GrooveOut Shorts
Tori Amos, A Chorus Line 2006, Superstars of the '80s, Eartha Kitt, Cirque du Soleil, Broadway's Carols for a Cure, The Manhattan Transfer and many many more... Nancy Ford and Andrea Rodricks
Slow Train Soul Santimanitay Lady Z, a London-based, multi-ethnic out lesbian jazz singer, provides lead vocals for this hybrid slice of electronica-meets-jazz-meets-reggae. Lush and sultry standouts are "Sexing the Cherry" and "Eight in Nine." We also appreciate the gay sensibility exhibited by STS's PR company in their choice of using a Judy Garland stamp to mail their bubblewrapped demo. From Quango Music (www.quango.com). — Review: Nancy Ford
Diane Ward Wonderlight If I were participating in a blind sound test before knowing the identity of the artist I was listening to, I would have bet good money that the title track to this out Florida native's CD was being sung — or at the very least had been written — by k. d. lang. Ward's appreciable individuality shines through more on other tracks of this recommendable recording. From Shinytown Records (www.dianeward.com). — Review: N.F.
Tori Amos A Piano: The Collection Fans will flip over this five-disc deluxe set from the scarlet-mopped preacher kid. Its 86 tracks include plenty of familiar hits as well as alternate versions and unreleased gems, all produced by Amos herself. The box itself is appropriately shaped like a piano keyboard; humpable piano stool sold separately. From Rhino (www.rhino.com). — Preview: N.F.
Chicago 10th Anniversary Edition Broadway's longest-running musical revival is duly celebrated in its 10th year with this multi-disc collection. In addition to the complete Broadway cast recording, a book, and other assorted bling, this CD/DVD box set also includes show favorites performed by Liza Minnelli, Gwen Verdon, Chita Rivera, and others. From Masterworks Broadway (www.broadway-masterworks.com). — Preview: N.F.
A Chorus Line 2006 Broadway Cast Recording More than 30 years after it first changed the way the world thinks about Broadway, the late Michael Bennett's golden-tuxed kids are back, inviting tourists to NYC by teasing them with this new cast recording. As grand as you'd expect it to be. From Masterworks Broadway (www.broadway-masterworks.com). — Review: N.F.
Manhattan Transfer The Symphony Sessions The Symphony Sessions features music of this long-running vocal quartet reinterpreting 12 classic songs recorded earlier in their career. Rather than the usual jazz ensemble, this time Manhattan Transfer is paired with The City of Prague Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Corey Allen. The seamless production makes for a smooth-flowing, elegant new recording. A wonderful addition to any jazz collection. From Rhino (www.rhino.com). — Review: Andrea Rodricks
Cazwell Get Into It White rapper Cazwell has more humor than Eminem, more energy than Scissor Sisters, and enough sense to duet with transsexual diva-of-the-moment Amanda LePore on "Getting Into It." But the CD's big push is "All Over Your Face": the video got upward of 40,000 YouTube hits in just two days. From Peace Bisquit/West End Records (www.peacebisquit.com, www.westendrecords.com). — Review: N.F.
Various Artists Superstars of the '80s The decade of lip gloss brings you 45 unforgettable hits ranging from pop, new wave, R&B, and rock. One great collection of the biggest stars and sounds of the '80s, this must-have collection includes artists such as Blondie, INXS, Tina Turner, David Bowie, Billy Idol, Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, and other best-selling stars in a three-CD box set with extensive liner notes and a discography. Dance and reminisce to this exclusive collection from Time Life (www.timelife.com). — Preview: A.R.
