B-2 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

JANUARY 14, 1994

WOMEN'S MUSIC

by Josette

The following column features a listing of new or recent recordings by women and includes informational bits about each release.

Blues

Big Time Sarah and The BTS Express, Lay It On 'Em Girls, Delmark Records.

Born Sarah Streeter in Coldwater, Mississippi (1953), Sarah began singing in church choirs and has since travelled extensively singing the blues. The title track speaks of women's empowerment

assertiveness.

Country

and

Emmylou Harris, Cowgirl's Prayer, Elektra/Asylum Records.

With over a dozen recordings to her name, Emmylou continues to celebrate her pure country roots. My favorite pieces are "A Ways To Go", "The Light", and "I Hear A Call."

Laurie Lewis, True Stories, Rounder Records.

Laurie was a founding member of the "Good Ol' Persons" women's string band and has done work with Kathy Kallick.

Folk

Cherish The Ladies, Out And About, Green Linnet Records.

A second release for this Irish American all-woman music ensemble.

Kathy Kallick, Matters Of The Heart, Sugar Hill Records.

Features Laurie Lewis on fiddle and vocals.

Christine Lavin, Live At The Cactus Cafe, Rounder Records.

Christine incorporates good wit and folk music on this release, which was recorded at a small club on the University of Texas campus.

Holly Near, Musical Highlights From The Play Fire In The Rain, Tenyear Productions/Redwood

Records.

Includes previously written songs as well as some new pieces. In 1973, Holly founded Redwood Records, an independent record label dedicated to producing politically conscious music (for a free catalog call 800-888-SONG). Holly continues to create and pave paths in women's music that will long be remembered.

Libby Roderick, If The World Were My Lover, Turtle Island Records.

Includes ten beautiful songs by this Alaskan feminist singer-songwriter.

Sweet Honey In The Rock, Still On The Journey, Earthbeat Records.

This release marks Sweet Honey's 20th anniversary and eleventh recording. These women consider themselves warriors whose songs share insights about love, living, dying, and struggling for the right to be whole.

Jazz

Carmen McRae, Carmen McRae Sings Great American Songwriters, MCA & GRP Records.

Reissue producer Orrin Keepnews assembled this retrospective and collection of Carmen's first recordings for the Decca

HOUSE OF ST. JAMES

by Steven St. James'

House/Tribal

Jeek, Ragga, Hit City Records.

This is a pure exotic tribal groove, guaranteed to get your ass on the floor.

MBG Groove Mix, Feel the Voice, MBG International Records.

A very jazzy Italian mix. It's kind of deep for my taste but you'll surely feel some impact from the heavy bass and fierce vocal samples.

Breakbeat

The American Chapter, XL Recordings (various artists).

One of the pioneer underground labels gives us a "best of" comp. This contains about 12+ tracks, most never released domestically. My favorites are Jonny L. "Ooh I Like It," Dome Patrol "Cutting Edge," and Awesome 3 "Don't Ga." If XL doesn't make a lot of money from this one, I want to know why.

Confused

by your accounting?

+

Nookie, Shining In Da Darkness, Reinforced Recording.

If you've followed the reinforced sound you'd know that most of their releases are hard, dark and fast breakbeats. This tune is on those lines, it's definitely not for the weak. Play this when you're in the mode for real British hardcore.

Compilation of the month

Reactivate 7 (Aquasonic Trance), React Music.

This is mostly soundtracky trance with some spacey house like Jaydee "Plastic Dream." Songs like "Love Stimulation" by Humate and "Anathema" by Atahvalpa are all the inspiration you need.

♡

Steven St. James is host of One Brother In the Basement, which brings you the best of underground dance music, featuring trance, tribal, house, and break beat. Forget the alternative, go real underground. Wednesday from 9 am to noon on WRUW 91.1 FM in Cleveland.

Upset at the thought of taxes?

Providing tax and accounting services to individuals and small business.

DONALD RESSEGUIE, CPA

216.228.1572

label. Twenty songs.

Various Artists, Songbirds, GRP Records.

An excellent release by several women in jazz. Features works by: Diane Schuur, Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Carmen McRae, Phoebe Snow, Betty Carter, Peggy Lee, and Billie Holiday.

Rock/Alternative

Cocteau Twins, Four-Calendar Cafe, Capitol records.

The Twins consist of one woman, singer Elizabeth Fraser, and two men who play the unique melodic music. This group has produced over 20 albums.

Michelle Malone, New Experience, Aluminum Jane Records/Daemon Records.

Includes songs previously recorded on her "Relentless" release.

Looking for hard to find women's music? For the largest and finest selection, call Ladyslipper Records and request a free catalog... 800-634-6044.

Josette is the women's music programmer on WRUW, 91.1 FM in Cleveland. Her show, "Allergic To The Mainstream," now in its fourth year, airs every Friday from 12 noon-2 pm.

FROM THE HART

Advice on love, relationships, sex and other issues relevant to members of sexual minorities.

Dear Taylor,

by Taylor Hart

I am a forty-two year old gay white male who has been happily married to a wonderful man for twelve years. Two months ago I did something I never intended or wished to do: I had an affair.

I had traveled alone to Italy on business and one night decided to visit the local gay bars. In one of the bars I met Michol: Michol is not the type of man I usually attract. He is young, athletic and absolutely gorgeous! I was so flattered by his interest in me that I found myself flirting with him. It was like something out of a movie! Michol spent the next two days showing me around Rome, and though I intended to go no further than friendship, on that second day we ended up in bed together.

I am back home now with my lover. My life has returned to normal. Everything is fine at home and I still love my husband very much, but I can't stop thinking about Michol. I think about him all the time. I'm considering going back to Rome to find him so that we can be together. What do you think I should do?

Dear M.M.M.,

Welcome home.

Madly Missing Michol

It is easy to understand why the memory of Michol is so appealing: a romantic stranger in a foreign land; the flattery of being pursued by an attractive, younger man. But do not make more out of your affair than it was. It was a one night stand that lasted two days. Anyone can seem like a perfect romantic partner if you only spend two days together. Face it, you really don't know Michol.

Even if you leave your husband and move to Italy, it is not very likely that you would be able to resume your affair with Michol. He is not expecting you to return, nor is he expecting the relationship you've created in your mind. Michol may not be what he appeared to be. What if you can't find him? What if he is already having an affair with another tourist?

Why give up a happy relationship with a "wonderful man" (your own words) in which you've invested twelve years?? If you must return to Rome for romance, I suggest that you take your husband and share it with him. Because you are in love with your husband, I guarantee that this trip will be hotter, more romantic, and by far more gratifying!

Dear Taylor,

Who are you and why are you writing this column?

Dear Reader,

Constant Reader

I'm a twenty-five year old gay white male. I'm an accomplished writer, playwright, poet and actor. I am new to journalism.

I was hired by the Gay People's Chronicle for my skills as a writer. I never expected to be writing an advice column. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Like they say, life is what happens when you are expecting something else.

I have done some peer counseling and have worked for a few hotlines, including a gay hotline. I have facilitated gay discussion groups nonprofessionally and have attended many others. Let me make one thing perfectly ear: I am not a therapist. I am a columnist. Most of what I write is a matter of common sense. Most often the person who writes to me can't see the forest for the trees. What I do for that person is what any friend would do. I help them see what they already know to be true. I make referrals. I listen. If I am unable to answer a question myself, I refer the question to a suitable professional who advises me on how to answer the question. Sometimes writing this column requires a great deal of research. In no way do I try to provide counseling or therapy in my column. When I feel someone needs professional counseling, that is what I recommend.

The opinions I express in my column are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Gay People's Chronicle.

The letters I choose to print are those that I feel have the most general interest. If I'm not answering the questions you would like to see answered, or if you disagree with something I have written, please write to me! Without you I would have no column.

Dear Readers,

The other day a lesbian friend of mine asked me why I was not printing more letters from women.

She has a point. Most of the letters I choose to print are from men. This is because most of the letters I receive are from men, by at least three to one.

So I would like to take this opportunity to invite more women to write. All letters are confidential and no real names are ever printed. You don't even have to create your own pseudonym, unless you want to do so. Remember, ladies, this is your column too. Taylor

P.S. Have a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. Let's try to make 1994 our best year yet!

Need help with your love life? Taylor welcomes your questions. Send them to Taylor Hart, care of the Chronicle, P.O. Box 5426, Cleveland, 44101.