Extra Value Concert Combo: Jem and Blue Merle

Taking a needed break from the constant bass beat of dance music, I recently had the good fortune to check out Jem in concert and what a pleasant treat it was. Jem's definitely a rising star on the music scene with some of her songs being played on the TV show The O.C. and her new album, Finally Woken (ATO Records), charting well.

While I expected a good show from Jem, the real joy for me at this concert was the opening band, Blue Merle. This Nashville quartet was stunningly good with guitarist Lucas Reynolds providing passionate and emotion-filled vocals. The uniqueness of Blue Merle's colorful sound ­ a very fresh approach to the rock/pop genre ­ stems in part from inclusion of a mandolin and a rock solid rhythm section. My excitement for Blue Merle can't be contained as I think this is a group worthy of serious attention from those looking for seriously good music. Check out a sampling of their music at www.bluemerle.net and check for their debut album Burning In The Sun (Island/ Def Jam Records) in early 2005.

 

Added Vocals?

Defected Records is coming out in early 2005 with a vocal version of "Strings of Life" by Soul Central, the terrific remake of the 1989 Detroit techno classic. Before you ask, "So what?" you should know that there were never any vocals originally penned for this song, which has been described as dance music's "Stairway To Heaven" equivalent. While I'm sure the debate will rage on as to whether this track should have been lyrically tampered with, the high quality of what has been produced with Jocelyn Brown handling the vocal chores (there's a snippet of the vocal edit on the Defected web site) is undeniable in my book. This is a triumphal piece of music that will get massive global club play once it's released.

Another Sunday Night Option... For those who prefer their Sunday dance grooves more Chicago house and less circuit party or hip-hop, there's a new place just for you. The folks who put on Boom Boom Room on Mondays are now presenting a Sunday weekly party called Pleasure Trip at a club called Wet down in the Loop at 209 West Lake Street. The rotating resident DJs ­ Diz, Heather, and Mr. Frique ­ are among the royalty of the Chicago house music scene and should help in creating an unique clubbing experience for Chicago's house-heads.

 

HOLIDAY SEASON MUSIC REVIEWS

CLASSIKHAN Chaka Khan (Sanctuary Records) If you are looking for the ultimate stocking stuffer to give to someone, then this CD of jazz standards and pop classics sung by Chaka Khan is perfect. Khan's voice is as strong as ever as she's joined by the London Symphony Orchestra on much of the CD. Khan covers such classics as "Hey Big Spender," "I'm In The Mood For Love," Patsy Cline's "Crazy," and what she does with Peggy Lee's "Is That All There Is" showcases Khan's immense talent and is guaranteed to give listeners the chills. As the years have gone by, Chaka Khan has produced a body of work that has elevated her to legendary status with many. Classikhan only adds to her already impressive credentials.

TRANSIENT
Gaelle (Naked Music)

My excitement upon receiving this new CD was immense as I am a huge fan of Gaelle, a woman who's voice can convey emotional depth and touch one's soul. She did these things on the deep house music classic by The Ananda Project, "Cascade of Colours," and has now come out with a 12-track debut artist album that aptly displays the elegant beauty of her voice. While some might find this CD to be too restrained and limiting of Gaelle's obvious abilities, there is much to praise about this effort. Those with an appreciation and fondness of chilled vocal deep house music, especially of the Naked Music variety, will want to add this new CD to their collection.

 

TOUR DE BEATS mixed by DJ Tony Moran (Tommy Boy) This new mixed compilation, a 2-cd set mixed by one of the circuit's most popular DJs, Tony Moran, is exceptional! It is a mastery in musical programming for the peak hours on a Saturday night at a dance club or at a circuit party main event. A pleasing blend and energetic balance of hard beats and vocals, it's been described as "TRIBAListcally DIVAlicious!" Moran gives you plenty of vocals without turning this mix into some cheese-fest. He uses harder, more beat oriented remixes of tracks by Deborah Cox ("Easy As Life"), Suzanne Palmer (Luv 2 Luv"), Reina ("If I Could Close My Eyes"), and Kristine W ("I'll Be Your Light") to maintain a fairly consistent vibe with the highlight tribal tracks by Friburn & Urik ("I Need You" and "Show It") and Willy Sanjuan ("Tribal Funk"). In my opinion Tour De Beats is one of the best compilations of the year - a perfect gift for the circuit boy in your life.

"DJ Plez is the Music Editor of ChicagoPride.com. He DJs throughout the Midwest and has a residency at PUMP! in Milwaukee, WI. "