Four new albums worth a listen
Local Beat is wrapping up 2016 with weekly reviews of new local albums, starting with four from Milwaukee acts playing in town again soon. Ako, “And You” (facebook.com/akomkemusic)
There is a slightly stoned, soft blues vibe throughout much of “And You,” but the album’s ease is deceptive. Gabrielle Powell blissfully sings of escaping to the mountains and finding solace in the water on “Untitled 42,” but it’s clear from “Colorado” that she’ll never find peace.
Next gig: 8 p.m. Friday, Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, 1001 E. Locust St. $5. Porter Nickerson,
“Bonfire to Ash” (willyporter.com and carmennickerson.com)
Willy Porter, one of the most successful singer-songwriters based in the Milwaukee area, may naturally get lead billing in his new act with singer-songwriter Carmen Nickerson. But frequently her shimmering voice seizes the spotlight, most effectively on “Living Proof,” an inspirational anthem that draws its strengths from everyday heroism. However “Ash” burns brightest when Porter and Nickerson share their voices on “Echo of Love.”
Next gig: 8 p.m. Dec. 16, Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 N. 4th St. $20 in advance at the Pabst Theater box office (144 E. Wells St.), the Riverside Theater box office (116 W. Wisconsin Ave.), (414) 286-3663 and pabsttheater.org. $22 day of show. Ryan McIntyre, “Songs for Nap Time and Nighttime” (ryanmcintyremusic.com)
Adele really is for everyone — even infants and toddlers in need of shut-eye — as singersongwriter McIntyre proves with his gentle cover of “Make You Feel My Love.” Exhausted parents, too, will find some much-needed peace on McIntyre’s first children’s album although little kids aren’t a requirement for this relaxed listen.
Next gig: Opening for Eaglemania, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27, Pabst Theater. $27.50 to $42.50. Sugar Ransom, “hopefiend” (facebook.com/sugarransom)
Folk artist Sugar Ransom (Sarah Marie Gilbert) has a pretty voice, but that’s the extent of the sweetness on “hopefiend.” “Apple Tree” may seem to be an innocuous subject for a song, and it’s set to a swooning ’50s R&B beat, but Sugar Ransom is singing about agonizing isolation. The haunting “Death’s Door” is more explicit about its message.
Next gig: 1:10 a.m. Jan. 20, Riverwest FemFest. Location to be determined.