Hot on the stylish heels of her New Destination EP, queer singer/songwriter Rachael Sage has released the full-length album Blue Roses (MPress), a definite career-high. The new direction hinted at in the four songs on the EP is fully realized on Blue Roses' 13 tracks. Sage wisely included a pair of songs from the EP, "Misery's Grace" and the marvelous "Wax," on the new disc. Longtime fans will be happy to hear that Sage hasn't abandoned her trademark keyboard work or her distinctive vocal style or phrasing, as you can hear on "Happiness (Maddie's Song)." She shows a more mature songwriting style on "English Tea," "Newspaper," and the trans tune "Used To Be My Girl" (reminiscent of Shawn Colvin). The cover of Neil Young's "Helpless," a duet with Judy Collins that closes the disc, is stunning.
Jazz/cabaret vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway pays homage to one of her heroes on From Sassy to Divine: The Sarah Vaughan Project (After 9/Shanachie). Recorded live at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, Callaway reimagines a set of Vaughan standards, including "Misty" and "Someone To Watch Over Me," as well as a pair of tunes by queer songwriters Billy Strayhorn ("Chelsea Bridge") and Stephen Sondheim ("Send in the Clowns"). Callaway sounds fantastic, taking ownership of the songs while still respecting Vaughan's versions.
Possibly because it's her first album on her own label imprint, This Is M.E. (M.E. Records) by Melissa Etheridge finds the lesbian rock goddess stretching her musical limbs. More than 25 years since her debut record was released, Etheridge still sounds good writing catchy pop songs for the Dinah Shore Weekend set and others. Slightly bombastic opener "I Won't Be Alone Tonight" sounds fresh and familiar, while "Take My Number" recalls the best of Etheridge's down-home comfort tunes. "A Little Hard Hearted" is a reminder of Etheridge's history of heartbreak, featuring pleasing vocals by Neyla Pekarek. "Ain't That Bad" and "All the Way Home" would have fit perfectly on Etheridge's first disc, and "Like a Preacher" and "A Little Bit of Me" play with interesting beats.
Dottie's Charms (Pinko) by underrated, brilliant and witty singer/songwriter Jill Sobule, who recently made it to Jeopardy clue status, is one of the most intriguing concept albums you will ever hear. Sobule, who has made a name for herself as a collaborator (The Jill and Julia Show, featuring Sobule and Julia Sweeney), has created her most collaborative effort to date. The 11 songs, with music co-written by Sobule and queer musician/composer Fred Hersch, Dan Wilson, Mike Viola and others, tell the story of the charms on an old-school charm bracelet found by Sobule. Sobule turned to writer friends Luc Sante, Mary Jo Salter, Nina Mehta, Jonathan Lethem, Rick Moody, David Hadju and others to create the right words for each charm. Listeners are sure to be charmed by "My Chair," the union anthem "Women of Industry," "The Mezuzah" and the incredible "Wedding Ring."
Unless you listened to Christian rock at the end of the 20th century, the name Jennifer Knapp probably won't ring a bell. But things changed for Knapp when she came out as a lesbian and released her Letting Go disc in 2010. Now signed to Ani DiFranco's label, Knapp has returned with Set Me Free (Righteous Babe). The 10 original tunes, including standout "Remedy" and the rocking "Why Wait," are firmly based in the singer-songwriter tradition. Knapp's respectful reading of Anita Baker's "Sweet Love" is an added bonus.
Chicago, and its fertile music scene, continues to be home to many talented LGBT artists. Emily White's strong new album Staking Flags in the Valley (Fresh Squeezed Productions) is bolstered by memorable songs "Crooked Teeth," "Black Highway," "Starve the Dog" and "Go Now."
Cool Choices (Hardly Art) by S, the solo project by Jenn Ghetto of Carissa's Wierd [sic], is definitely cool. Opening with the lo-fi piano/vocal track "Losers," the disc continues with knockout number "Like Gangbusters!" the subtly funky "White House," the gorgeous "Remember Love," the vintage electro of "Tell Me" and the retro Riot Grrrl of "Balderdash."
The prolific Sean Wiggins is (bare) back with Clothing Optional Fridays (seanwiggins.com). Backed by her rocking band, Wiggins performs this set of blues-based original tunes with flair, energy, and a powerful set of pipes. The country-influenced "Thank God for My Stalker" and the swinging "You Are the One" are especially good.