Chicago is well-represented among the nominees for The OUTMusic Awards. The godfather of the city's LGBT music scene, Scott Free, received two nods, including OutMusician of the Year. The music from the independent film Hannah Free celebrates five recognitions. Stewed Tomatoes is up for Outstanding Rock Song with "Leather Daddy," as is Jenny Urban & the Box's "Let's Ride." Ellen Rosner's "Ready, Steady, GO" is a contender for Outstanding Pop Song.
The OUTMusic Awards will be announced Tuesday, Dec. 8, in New York City. For a complete list of nominees, please visit www.outmusic.com .
Jeffrey Altergott's warm Americana blend of folk and rock is the centerpiece on his fifth album, Balloons. The title track has the Chicago artist nominated for an OUTMusic Award for Outstanding Songwriter, as he compares his life's journey to a red balloon's. Check out his version of "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" on YouTube. It is light years better than Jessica Simpson's lackluster rendition. Balloons is available now on iTunes and at cdbaby.com .
Evanston's Space, located at 1245 Chicago, is hosting two great female singer-songwriters. Both have strong LGBT followings.
First, Jane Siberry will be at Space Thursday, Dec. 3. Her musical legacy boasts 20 albums. The numbers "Calling All Angels" and "Love Is Everything" are among the most popular in her catalog. Siberry's latest, With What Shall I Keep Warm is out now. Space ought to provide the ideal setting for this Canadian's acoustic show.
Susan Werner is due to be at Space Saturday, Dec. 5. This prolific artist has provoked thoughts on organized religion on 2007's The Gospel Truth. On Classics, she bravely rearranged favorites from the '60s by setting them to chamber music. After much demand, the song "The Night We Won the War" can be purchased at www.susanwerner.com .
In case you were unable to attend the March on Washington last month or if you want to relive the experience, there is The National Equity March CD. The 13-track set captures the spirit behind the event as heard on Julie Clark's "Courage of Our Convictions," Stephen Leonard's "Still Say No" and Sean Chapin's "Our Time Has Come." This compilation is available at iTunes, theoutclub.com and fullequalrightsnow.com .
For a limited time, singer-songwriter Namoli Brennet has an exclusive digital live album for sale on her Web site, www.namolibrennet.com . On Live at CWG, new material "Spotlight" and "Parade" fit perfectly alongside the enigmatic Brennet's trans anthem "Boy in a Dress." On top of her own work, Brennet adds a stellar, stripped-down version of Sia's crossover hit "Breathe Me" and a remake of Leonard Cohen's "Tonight Will Be Fine."
Having seen the Tucson-based artist live twice, I appreciate her storytelling before she introduces her often dark material. Proceeds from Live at CWG will go toward mixing and mastering Brennet's upcoming album Black Crow, due out in February.
The Beatles, Kiss and Metallica have plenty of them. But something stands out with Led Zeppelin's tribute band Lez Zeppelin. Whether this all woman quartet is a novelty act like Katy Perry or if the band is genuinely singing about our kind of 'whole lotta love,' Lez Zeppelin is mighty impressive.
The self-titled EP features covers like "Kashmir" and "Communication Breakdown," as well as new material inspired by the iconic songs "Winter Sun" and "On the Rocks." The New York City-based Lez Zeppelin will be at Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee, on Saturday, Dec. 5.
Whenever I listen to a Bebel Gilberto recording, her beaming, flirtatious smile transcends to her sound. On her Verve debut, All in One, the New York-born Brazilian combines original material with covers.
On All in One, her bossa nova interpretations demand the spotlight. Gilberto takes a cool, laid-back approach on Bob Marley's "Sun Is Shining." On the delightful Stevie Wonder-written "The Real Thing," Gilberto teams with Amy Winehouse producer Mark Ronson and the tabloid fixture's touring band, The Dap Kings. Try not falling under her spell on "Chica Chica Boom Chic." Gilberto will perform at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage, on Wed., Dec. 2.
Passing for Uma Thurman and Kim Bassinger's kid sister in the thriller Final Analysis, Erika Jayne has released her dance-pop debut, Pretty Mess. It is no mess at all. Here, she's America's answer to Euro-sirens September and Cascada. Think Stacey Q 20 years later.
Jayne already scored quite a feat by topping the dance radio charts with her first three singles: "Rollercoaster," "Stars" and "Give You Everything." On Pretty Mess, she shows she can slow it down on "One More Time" and does a fun take on Apollonia's "Sex Shooter." To further the Prince connection, percussionist extraordinaire Sheila E. guests on "Time to Realize."
Is that a Universal Gear model as Jayne's love interest in the video to "Give You Everything?" That's a question for my favorite celebrity columnist Billy Masters.
Already having performed at Pride in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Jayne will be at Circuit Nightclub, 3641 N. Halsted, on Thursday-Friday, Dec. 3-4.
Is Adam Lambert the voice of salvation? The out American Idol star's powerhouse chops are heaven-sent on "A Time for Miracles," from the disaster flick 2012's soundtrack. Lambert's debut, For Your Entertainment, is out now. On the cover, the runner-up resembles Stormer from Jem and the Holograms with his blue hair and eyeliner. Rock on.
