Mary J. Blige is going to play Nina Simone on the silver screen. MTV Films/Paramount Pictures is gearing up for production, but no title or release dates have been set yet. Mary, live ya life, girl.
Speaking of marys, Elton John and David Furnish are going to tie the knot at Windsor... but not at the castle proper. The new UK marriage law is drawing out all the stars. George Michael and Kenny Goss are reportedly planning their wedding. When Dame Edna gets ready to marry, I'll be on a plane to cross the pond.
We've made it to the annual gift issue of Nightspots. As such, I'm going to give you, in no special order, my top ten must-buy albums of the year. Gift them, buy them for yourself, or listen to your friend's copy.
Madonna 'Confessions On A Dancefloor' Euro-Disco to the max, Madge has given us something new and happy to listen to without having to think about it.
Jamiroquai 'Dynamite' You can never go wrong with Jamiroquai. This energetic album lives up to its name.
Floetry 'Flo'Ology' More mature and more intense than ever, Floetry is growing up right before our ears. This Neo-Soul duo is red hot and still climbing.
Alison Krauss and Union Station 'Lonely Runs Both Ways' Country music isn't really my thing, but with seventeen Grammys under her belt, Alison Krauss knows what she's doing.
Anita Baker 'My Everything' All I have to say is her name and you better go out and get this one. She's still that good. Trust.
Hed Kandi 'Disco Heaven 01.05' A double-disc, double-dose of good clean House fun that is worth the import price. You'll be dancing around your house.
Amel Larrieux 'Bravebird' Former Groove Theory diva, this smoky album is perfect for an evening alone or with a friend ( or two ) .
Stevie Wonder 'A Time For Love' Funky, jazzy, sometimes blue, sometimes tickled pink, sometimes deep in passion, and sometimes reaching right inside you, the album is full of powerful stuff.
Nikka Costa 'Can'tneverdidnothin'' To quote my previous column 'With more face than Gwen, more voice than Janet, more style than Madonna ( yes I did ) , and more talent than most female singers on the scene, Nikka Costa is at the top of her craft.'
Madeleine Peyroux 'Careless Love' Her Billie Holiday-esque vocals are soothing and graceful. This album is my favorite of 2005. Don't miss out on her debut album 'Dreamland' either. It's stellar.
With you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik
peter@windycitymediagroup.com