GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLES November 5,

Two independent label CDs feature out gay artists

Patrick Arena

Night Cap, an album released in the spring of 1999 by singer Patrick Arena and pianist Andy Monroe, combines old favorites with original music. There is no doubt that they had fun remaking such standards as "Moonglow" and "My Romance.' However the most interesting moments on their collaborative album Night Cap are original songs penned by Arena.

"Angel Wants Out of Heaven" is a witty number with great dynamics, giving Arena more room to stretch out vocally. "Who Knows What Love Will Do" is more strained and serious, and showcases Monroe who is as inquisitive on piano as Arena is in voice.

Elsewhere on Night Cap, Arena and Monroe combine for tender moments on "The More I See You" and "The Gentle Rain," while doing equally sensitive justice to “Embraceable You."

Arena and Monroe are both openly gay performers. In fact, they began their musical collaboration at an OutMusic open mic night in New York City. Most of the songs on Night Cap are gender neutral, leaving them open to interpretation. Though Arena makes a spirited statement, he sings affectionately on "Johnny Angel," and dedicates "Nature Boy" to Matthew Shepard.

Night Cap can be ordered through the web site www.cdbaby.com/arena or by e-mailing arenamusic@aol.com. Storm in a tea cup

David Brown

Chihuahua Records

The only problem with David Brown's second album, Storm in a Teacup is that it's not on a major label. If Brown were backed by a big record company, he'd be touring the country, snagging radio play, and showing up on various television shows. More and more people would get turned on to his music. Instead, Brown, who is openly gay, is still making music the independent way, gigging (mostly in New York) and selling his CDs on the web.

Not only has Brown penned the lyrics and composed the music for his second album, but he produced the disc as well. His talents combine for one of the most memorable albums of the year.

"True Blue" kicks off Storm in a Teacup in aggressive folk style. Though Brown is considered a folk artist, this song makes the case for the edge that would grab with a full backing band-clearly he would rock the room.

"Falling," one of the most memorable tracks on the album, takes a different turn as a haunting song full of vivid images and emotion. Equally as powerful, “The Show Must Go On" starts out mellow and melodic. Powered by urgent vocals and effective dynamics, the song reaches anthemic proportions in its conviction.

Lyrically, Brown speaks a variety of truths. Rare is the album that attacks heterosexual privilege ("Wedding Bound") and the Christian Right (“Embraced by the Mob, The Holy Mob") while also offering a tender wish to a parent (“Sit Down Daddy").

Brown is an artist of the highest quality-talented, honest, and original. His new album Storm in a Teacup is as rich and evocative as anything currently sitting on Billboard magazine's album charts.

To order Storm in a Teacup, call 212-595-4309 or e-mail bonesareflung@yahoo.com.

Harriet L. Schwartz is a Chronicle contributing writer living in Pittsburgh.

David Brown