Lisa Torem

Features

The Ever-Shifting, Hour-Glass World of Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright III has recently undertaken the ambitious task of writing songs that Charlie Poole might have given voice to had he not sabotaged his own career trajectory. [15 October 2009]

From Scatter to Cantor: Lisa Sokolov Defines Herself

The vocalist explains, "In the commercial world, music can be very shallow, but music as service and language gives its full due." [21 September 2009]

A Love Letter from Lisa: To Paul McCartney, My Confession

As I recall historical events, I can’t imagine a timeline existing without your presence, without your warm smile and those careful words that I’ve heard in interviews and television shows and movies.

Re-Inventing the Deal: An Interview with Michelle Shocked

Corporate battles, homelessness, and forgiveness are routine to this "indelible" woman. [16 July 2009]

Why the Memory of ‘The King of Pop’ Matters

I hope his effusive childlike enthusiasm gives him access to heaven’s gate, where maybe he can reconstruct the childhood he once lost. [7 July 2009]

Reviews

Noah and the Whale: 29 October 2009 - Chicago

Noah and the Whale slowly leave the stage. Tired as they must be, their humble expressions hint that they are exceedingly grateful that we’ve come to see them tonight. [18 November 2009]

Joe Bonamassa: 24 October 2009 - Chicago

Like those around me I’m pinned to my chair. It’s just Joe and an acoustic and I’m astonished. In fact, I’ve never heard anything like it. [16 November 2009]

Rhett Miller: 16 October 2009 - Chicago

Miller is a constant ball of effusive energy, bobbing up and down and flashing that shy, embracing smile. It’s clear that this band loves to entertain. [9 November 2009]

Ian Anderson: 7 October 2009-Chicago, IL

My eyes widen as the band sets up, and I wonder which albums Anderson will draw from tonight. [29 October 2009]

Steve Wynn IV Band + The Minus 5 + The Baseball Project: 11 September 2009 - Chicago

Accompanied by furious riffs and rhythms thick as pigskin, these are strong, contagiously seductive lines – though - a little out in left field. [6 October 2009]

Pet Shop Boys: 14 September 2009 - Chicago

Two slender figures wearing cubes over their heads, clothed in red and blue frocks, and playing tiny brass instruments walk towards a small piano. [2 October 2009]

Janis Ian: The Essential Janis Ian

Unfortunately, Ian -- then only 16 -- never got to Woodstock. But time-travel through the turbulence and tranquility of that era can be realized through many of these tracks. [10 September 2009]

Grand Duchy: 24 July 2009 - Chicago

Frank Black's post-Pixie band fan the musical flames without going up in smoke. [2 September 2009]

Hess Is More: Hits

Creative lyrics, outstanding mix of genres within a category, good use of special artists and their instruments/vocals. [20 August 2009]

Peggy Sue: Lover Gone

Introspective lyrics, infectious hooks, lush harmonies, a lot of variation in their instrumentation. [13 August 2009]

Ray Charles: A Message from the People

A message from the people...by the people...and for the people. [10 August 2009]

Tony Bennett and Bill Evans: The Complete Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Recordings

Recommended? For jazz lovers who don't own the originals, this is a must. [7 August 2009]

Liquid Soul: 03 July 2009 - Chicago

It’s the evening before Independence Day, but the fireworks are being set off early inside the Double Door. [30 July 2009]

Kurt Elling: Dedicated to You

Expressive vocals, brilliant instrumental solos and creative arrangements throughout, tight ensemble work, and the concept stays true to course. [29 July 2009]

Cats on Fire: Our Temperance Movement

Strong lyrics, infectious hooks, solid vocals and emotive storytelling tell the story. [28 July 2009]

Johnny Winter Band: 18 June 2009 - Palatine, IL

When the word “legend” gets tossed about, Johnny Winter’s ears probably burn for a good reason. [24 July 2009]

Laura Tsaggaris: Keep Talking

Washington, DC singer-songwriter reveals a rich emotional template. [23 June 2009]

Maria Taylor: 20 April 2009 - Chicago

Maria Taylor’s forte is her ability to linger for just the right amount of time, drawing her breath around each image like a child’s bubble wand suspended in mid-air. [10 June 2009]

Laura Nyro: Season of Lights and Nested

For Nyro purists, Nested is the pulp. For Nyro cultists and collectors, Season of Lights, is the blended, salt-rimmed aperitif. [26 May 2009]

Dario Marianelli: The Soloist

The soundtrack highlights the film's key plot points, using the music of the masters, in particular that of Ludwig von Beethoven. [21 May 2009]

Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3: 18 April 2009 - Chicago

It’s no wonder people go to great lengths to see Robyn Hitchcock in concert. [20 May 2009]

Gui Boratto

Gui Boratto’s solid frame pulses in reaction to the audience and he senses when they want more beat, more psychedelia or more riff. [29 April 2009]