Local musician Noah Gabriel releases new album, will celebrate with show at Water Street Studios, Kiss the Sky record store in Batavia

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

After seeing several close friends and family members pass away in the last few years, musician Noah Gabriel decided to tackle the subject directly on his 10th album, "Dead Reckoning."

The album is being released on both CD and vinyl. To celebrate the release of the album, Gabriel, an Aurora native who recently moved to Batavia, will perform March 24 at Water Street Studios, 160 S. Water St., Batavia and at Kiss the Sky record store, 180 First St., Batavia.

The event will begin at Water Street Studios at 7 p.m. with a solo acoustic show by Gabriel, amidst a gallery of his own acrylic painting portrait artwork. The night will continue at 8 p.m. when doors open into Kiss the Sky record store where the full Noah Gabriel band will play. More information is at his website, www.noahgabriel.com.

I had the chance to talk to him about the new record.

Q - Is this a full band record?

It's a solo record, but it's full band performances. I recorded it with my buddy Adam Gardner. We were in jazz band together at Marmion Academy in Aurora.

Justin O'Connell is also on the album. He's part of the Noah's Arcade band, the rock trio I do stuff with. We're in the midst of putting a new thing together that's basically Noah's Arcade plus Adam. 

That's what we're doing to play the album out live and promote the album and what not.

Q - What was the concept behind the new album?

"Dead Reckoning" works on a couple different levels. It's about coming to terms with death, but at the same time, it's also a nautical term. The dead reckoning was how they would find their position out on the ocean using previous points and stars and stuff like that.

Q - So is this a personal album for you? Was it cathartic?

Writing the songs was the cathartic part for me. One of the big reasons that I wanted to put it out on vinyl is because the album is divided into two halves.

One half of the album is dealing with death from the angle of someone who is passing away, and the other side is basically looking at [it] from the family's perspective, trying to deal with the loss of someone.

Through each side, I wanted to get to a point of resolution with it, like almost going through the stages of grieving, and not just talk about death and dying, but trying to make sense out of it, in any way I could.

It worked for me, and I hope it makes sense to others.

Q - Musically, what were you looking to do with the album?

Adam was head producer on it. We co-produced it, and our idea was we wanted it to have a flow. We wanted the whole album to kind of have a feeling both of melancholy, and at the same time, elation, I guess.

Q - So each song kind of has its own musical identity?

I would say so. And at the same time, we tied it all together. It also works as just one piece.

Q - And of course, this is going to be your 10th album. Does it kind of blow your mind that you are about to release your 10th album?
  

I guess. I never thought that I would get to release one album, so it's pretty cool to be on 10.

At the same time, I sit and think about that I am in the process of recording two other albums right now, and I've got a bunch more written. I look at it as another little step in my evolution, you know.

Q - How would you say your music has evolved over the years?

I'd like to think lyrically, it has matured, and even musically.

I don't know. I guess the older I get, the more experiences I have, and the more real it gets.

I just find it's coming from a more real place, and a more mature place.

Chicago musician Liz Chidester releases new EP, "Progess into Simplicity," will perform at North Bar

By ERIC SCHELKOPF 

Chicago singer/songwriter Liz Chidester continues to expand her musical horizons.

Her latest project is the electronic folk group Liz and the Lovelies, which recently released its first EP, "Progress into Simplicity." To celebrate the release of the album, the group will perform at 8 p.m. April 4 at North Bar, 1637 W North Ave. Chicago. 

I had the chance to talk to Liz about her latest musical project.  


Q - Great talking to you again. You certainly are busy these days, with the upcoming release of "Progress into Simplicity" and your role as Laura in "High Fidelity: The Musical." I understand that the production has been extended three weeks. What made you want to be part of that production? How does the production differ from the movie starring John Cusack?

When I saw the audition notice for "High Fidelity," I thought it was a brilliant idea, bringing the movie back to Wicker Park in a storefront theatre format. I also heard great things about Refuge Theatre Project and wanted the opportunity to work with them.

This production is a remount, as we had a sold out run back in Jan-Feb of 2016, and I'm so happy to be with this cast and crew again. Everyone is giving it 100 percent, and they are so fun to be around.

I will be heartbroken all over again when its over. The main difference between the movie and the show is Rob's realization that he is the root cause of his problems.

This realization and resolution happens very quickly in the musical as pacing would be sacrificed to convey all of the inner workings of Rob in those moments as they are done in the book and movie. Stories change to best fit the format for which they are told. 

Q - A few songs on "Progress into Simplicity" have a sweeping, theatrical feel to them, especially on songs like "The Same" and "The Sky Is Falling." Do you think your work as an actress has influenced your music? In sitting down to make the EP, what were your goals and do you think you accomplished them?

​My musical roots are in folk music and musical theatre, so naturally those elements come out of my voice and are a part of my writing. I was concerned that some may be turned off by a more theatrical sound to some of my music, but I wouldn't be true to myself if I tried to suppress what is authentic to me.



My goals for the EP were to work with friends I trust (Matt Griffo, Nicholas Gunty, and Brian Powers) and to be able to make a concept EP. I set out to do this back in winter of 2015, and it took about two years for everything to come together.

I put out another EP in the meantime, "Otter Hill," that was very bare bones instrument/vocal. Electronic music is amazing and has endless possibilities, but it is also expensive to produce, and needs a lot of time and attention to make it right.  ​

Q - I know the EP is also a concept album that tackles the issue of technology. As a musician, how have you tried to use technology to your advantage?

​The advantages of technology are equally challenging and amazing, and there is something new every season to try to incorporate into your writing and performing. Again, the expense can sometimes prevent further exploration, but being able to use loop pedals and programs like Logic Pro add another layer and challenge the ear pallet.

I also LOVE to dance, and while my intimate folk music is closest to my heart, I wanted to create something that felt joyful, something I could dance to in my living room. Electronic beats definitely help.

Q - Tell me about the formation of Liz and the Lovelies. How did you meet your band mates and what was your vision for the band?

​The band Liz and the Lovelies has slowly accumulated over the years from friendships I've made living in Chicago. My boyfriend, Zach Finch, was a punk drummer for 10 years, so he has gigged with me on his cajone for a long time, and now I can hopefully showcase his kit skills.

My brother, Alex Chidester, moved to Chicago a couple of years ago, and has a terrific voice and harmony instincts, so I added him to the mix. Mike Fletcher is an old friend of mine from high school and college and lives in my Chicago neighborhood, and happens to be a fantastic musician and bass player.

Lewis Rawlinson is an actor and cellist and wonderful soul who I met during "High Fidelity" last year, and I love the warmth he's added to our sound. Ivan Pyzow is a multi-instrumental musical genius and writes his own music, so I definitely wanted him to be a part of this project.

While I heard what these musicians could offer to what I had written, I also knew they would be able to improvise and play and have fun together for anything new in the future. At the core of what we do together, we are friends having fun. 

Q - You are also a teaching artist at Old Town School of Folk Music and Chicago Children’s Theatre. In working with budding actors and musicians, what are some of the most important things that you try to convey to them?
​
I definitely want to instill a sense of play in the kids when it comes to music and theatre. While I think there is merit in excelling and having diligence be at the core of your artistic journey, you also want to keep coming back to the instrument or medium every day, and if it's not fun, you are less likely.

Make diligence into a game. I also want the kids to be able to laugh at themselves when they mess up. I want them to know they can fail and try again. ​

Q - What does the rest of the year hold for you along with your band?

​We are applying to festivals in Chicago and the surrounding states and planning a two week summer tour at the end of August that would travel through the eastern Mid-west, down the East Coast, and back up to sweet home Chicago.

Las Guitarras de España to help kick off Chicago Flamenco Festival, will perform at City Winery Chicago

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

Through his music, Chicago musician Carlo Basile has tried to show that we are all connected to each other.

His group, Las Guitarras de España, and members of the ensemble Surabhi (founded by Saraswathi Ranganathan) will present an evening of music featuring the shared cultural history from medieval Andalusia to the present. The performance will include original and traditional repertoire with Spanish guitar, Arabo-Andalusian poetry and music by Ronnie Malley on oud and harmonium, as well as Rajasthani folk dance by Kinnari Vora and flamenco and Mid-Eastern dance by Marisela Tapia. 

The show at 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago, will kick off the Chicago Flamenco Festival. Tickets to the show are $25, available by going to City Winery Chicago's website at www.citywinery.com.

I had the chance to talk to Basile about the upcoming show:


Q - Great talking to you again. Of course, "The Andalusian Trail: The Roots of Flamenco," kicks off the Chicago Flamenco Festival. How did the idea for the concert come about?

We did a performance of the “Andalusian Trail” at the Instituto Cervantes in October of 2016 (over 2 evenings) and it went well! So, we decided to present a version of this work again at City Winery for the 2017 Chicago Flamenco Festival (again with the support of the Instituto Cervantes).

Q - For people who come to the concert, what would you like for them to get out of experience?

Hopefully, the audience will gain a deeper understanding of the many connections which exist between the music of Andalusia, Spain and places like India, Iraq, Syria and Africa. 

Q - What does it mean to you to have such a festival right here in Chicago? Do you think a festival like this one can help bring about cultural awareness and understanding?

It’s great to have this festival in Chicago but it’s really a reflection of the many cultures which have existed in the city for some time. Yes, we are all connected, and hopefully, this type of festival reinforces that.

Q - Are there any artists that you are looking forward to seeing at the festival?

Yes, Josemi Carmona is a legendary guitarist from the flamenco group Ketama. That program on 3/14 at the Instituto Cervantes should be great!

Q - I know you have previously worked with both Ronnie Malley and Saraswathi Ranganathan. Why do you think you work so well together?
 
Well, between the three of us, we can cover a lot of musical ground! Indian, Arabic and Spanish guitar music traditions form the foundation for our work. Plus, we all seem to like being with each other too!

Q - Has Las Guitarras de España lived up to the vision that you had for it when you founded the group? What's next for the group?

Most certainly, Las Guitarras has provided me with a means to study, travel, perform and collaborate with some awesome artists from all over the world. I know that’s kind of a narrow perspective, but that’s really all I ever wanted from the ensemble.

But, hopefully, we have made some folks happy with our work along the way too! I would like to keep working with this "Andalusian Trail" theme because there is much more to explore!

Q - It seems like you are always working on a new project. Are you looking to take on any new projects this year?

We have plans to make a new video and write some new pieces. I am also hoping that we can submit to perform at festivals in India, Africa and maybe Cuba. Let’s see!

Paramount creates mesmerizing version of "Sweeney Todd"

Photo by Liz Lauren

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

Paramount Theatre's spectacular version of "Sweeney Todd" will make you forget all other versions of Stephen Sondheim's famed musical.

For those not familiar with the story, "Sweeney Todd" is a dark comedy revolving around an English barber who murders his customers with a straight razor and, with his accomplice Mrs. Lovett, processes their corpses into meat pies. 

Obviously Paramount Theatre artistic director Jim Corti - who directs and choreographs "Sweeney Todd" - knows what it takes to put on a production. Corti staged last season's Jeff winning best musical "West Side Story," and received a 2015 Jeff Award for his direction of "Les Misérables," which also received a Jeff Award for best musical. 

Starting with the piercing scream in the production's opening scene, this version of "Sweeney Todd" is full of raw emotion, pulling in the audience in hypnotizing fashion. 

Corti has chosen the perfect cast for "Sweeney Todd," starting with Paramount newcomer Paul-Jordan Jansen in the title role. Along with being an incredibly gifted singer, he brings a manic intensity to the role.

Another Paramount newcomer, Bri Sudia, is also perfectly cast as the devilish and sassy Mrs. Lovett. She has the comedic deftness required for the role and it is a joy to see Sudia and Jansen interact with each other on stage.
 

Photo by Liz Lauren

There are plenty of other standout performances in the production, including Matt Deitchman's hilarious take as Adolfo Pirelli, a rival barber to Sweeney Todd. Cecilia Iole, another Paramount newcomer, is enchanting as Johanna, the love interest of the aptly named character Anthony Hope, who remains optimistic despite the circumstances in front of him. Patrick Rooney, who previously could be seen in "Les Misérables," shines in the role.

Stunning scenery is a hallmark of any Paramount production, and that remains the case here, including an inventive depiction of how Todd carries out his murderous acts.

"Sweeney Todd" will run through March 19 at the Paramount Theatre, located at 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora.

Tickets are available by calling the Paramount at 630-896-6666 or visiting its website, www.paramountaurora.com.