February 8–15, 2001

six pick

Elysian Fields

A four-year hiatus and a new record label haven’t mellowed out Jennifer Charles any; her breathy voice is as longing and sexy as ever. Queen Of The Meadow (Jetset) — the Elysian Fields’ first output since 1996’s Bleed Your Cedar — showcases the band’s penchant for mysterious, sultry jazz-rock. Chunky upright bass, melancholy piano lines and pensive guitar strumming serve as a backdrop for Charles, whose restrained vocal style always seems on the verge of breaking loose. It punctuates the music regardless of the mood. "Rope Of Weeds" is a sinister story-song that would have fit right in on Nick Cave’s Murder Ballads and "Barely Recognize You" is a quieter number; Charles’ delivery is phenomenal on both. But like Cedar’s "Star," the uptempo "Bend Your Mind" shows that the Fields’ leanings toward pop just don’t cut it. Thankfully, the bulk of Queen Of The Meadow is the band playing how they play best: mellow, loungy and seductive.

—John Vettese

Thu., Feb. 8, with Clock Strikes Thirteen, $7, at The North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar Sts., 215-922-LIVE, www.northstarbar.com.