1 Jonathan Richman (Constellation) The Modern Lovers founder was a midwife to New Wave, but in his subsequent, and long solo career, he’s become a worldly, wry tunesmith and elder statesman of the singer-songwriter set. March 27 & 28—canceled
2 Gregory Porter and Ledisi (Chicago Theatre) The reigning king of jazz baritones and the radiant R&B superstar twin their golden pipes for a limited ten-city tour. Fortunately, Chicago makes the cut. March 27—rescheduled for June 7
3 The Tallest Man on Earth (Old Town School of Folk Music) Swedish folk-rocker Kristian Matsson had a prolific 2019, marked by a new album (“I Love You. It’s a Fever Dream”) and a beguiling NPR Tiny Desk concert. With this tour, his 2020 looks to be equally rewarding. March 11-14—canceled
4 Lady Lamb (City Winery) Aly Spaltro brings her singer-songwriter persona to town, so we can hear firsthand the poetic insights and dazzling wordplay of her songs. She’s turning out to be a spiritual heir to Leonard Cohen. March 17—postponed
5 Tindersticks (Thalia Hall) The venerable British band continues to raise the artistic bar. Tindersticks are in town to tour their latest, most unabashedly romantic (and sonically sensuous) album to date, “No Treasure But Hope.” March 30—postponed
Robert Rodi is an author, spoken-word performer and musician who has served as Newcity’s Music Editor since 2014. He’s written more than a dozen books, including the travel memoir “Seven Seasons In Siena,” and his literary and music criticism has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, Salon, The Huffington Post and many other national and regional publications. Contact: robert@newcity.com
Music Top 5: March 2021 Outstanding new album releases by stellar Chicago artists, available now.
Music Top 5: May 2020 Steve Dawson’s new album features highly sophisticated songwriting gilded with dazzling orchestral colors—plus of course that gorgeously evocative voice.
Music Top 5: June 2020 Lockdown—self-isolating—sheltering in place—whatever you call it, goes easier with these outstanding album releases by stellar Chicago artists.
Music Top 5: April 2020 Thom Yorke's third album is a collective of complex, often cinematic material, ranging across the compositional landscape from songs to suites.
Music Top 5: February 2020 Joe Henry is one of the few artists who’s achieved the grace and gravitas to make a solo show as exciting as an arena event.
