This English-born singer has nothing left to prove—throughout her career, her iconic soprano has been in the definitive versions to various Broadway tunes, successfully crossing over to pop while still recording classical recordings at the same time. On her first Holiday album entitled “A Winter’s Symphony” (EMI) she takes on classics like “Ave Maria” and “Silent Night” backed by the lush orchestration of The London Symphony Orchestra. She surprises with a beautiful rendition of “Child in a Manger” set to the music of Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken,” and breaks our hearts with “Colder Than Winter,” a sad tune in which the narrator reflects on having a broken heart during the Holidays—a bleak situation many often find themselves in. Things of course get more joyful with “I Wish It Could Be Could Be Christmas Every Day,” a rock-inflected tune with a joyful message of hope. (Ernest Barteldes)
December 4 at Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim, Rosemont, (847)671-9800, 7:30pm. $45-$250.
Brutal Finesse: A Preview of King Crimson at Ravinia There have been few new compositions from King Crimson these past two decades, but the live arrangements of songs from its catalog are often strikingly different than the recorded versions.
Cooling It: A Preview of Colleen Green at Cole’s Bar When Green strums power chords or chiming notes on top of her backing track, you might think you’re at Ramones karaoke night and Madonna is taking her turn.
