After a ten year absence from the Chicago music scene The Blacks returned last fall to play a reunion show of sort at Bloodshot Records 15thAnniversary Hideout Block Party. It was clear that they still had that spark that generated to albums in the late nineties. True they’ve lost a decade, but as I listened through their new ep In Sickness and Health it is clear they haven’t lost the passion or chemistry. The album is filled with introspection, but at its height it is simple and pure rock with country undertones.

In Sickness and Health is a digital-only EP that will be available on March 6th. The first 300 downloads (preorder now) come with a limited-edition poster designed by Danny Black and silk screened by Crosshair Silkscreen. All downloads of the EP include an enhanced package of lyrics, original artwork, photos and the documentary on the Blacks rise and fall, "Bring It Back From The Dead" by John Boston and Glorious Noise Productions.

The Blacks will be celebrating the release of the ep on March 9th at Schubas.

I just received a new single of the trio Kid Savant. “Better Side of Paradise” is track that begins like a standard Coldplay ballad, but subtly morphs into somewhat of a club track. This track just adds to the mystery and hopeful anticipation lead up to what stands to be a wonderful debut album. Hopefully we will be getting news to that effect soon. Until then we will just have to continue to enjoy these mp3’s they throw our way.

Derek Porter is an Illinois-bred, Chicago based songwriter, musician and producer following in the footsteps of his father, Bruce, a pianist and songwriter of 30+ years. Derek’s songs are his craft – he writes for all the groups in the Piercing Music collective. These songs span genres, including folk, rockabilly and pop. His upcoming solo album, Strangers, Vol. 1, makes the softer sounds of his past work its focus. The album is a quick, satisfying listen, which will segue into Vol. 2, to be released in the near future.

Just as many label across the country and around the world struggle and search for new and inventive ways to survive in a digital world, a collection of talented Chicago music professional may have solved the problem. Rubyhornet’s Closed Sessions label may very well be at the forefront of a new movement in the digital music age. With each of the Closed Sessions founders having years of experience in their respective fields, they combined their expertise in Audio Engineering (Mike Kolar who is chief engineer and owner of Chicago’s SoundScape Studios), Media Technology (Omar Solis) and Viral Media (DJ RTC EIC of Rubyhornet.com and also a renowned DJ who has performed and worked hand in hand with numerous labels and artists) to create a one-stop shop that caters to everything an artist requires to create compelling music. It is a fascinating concept, but these men have taken it beyond concept and created Closed Sessions: Vol. 1.

When a participating artist comes to Chicago, they are taken to SoundScape Studios with RubyHornet.com’s full video team and the studio is equipped and catered to fit their individual needs. Once comfortable, they are able to cycle through the Closed Sessions catalog and pick the beat of their choice. Once they have chosen their beat, they are left to do what they do, make great music. It allows the emcee to expand their sound while enjoying the safety and structure of the Closed Session experience. The sessions are photographed and videotaped.

Since conducting the first Closed Session with New Orleans’ recording artist Curren$y, artists such as Amanda Diva, Kidz In The Hall, Tanya Morgan, U-N-I, Bun B, Donnis, Rhymefest, Skyzoo, Big Pooh, and many others have participated. The label recently released a single created with Emilio Rojas called "Helluva Year" and the video above explains the process. The first Closed Sessions EP, presented and mixed by DJ RTC, will be released in March 2nd and will contain nine songs. The collection will be distributed digitally as a free download. Below are the first two tracks they have released from the ep. Welcome to the future of music.

The latest effort from Brad Loving (aka Lobisomem), Brightest Solids EP, was released today via Tall Corn. The above video was created by Brad for the track “Dhegiha Group”. The video was made by stringing together 2,513 photographs he took with his digital camera. The video was shot in one continuous take.

I can’t believe it is almost March and everything is still covered in snow. Here is a video from Kristin Ronne that really captures the feel of Chicago right now.

Coming March 3rd the soulful collective known as The Right Now will release their debut album Carry Me Home. Lead by the powerful voice of Stefanie Berecz, The Right Now play pure funk and soul without apologies. It’s clear this large band, Brendan O’Connell; guitar, keys, & vocals, Chris Corsale; guitar, Jonathon Edwards; baritone sax, Jim Schram; tenor sax, John Smillie; drums, and Greg Nergaard; bass, feels like family. In fact Stefanie’s daughter goes on the road with band consistently, and the band wouldn’t have it any other way. In the album’s title track was written by Brendan for Stefanie’s daughter Angelene.

The are so many highlights on this album for the soul music fan, but my favorite has to be the steady stomp of “ Ain’t Going Back”. It seems to be the perfect mix of sultry vocal, gospel choir backing, and a steady walking groove. “How many years I wasted try to reach my peak…, I’m coming on quick so get out of my way”, Stefanie says it clearly. This band has arrived and their power will be felt.

The Right Now is celebrating the release of Carry Me Home on March 19th at Lincoln Hall.

Rita J. brings it on this track from her latest album “Artist Workshop” on All Natural Inc. This video is simple, and basically lets the music speak for itself. It’s a perfect compliment to Rita’s laidback style.

Not only is the song “In A Dream” one of my favorite tracks so far this year, but Skybox has just made one of the strangest and coolest videos for the tracks. “In A Dream” appears on the band new album Morning After Cuts.

The band will be touring the entire month of March, and will be performing at Lincoln Hall on March 12th with Tally Hall and Jukebox The Ghost.

Just weeks after the release of Puerto Muerto latest album Drumming For Pistols, which has finally found the band the critical praise that they have long deserved, the husband and wife duo, Christa Meyers and Tim Kelley, announced that were splitting up. Their free show tonight at Empty Bottle will be unfortunately be their last. I recently had the chance to ask Christa a few question about the album, the show, and her future in music.

The Deli (TD): Many critics are proclaiming Drumming For Pistols to be your finest work to date, and it might be, but it doesn’t seem to be radically different than previous albums. Why do you feel the press seems more receptive to this album? Do you feel their is something that sets Drumming For Pistols apart?
Christa Meyer (CM): The fact that we are experiencing relationship difficulties could help, (sadly enough). Also, Miranda Lange from PMA PR is a top notch publicist who knows how to push and reel in a couple of insane characters like us.

TD: All of this praise is unfortunately coming at very difficult and private time in your life. I am sure you have discussed trying to remain a band despite your personal difference, but it has been reported that the band will split up and your free show on the 22nd will be your last. What can fans expect from your final show?
CM: Emotional terrorism. A whole lot of fun and fireworks.

TD: Are you of going to continue to pursue music and do you have anything planned?
CM: I am writing every day. What I seem to be producing seems to be contemplative, yet subversive.

TD: In your recent interview in the Sun Times you did leave the door open in a way to further collaboration. I’m sure time will tell, but is there a possibility of more Puerto Muerto material coming down the road?
CM: That really depends on how the dust settles. We’ll see if we are able to work together in the future and how we feel after the hand wringing, hair pulling and yelling subsides.

TD: You have been performing music in and around Chicago for many years. Do you feel there is more going on in Chicago music now than at any point in the last ten years? It really seems like a great time to be a musician in Chicago. Do you feel the same?
CM: There is an open air to the scene in Chicago right now. I think that the lack of a defining Chicago sound is incredibly liberating for many artists. Chicago has been a vibrant music town for many generations, it definitely could be attributed to the work ethic Chicagoans have.

You can see the final appearance of the duo tonight at Empty Bottle with The Glorious Vapors and Daniel Knox. This is a free show and it begins at 9:30pm.

If it seems wrong or strange to go to a bar and enter the area for a 21 and over show and see three twelve year old walk on to the stage that because it is. However, when you listen to the crisp indie pop that the quartet (add the 24 year babysitter) Purple Apple plays you may find yourself forgetting about age. The three 7th grade schoolmates at the core of the band, Olivia, Madi and Noni, aren’t your typical middle schoolers. While most consumed with youth and childhood these three spend their days crafting songs that cut to the core, but without the jaded perspective of adulthood. These girls may bot be able to have a drink, but they clearly have a ton of talent.

You can catch Purple Apple at Schubas this Wednesday (Feb. 24th) with Blah Blah Blah and Minnesota’s Lookbook. This is part of Amplify’s new music series.

Newcomer David Safran has released the second single from his forthcoming debut album. The track is a little Chris Isaak and a little Lenord Cohen, and a unique culmination of Chicago musicians. What is exciting about David’s forthcoming album is the quality of local musicians he has pulled into the process. On this track he has recruited, Andreas Kapsalis (Andreas Kapsalis Trio), Angelina Lucero (Pretty Good Dance Moves), Dan Ingenthron, Lynn Suh, Jamie Gallagher, and Tim Sandusky.