On the premiere season of The Voice, out contestant Beverly McClellan made it to the finals under the guidance of Christina Aguilera. McClellan returns with her latest album, Fear Nothing, on Junk Drawer Records.
The solid set is loaded with McClellan's trademark blues-rock sound. Some of these songs are reworked material plucked from her previous releases. The effortless cover of "Nobody's Fault But Mine" keeps a cool pace with an undying groove from the beautiful blend of the guitar, tambourine and piano. Comparisons to Melissa Etheridge are undeniable on "Can't Hide Me." The comforting "Come to Me" finds McClellan wailing over a slower tempo. Lastly, the closing cut, "Precious Times," serves as a modernization of "These Are the Days." Fear Nothing is available now.
This year's edition marks the 13th installment in the Broadway's Carols for the Cure series. Here, Broadway cast members sing evergreens and newly written festive songs.
Do not expect just the usual holiday standards here. The double-disc collection can really rock around the Christmas tree; just listen to the cast of Mama Mia on "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," Rock of Ages on "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark on "St. Nicholas Sky." There are classics renditions, too, as the stars from Memphis takes on "Give away Love" and Platinum Hit (and former American Idol) judge Kara DioGuardi shows off her chops alongside the cast of Chicago on "White Christmas."
The legendary Martha Wash joins the cast from Priscilla Queen of the Desert on the upbeat "Light It Up." The cast of The Addams Family strays from the traditional fare with the twisted and humorous "The 13 Days of Christmas." Daniel Radcliffe and the cast of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying contribute "A Christmas Carol."
Proceeds from this 25-track set benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Broadway's Carols for a Cure makes a perfect gift and it also is one that you probably will want to get for yourself as well. Broadway's Carols for Cure, Vol. 13 can be ordered at www.broadwaycares.org .
Another worthwhile yuletide keepsake is the Cameo-Parkway Records reissue Holiday Hits. All of the 18 tracks were recorded in the '50s or '60s. The stunning harmonies and vocals arrangements on "I'll Stay Home (New Year's Eve)" by The Jaynells and "New Year's Eve" by The Cameos eclipse those of modern-day pop stars, save The Warblers on Glee. Half of the material here is instrumental pieces, but they are equally festive. You don't need a beehive or be a resident at Shady Pines to enjoy Holiday Hits.
Linq proves to be a keen observer of social issues on Caught in the Act Acoustic. The singer-songwriter updates Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle" with "Money Today," a valuable lesson about balancing work and life. Linq comes out in favor of same-sex marriage on "Don't You Understand," voicing it is a civil-rights issue. Even current events surrounding teen suicides unfold on "Oh Bully," for which Linq won an Out Music Award for OUTstanding OUTmusician this year.
With storytelling in its forefront, the self-released Caught in the Act Acoustic is out now.
While we have to wait until Jan. 24 for the full-length debut, Colours, by Graffiti6, the buzz-worthy outfit will be taking to the stage with Ximena at Schuba's, 3159 N. Southport Ave., on Thursday, Dec. 22. Last year Graffiti6 became a favorite on blogs with "Annie You Save Me," which reminds me of a successor to late '80s crossovers "The Promise" by When in Rome and "So Alive" by Love and Rockets. Lead singer Jamie Scott would rather do without the heartache on the Burt Bacharach-inspired single "Free." Colours also features the more laid-back and experimental numbers "This Man" and "Calm the Storm."
Check out Graffiti6's acoustic remake of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" on YouTube.
On Monday, Dec. 12, Hydrate is hosting the fundraiser "United in HIV" for Vital Bridges' Center on Chronic Care. A $10 cover or three non-perishable goods will grant attendees two drink tickets. A who's who of Chicago house royalty will be performing and the lively darling of clubland, Cyon Flare, is emceeing.
At the fundraiser, RaShaan Houston, whose soulful vocals have made dance-floor favorites out of "It's Alright" and "Love Is a Miracle," will be debuting his new single, "Your Only." Here, he collaborates with Sheree Hicks, who was one of the vocalists in A.S.K. M.E. on C&C Music Factory's club-topper "I'll Always Be Around." Hicks and Houston find magic together over a soulful house groove, singing "Don't wanna be your number one, if you got number two on the side" on the chorus. Houston also is scheduled to perform "Let Me Live."
Linda Clifford also will be wowing the crowd. Known for "Red Light" from the original Fame movie and her version of "If My Friends Could See Me Now," Clifford has been a staple in the dance community and a vocal ally in AIDS awareness and fundraisers.
Also on the bill are Windy City vocal powerhouses Celeda ("The Underground," "Music Is the Answer"), Dajae ("Brighter Days," "Day by Day") and Carla Prather ("Save Me," "No More Love").
DJ Semaj will be spinning. 5 Magazine's CzBoogie, Rees Urban and Freddie Bain will have guest spots during the night. For more information, please visit http:// www.hydratechicago.com .
