In December Gossip Wolf caught up with local guitarist and soul singer Isaiah Sharkey, who mentioned he was working on Love Is the Key (The Cancerian Theme), which “reflects funk, jazz, classic R&B, hip-hop, and other genres that’ve influenced me throughout my journey.” The album dropped Friday, June 21, and Sharkey wasn’t exaggerating about its kaleidoscopic sound! This wolf especially digs the string-laden “Love Is the Key,” which recalls early-70s Curtis Mayfield, and the wah-wah pyrotechnics of “Amen.” On Saturday, July 6, Sharkey opens for Michael McDonald & Chaka Khan at Ravinia. Hit those lawn seats early!
When Frank Rosaly packed his drums and moved to Amsterdam in 2016, one of the many fine ensembles he left on hiatus was the Nick Mazzarella Trio, which includes two Chicagoans, saxophonist Mazzarella and bassist Anton Hatwich. During a Rosaly visit in January 2018, the trio recorded six new Mazzarella compositions live at Co-Prosperity Sphere. Last week, local label Spacetone (run by drummer Quin Kirchner) and Texas label Astral Spirits released them as the LP Counterbalance, and on Saturday, July 6, the trio celebrates at the Hideout. Kirchner will fill in for Rosaly; Tim Daisy opens with a solo set, and Damon Locks DJs. v
