There’s no shortage of self-released solo albums by backup singers and Broadway celebrities, two posts which Shayna Steele knows well. Rise is her latest release, recorded between stints with Bette Midler, Moby, and the revival of Hairspray. Mellow cuts recall ’80s Sade, though lively soul numbers like “Everybody’s Crying Mercy” (streaming) make a solid case for Steele’s own spotlight. Shayna will be performing at The Deli’s CMJ Roots/Soul stage at Rockwood Music Hall this coming Wednesday 10.14 – full schedule of our CMJ shows here. – Brian Chidester
