Dave Koz, Patty Griffin, Dreamgirls, Josh Groban, Dennis Ferrer, Electric Light Orchestra, OK Go, Oh No, the bird and the bee, Lily Allen, Ciara, Catch & Release, Fantasia, Astrid Williamson
Various Artists
G CD Global 1
Woobie Bear Music started as a music community devoted to “music by bears, music for bears,” but it’s become much more with its CD releases. The latest is G CD Global 1 and offers tracks by 36 GLBT artists from around the world, with about a third of the songs only available on this compilation. Disc 1 is all dance and electronic, and the second disc is mainly rock-oriented. In short, this is a quality compilation by our own artists. From Woobie Bear Music (www.woobiebearmusic.com). — Review: JD Doyle
Dave Koz
At the Movies
The openly gay master saxophonist has gathered signature tunes from 14 film classics for this sumptuous CD, which has already garnered four Grammy nominations. Lending vocals to Koz’s lush instrumentals are India.Arie, Anita Baker, and Barry Manilow, all precluded by a sample from Judy Garland herself. Nice. From Capitol Records (www.capitolrecords.com). More: www.davekoz.com. — Preview: Nancy Ford
Patty Griffin
Children Running Through
Griffin’s penned all 12 of the tunes on this, her sixth commercially released album. Beginning gently with the plaintiff “You’ll Remember,” Griffin takes listeners on an up-and-down country blues journey that peaks with the gospel-y “Up to the Mountain (MLK Song).” Available February 6 from ATO Records (www.atorecords.com). — Review: Nancy Ford
Original Soundtrack
Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion Picture
The famed Broadway musical about the rise and fall of three women who formed a group called The Dreammettes has been adapted into a motion picture directed by openly gay Bill Condon. The soundtrack for the film includes show tunes, ballads, and four original songs including “Listen” by Beyonce. Dreamgirls features an incredible line-up of award-winning superstars including Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy, and newcomer Jennifer Hudson. From Columbia Records (www.columbiarecords.com). — Preview: Andrea Rodricks
Josh Groban
Awake
Vocalist, producer, and songwriter Josh Groban’s classical crossover album is the third CD from this established mega-star. The young singing sensation has a spectacular voice that has the power of an operatic tenor. The Grammy-nominated star co-wrote four tracks and produced songs, along with musical contributions from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Dave Mathews, and Herbie Hancock. The album is musically and lyrically stunning with songs in Italian, Spanish, and English. From Reprise Records (www.repriserecords.com). — Review: Andrea Rodricks
Dennis Ferrer
The World As I See It
It’s obvious producer/composer Ferrer has a choice sense of humor: the first cut on this sturdy house/ dance/electronic collection is titled “Church Lady.” But it has nothing to do with Dana Carvey. Hallelujah and amen! Available Feb. 20 from King Street Sounds (www.kingstreetsounds.com). — Preview: Nancy Ford
Electric Light Orchestra
Out of the Blue
Jeff Lynn fans will plotz over this re-release from the late ’70s, ELO’s glory days. Contains all 17 original tracks including mega-hits “Turn to Stone” and “Mr. Blue Sky,” plus three previously unreleased ditties. Lynn produces, of course. Available February 20 from Epic/Legacy (www.epicrecords.com, www.legacyrecordings.com). More: www.elomusic.com. — Review: Nancy Ford
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