A decade ago, Kristine W. showed up at the local gay piano bar Gentry to wow the crowd, proving she can do more than belt out dance anthems. Her latest, Straight up with a Twist, has the Las Vegas-based multi-instrumentalist recounting her catalog along with covers and new material. The first disc, “Straight Up,” favors a smooth, jazz club vibe, while the companion “With a Twist” is more martini lounge-oriented.
On the latter, there are electronic arrangements, similar to Dekkard’s Planet Vocal Mix of “Land of the Living.” “Window to Your World” takes the listener on a magic carpet ride. Club-chart topper “Some Lovin'” succeeds magnificently both with a slinky electronic approach and with its jazzy tongue-twisting scatting. The remake of “What I Like about You” is better cabaret-style than its more futuristic variation. Donna Summer’s “On the Radio” tunes into a new mood with its slowed-down approach. It is great to see this project show Kristine’s artistry.
Similarly, Martina Topley-Bird is reworking her material with the forthcoming Some Place Simple. Here, Tricky’s former vocalist takes flight retooling previous tracks like “Ilyah” and “Too Tuff to Die” with a unique sound, tapping a mix of Bjork’s flare with bluesy leanings. The opener “Baby Blue” is a refreshing love song with a retro feel. “Valentine” is a slow-burning standout, while “Sand Paper Kisses” has a strumming guitar that comes out of a slumber with a shot of adrenaline. Some Place Simple is due out on Oct. 26. Topley-Bird is touring with Massive Attack with a stop at The Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine, on Friday, Oct. 15.
Also on Friday, Oct. 15, Graham Czach is going to have the official release party for his debut bow, Lucid, at Martyr’s, 3855 N. Lincoln. Czach has played bass with local acts like The Chicago Afrobeat Project and The Aaron Coppel Quartet. A portion of Lucid’s sales will benefit Greenpeace, American Cancer Society and the Art of Living Foundation. Lucid contains the timeless “Keep You” and the sing-along-worthy “Gather Round” as well as the modern rock track “Abide.” The moving “Choice” is about reproductive rights and the public’s lawmakers. Proceeds from the release party will be donated to Planned Parenthood of Illinois.
International star Katie Melua sheds her Norah Jones image with The House. Her latest is produced by William Orbit, who worked with Madonna, Melanie C. (Sporty Spice) and The All Saints. For those who remember Melua singing standards like “I Think It’s Going to Rain Today,” leave that in the past. Using electronic, ethereal tunes like “I’d Love to Kill You” and “The Flood,” she eases into new territory somewhere between the sovereignties of Sarah Brightman and Bebel Gilberto. She offers humor on “Tiny Alien” and the Alan Cumming-inspired “A Moment of Madness,” then treks to Nashville with “No Fear of Heights.” Melua’s delightful The House is out now.
There is something so endearing about Macy Gray. Maybe it is the video from her 1999 breakout hit “I Try.” Gray follows up 2007’s overlooked pop outing Big with The Sellout. Here, the Grammy-winning artist serves as the executive producer. The singer/songwriter-turned-actress possesses a distinct, unique voice and has a certain childlike quality. The title track has our heroine trying to make mends over an easygoing rhythm. But is it with her lover or with an audience who is missing out on the joyous, gifted woman? Then she can seamlessly belt out “Lately” over a funky electro groove then delve into the sing-along “Kissed It” with Slash formerly of Velvet Revolver and Guns n Roses on guitar. Gray admits that her teenage kids have inspired the feel-good “Beauty in the World.” The set closes with the epic “The Comeback,” where she is still looking for mainstream acceptance. The heartwarming The Sellout is out now via Concord Music Group. Gray returns to Chicago with a concert at Park West, 322 W. Armitage, on Thursday, Oct. 7. The show’s official afterparty at The Victor Hotel, 311 N. Sangamon, will have a house- and funk-filled DJ set from Gray.
The Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln, continues to host a fantastic array of talent. The concert hall here offers an intimate setting with phenomenally designed acoustics. Some of the artists due to perform are Suzanne Vega, Bob Mould and Janis Ian. For an updated calendar, please visit www.oldtownschool.org. Queer bassist Meshell Ndegeocello will have two concerts on Saturday, Oct. 16, with Helen Money. Also, the “Dred Loc” singer, along with Shelby Lynne, Aimee Mann, Jackson Browne and Patti Smith, will partake in a celebration of John Lennon’s legacy for his 70th birthday Friday, Nov. 12, at The Beacon Theatre in New York City to benefit the Playing for Change Foundation.
Starting Thursday, Oct. 14, Decibelle Music and Culture Festival brings three packed days of celebrating women in film, comedy, dance and music. Beloved comic Jessica Halem will host Big Freedia’s New Orleans Sissy Bounce at Subterranean, 2011 W. North, on Saturday, Oct. 16. Dancing with the Stars contestant Margaret Cho brings her Cho Dependent Tour to the festival. Her latest venture also features musical collaborations with Tegan and Sara, Fiona Apple, Ani DiFranco and Andrew Bird. Decibelle also will unveil a short cut screening of Exotic World and the Burlesque Revival, which has the “Notorious” Cho. Having seen Brilliant Pebbles at a Flesh Hungry Dog Show earlier this year, the trio is a dash of the multicultural Deee-Lite and Lady Gaga via Chicago’s Polish roots. For a complete schedule and more information, please visit www.decilbelle.org.