaming platforms globally.

Originally released in 2000, Some Othaness For U solidified Bernod’s transition from world-class background vocalist to solo star. With lush arrangements, thoughtful lyrics, and genre-blending grooves, the album introduced audiences to Bernod’s unique blend of soul, jazz, and neo-soul, delivered through her signature warm, expressive vocals. The 25th Anniversary Edition brings renewed clarity and depth to the beloved original recordings, offering fans a fresh yet faithful listening experience. This reissue of her critically acclaimed debut album was expertly remastered by the legendary Herb Powers, Jr. of PM Mastering, Inc., based in New Jersey.

Additionally, as part of the 25^th anniversary celebration, Karen Bernod will take to the stage for a special live performance presented by City Winery New York City on Monday, June 30th at 7:30 PM. Known widely as an electrifying live entertainer, this show marks Bernod’s first City Winery appearance as well as her official return to live performance after taking a break from music. The evening will feature songs from Some Othaness For U, fan-favorite classics, and exclusive previews of new music from her upcoming album, Iris — a heartfelt dedication to her late mother, slated for release later this year.

“This anniversary is both a full-circle moment and a sort of new beginning for me,” says Bernod. “To revisit and reintroduce Some Othaness For U in a way that honors where I’ve been but simultaneously sets the tone for where I’m going is truly special. And to share it live with my fans at City Winery in my hometown of New York is the perfect celebration!”

Last month, Bernod began her return to music with the release of a special live recording from the “vault” with It Seems To Hang On (Live) – a jazz infused and infectious rendition of the Ashford & Simpson soul disco classic. Recorded at NYC’s storied Highline Ballroom, It Seems To Hang On (Live) reconstructs and reimagines the original, breathing new life into a crowd favorite with her lush, soulful yet jazzy vocals on full display. Accompanied by her band Brooklyn Soul, the performance also features background vocal support provided by Mike Hammond and Keith Anthony Fluitt. The live recording was also mastered by Powers Mastering Studio in New Jersey.

For over four decades, Karen Bernod has been a mainstay in soul, R&B and jazz as both a background vocalist and a solo performer. Her expansive resume consists of a wide range of lead and support vocals featuring an impressive list of some of music’s biggest names including Chaka Khan, Mary J. Blige, D’Angelo, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Stephanie Mills, Paul Simon, the Pet Shop Boys and Erykah Badu. She was also the lead vocalist for three songs on popular British acid jazz band Incognito’s hit album No Time Like The Future including “Marrakech”, “More Of Myself”, and “Yesterday’s Dream” – the latter of which she performs as part of her live show. Prior to that, she sang on numerous dance tracks, was writer and vocalist on the Cooltempo club anthem “Motherland” and sang on Barbara Tucker’s “Beautiful People.”

The Brooklyn native soon moved from the background to the forefront when she independently released her groundbreaking debut album Some Othaness For You – which was met with critical acclaim and established her as a star in her own right. She went on to build a formidable catalogue with her well-received follow up offerings including Life @ 360 Degrees, #PlantingSeeds, Four Women: Side 1 and her remix album LYFE REMIXED – each release signifying her evolution as an artist. An electrifying live entertainer, Karen has toured all over the world and has performed at some of music’s most iconic venues including the Blue Note, SOBs, Joe’s Pub, the Highline Ballroom, NJPAC and Blues Alley in Washington D.C

“SOME OTHANESS FOR U (25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)” TRACK LISTING: