JAZZ

Karrin Allyson, "Imagina" (Concord)

Allyson sings with a little ache in her voice. Her pipes are like distressed jeans, riven with character and maybe some wisdom. She digs here into a Brazilian vibe that takes in some lesser-known Antonio Carlos Jobim tunes and a few more popular Brazilian ditties. Her 11th CD has her working in English and Portuguese lyrics, though the latter sometimes sound as if she's reading from a script. She sings Jobim's "Vivo Sonhando" in both languages. Some of the coolest moments are the simplest: Allyson singing over a guitar on Jobim's "Felicidade" and with her own piano work on his "Double Rainbow." Allyson performs April 29-30 at the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis. 5311

KARL STARK, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

COUNTRY

Lady Antebellum, "Lady Antebellum"

(Capitol Nashville)

The name Lady Antebellum may suggest a graceful image of the old South, but this new vocal trio is as contemporary as country music gets. Consisting of two men and a woman, Lady Antebellum features a progressive blend of middle-American grooves, rootsy harmonies and lyrics that probe relationships with a youthful point of view. The group boldly pushes boundaries; "Lookin' for a Good Time," for instance, finds a couple convincing themselves not to take a one-night stand seriously. As with other country artists, they're more likely to confront a lover, or condemn a former partner, than they are to express pain or regret, as they do in the current hit "Love Don't Live Here." As with the coed Sugarland and Little Big Town, the emphasis is on energizing rhythms, upbeat fare and personal empowerment. With Charles Kelly's throaty growl (his brother is pop star Josh Kelly) and Hillary Scott's breezy self-assurance (her mom is country singer Linda Davis), they sound ready to take on the world -- and capable of conquering it. Lady Antebellum performs Thursday at the Fine Line in Minneapolis. 5312

MICHAEL MCCall, Associated Press

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