A Mid-Summer “Non-Dance” Musical Round-Up

Since taking over as Music Editor of ChicagoPride.com, one of my goals was to increase our coverage and presentation of music genres outside of the dance music world. We had a non-dance music review column a couple months ago and I’m happy to present another with this Mid-Summer edition, which seemingly has a “dream” theme. Much thanks to Jason Bladzik, who works for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, for providing this review column with a bit of class with his classical knowledge. Now, let’s get to it.

Tamyra Gray – The Dreamer (19. Records)
While some thought Tamyra Gray should have actually won the first season of American Idol, her fourth runner-up status has not been a hindrance to her career. Ms. Gray has relied on a steady diet of live and televised performances to keep her face familiar to the public. This included acting duties in a recurring role on the Fox TV drama show, Boston Public. But it’s now that she shares her voice with us all in her recently released debut CD, The Dreamer. The first single from the album, “Raindrops Will Fall” is a monster of a ballad showcasing Gray’s vocal and emotional range. There are plenty of other jewels on this 13-track CD which spans genres such as R&B, jazz, and even some rock. Whatever one may think of the cheesiness factor of the American Idol show and brand, Gray and The Dreamer is further proof that AI really is bringing some quality vocalists to the fore. – DJ Plez

The Dresden Dolls – Dresden Dolls (8 Foot Records)
Believe it or not, back in the day (in the 1980s) I was a big Violent Femmes fan. Thus, when I heard The Dresden Dolls’ self-titled debut album I had to smile and easily agreed with those who see some similarity between the Femmes’ and Dolls’ energetic style. As mentioned in the press kit for The Dolls, who consist of Amanda Palmer (vocals and piano) and Brian Viglione (drums and guitar) and who somehow appropriately enough met on Halloween night in 2000, their musical home is somewhere between Weimar-era cabaret and NYC’s famous CBGB’s. The CD kind of whipsaws you through its complexity of sounds and lyrics, but t’s always compelling, definitely quirky, and above all attractive. It’s hard for me to really describe The Dresden Dolls and this CD. I know that I like it and think that those looking for something outside of the safe predictable commercial pop mode will like it as well. – DJ Plez

Prince – Musicology (Sony)
Back in the 1980s when pop music was not just a commercial, but also creative force, within music, Prince was without a doubt one of the leaders of the revolution along with Madonna and Michael Jackson. With the release of his latest CD, Musicology, Prince proves he still has those famous inventive creative juices flowing some 20 years after the peak of his popularity. Funky grooves are demonstrated throughout on songs such as the title track and “Life ‘O’ The Party” and the trademark seductive quality is so well captured on “Call My Name.” Musicology is some of Prince’s best work in many years and definitely deserves a listen. – DJ Plez

Sophie B. Hawkins – Wilderness (Trumpet Swan)
Going the independent route, Sophie B. Hawkins delivers the goods with her new CD, Wilderness. According to Hawkins, getting away from a major label was “exactly like going into the wilderness – beautiful and scary.” Using a less disciplined approach to her songwriting routine, Hawkins has crafted an album with songs that are a bit more commercial in their appeal, adding a certain brightness to her unique sound. The interesting variety in the tracks on Wilderness – from “Sweetsexywoman” to “Beautiful Girl” to “You Make Me High” – mark a transition for Ms. Hawkins that might not find favor with some of her long-time fans. However, the strength of her musical talent, as shown on this new release and her previous efforts, should ensure that Hawkins will always have a sizable audience that she’ll continue to please. – DJ Plez

Patty Griffin – Impossible Dream (ATO Records)
Any musician who claims literary giant James Baldwin as a major influence peaks my interest in them. And then when they turn in such an engaging and enjoyable album as Patty Griffin has done with Impossible Dream, I can do nothing but smile. This Bostonian folk-rocker with a terrific alto voice has much to say - personal and political – and succeeds in convincing us to listen by what she has to say and how beautifully she sings it. There are so many wonderful songs on this CD, but “When It Don’t Come Easy,” “Love Throws A Line,” and “Useless Desires” are my personal favorites. And the singing of an abbreviated version of the title song, from Man of LaMancha, by her parents is such a nice touch that only adds to the humanity of this album. Bravo to Ms. Griffin! I have a feeling Baldwin would be proud. – DJ Plez

Eliane Elias – Dreamer (Bluebird/Arista Associated Labels)
From Griffin and her parents’ “Impossible Dream” we move toward the world of jazz with the impressive Dreamer by Eliane Elias. This Brazilian-born jazz pianist-vocalist, based out of New York City, presents 11 tracks on this CD, comprised of bossa novas, tunes from the American songbook, and original compositions. She even ends the collection with a piano version of “A House Is Not A Home,” filled with as much emotion and meaning as the vocalized version sung by Luther Vandross. The most impressive attribute about Dreamer for me was the exquisite balancing act the CD achieves by being both a serious jazz presentation as well as being extremely accessible to those who prefer a smooth jazz approach. Thus Dreamer is a CD to be enjoyed by a wide range of people looking for high-quality music.

Deborah Voigt – Obsessions: Wagner and Strauss Arias & Scenes (EMI Classics)
Even if you are not an opera fan, it’s been difficult to avoid the press swirling around Deborah Voigt’s recent dismissal from a production at London’s Royal Opera House because she is overweight. Although that situation was disheartening to the superstar soprano, her spirits must have been lifted by her recent Carnegie Hall recital, which was sensational, and the release of her first disc for EMI Classics: Obsessions: Wagner and Strauss Arias & Scenes. Listening to Obsessions we hear everything we would expect from this diva: solid-gold tone, rock-solid rhythm, and hair-raising high notes that threaten to peel the Ralph Lauren eggshell right off your walls. Interestingly, the best two selections are from two roles that Ms. Voigt has the least stage experience in (Tristan and Isolde and Salome) but she is glorious throughout. Check out the photos on the CD booklet: over-the-top glamour / camp. Don’t miss this Chicago native’s recital at Ravinia this summer (July 28). She also sings two performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia on July 25 and 30. – Jason Bladzik

The Opera Band - Amici Forever (Victor)
Amici Forever is the latest act to jump on the Andrea Bocelli-Sarah Brightman-pop-opera bandwagon. While this disc reveals some ensemble and intonation problems, the five singers that comprise The Opera Band posses basically fine voices. The Opera Band may not be the cup of tea for true opera aficionados; however, for newcomers to the genre, Amici Forever – with its glossy arrangements, slick marketing, and attractive packaging - may be suitable as an introduction and entice further exploration of this musical world. - Jason Bladzik

Diana Ross & The Supremes – The No. 1’s (UTV Records)
Talk about jam-packed, that’s what this CD is with each No. 1 Motown hit from Diana Ross & The Supremes, collectively and individually. There are 23 classic songs plus a new bonus Almighty remix of “You Keep Me Hanging On.” The collections spans 18 years from 1964’s “Where Did Our Love Go” to 1982’s “Endless Love.” And in addition to the music, there’s a 16-page booklet that’s quite interesting and sure to please. This represents the best of the most successful female group in Pop music history and the most successful solo female artist in Pop history. After listening to this CD, you completely understand why. – DJ Plez

Donna De Lory – The Lover & The Beloved (ANJA Music)
Yes, she might be better known for her place alongside Madonna during the Material Girl’s concerts or for some of her dance hits over the years, but De Lory departs with The Lover & The Beloved toward a musical world that is new, refreshing, and full of inspiration. There are six tracks on this new CD, a seamless blend of soothing world beat music with Sanskit chants and mantras. “Yoga-ish beautiful music” is how I describe it, perfect for relaxation with the power and spiritual depth to cleanse the soul. De Lory proves with this release that she is a very serious and incredibly creative artist in her own right.

The Lover and the Beloved, as well as De Lory’s other CDs can be purchased from ChicagoPride.com’s partner, Borderline Music at the store (3333 N. Broadway) or online at www.borderlinemusic.com.