Rookwood

Reviewing the self-titled CD by the Broad-Ripple-based group, Rookwood, proved rather difficult to do. Sharing the music with several age groups, I received only positive feedback from all, making it impossible to suggest it for just one particular demographic.

Making up the duo are Butler University graduates Krista and Casey Wilson. Rookwood, on a CD-promoting, national tour, returns to Indianapolis, Friday, May 21 for one performance at The Annex in Fishers.

Rookwood’s influence from Memphis-Blues, rock, gospel and jazz, coupled with the haunting vocals of lead singer Krista, creates a fusion of emotions as vivid as the colors of a kaleidoscope. Just when you believe you’ve seen all there is, it turns and twists into something entirely different.

Not shying away from the darker subjects of heartbreak, disappointment and compulsions, Look My Way offers the promise of hope through the strength of love. From the first track’s addictive Fool’s Goodbye, which deals with betrayal, to the last haunting selection of You Still Want Me, the group's view of reality creates a sense of knowing someone out there understands what you're going through.

Happy Ever After begs the listener to toss aside unrealistic childhood romantic fairy tales, whereas in track ten, they want to know if you’re Happy with your life. The spirit of soul-searching winds throughout the entire CD wrapped in a down-to-earth style, questioning faith, life and love.

Bottom Line: Heartbreaking, wistful, completely bare and laid-out are the emotions and inner-feelings of Rookwood’s self-titled CD. The smoky-bluesy soulful sound and lyrics are distinctive and not to be compared to any other group; no need to borrow a sound when you’ve created one all your own.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer and theater critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and at gottago.us. Comments can and questions can be sent to elizabeth@gottago.us.

*Photos submitted by Rookwood

www.Rookwoodmusic.com

Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, West Side Community News, New Palestine Reporter, West Indianapolis Community News, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.

The Cabaret at The Columbia Club: Lauren Cregor

Chestnut-tressed triple-threat Lauren Cregor blew in breezily from New York to land, ever so sweetly, onstage at The Cabaret at The Columbia Club Friday evening. The singer-songwriter, pianist and composer returned home for a heartwarming engagement in the glow of her family and friends' admiration and love.

Starting the show with the sassy, smart Let's Not Be Friends, Cregor scooped up the members of the audience and kept them in the pocket over her heart the entire evening.

Second selection The Lover was a stop-and-start whimsical number giving a glimpse into the creative brilliance that is Lauren Cregor.

Playing Indianapolis was a reunion for Cregor, graduate of Cathedral High School and Indiana University. Surrounded by friends, family, including her grandmother, the feisty, Italian-infused songbird opened her warmth to the crowd, winning their attention, applause and loyalty.

Marina, written about, and sung to her 92-year-old grandmother, sitting at the table next to this critic, stopped time in the Columbia Club.

One of those goose bump, surreal moments which come along all too rarely. Not one glass clinked, no silver dropped, as we all watched and listened with rapt attention to every syllable and chord rejoicing the love for her cherished grandmother.
From the first words, I'm going home...to the last, I'll always stay...Cregor enveloped us and took us on a journey of innocence and lullabies…a magic carpet ride of deep-rooted respect, love and happiness. We didn't want to land...and we didn't.

The well-deserved standing ovation didn't end the warm feelings among the audience members. Lingering in the Crystal Terrace afterward to meet the lovely singer, well-wishers spoke of her great talent and great love of life.

Shannon Forsell, The Cabaret director, and powerful singer in her own right, joined the Indiana native onstage more than once, re-enforcing that her own talent can be enjoyed solo or as a trio.

Third of the trio was local talent Dave Ruark. Known most-notably for his comedic brilliance at Comedysportz, Ruark also wows audiences at the American Cabaret Theatre, The Civic Theatre and The Phoenix Theatre as a dramatic actor and singer.

Bottom Line: Lauren Cregor makes time stand still with her lyrics, powerful vocals and sincere warmth which originates from somewhere deep within her soul and familial roots.

If you have a performance or event you would like reviewed, e-mail me at Elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I’ll be right here, enjoying one last flute of champagne…what’s cabaret without the bubbly?

This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.
*All photos courtesy of Mark A. Lee, Great Exposure
www.greatexposure.net

Daphne Willis

Being asked to review musical talent is always a pleasure. Alas, I do not have enough column space to write about all the CDs sent me. However, coming to The Rathskeller April 29 is a new musical obsession of mine I would like you to get to know.
If a miracle had occurred and a love child was created by Joni Mitchell, a sober Janis Joplin and fellow-Chicagoan Rikki Lee Jones, her name would be Daphne Willis.
Willis has released What to Say through Vanguard Records. Producing a folksy/ bluesy/Caribbean sound, I was surprised to find this was Willis’ debut album. The singer-songwriter has a laid-back smooth sound which lends itself to either great background music or listen-to-and-discuss music, depending on the track chosen and the mood you’re in at the moment.
The listener is tricked into believing they are hearing a world-weary older singer when in truth Willis is a fresh-faced twenty-something with a positive, enthusiastic approach to life. Perhaps Willis is an old spirit in a college student’s physical form; however, she delivers the veteran-style goods especially with Everybody Else, Love and Hate and slowed-down Pulled Tight.
I sat down with Willis while she was performing in town recently and was impressed by her professionalism and quality of live sound.
Plucked from anonymity in an unusual way, Willis’ talent was discovered by Welk Music Group president Kevin Welk during a flight as he listened to American Airlines’ piped-in music. This proved to be a lucky break for her and us.

Bottom Line: You’re best bet is to catch this remarkable talent right away so you can keep track of her almost certain journey to becoming a household name.

If you have an event or performance you would like reviewed, send an e-mail to Elizabeth@gottago.us. Me, I will right here, wondering whatever happened to Rikki Lee Jones…

*Photo credits: Laura Crosta

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This post was originally published under "Gotta Go" in the West Side Community News in Indianapolis, and the West Indianapolis Community News.