By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com

Nick Moss & The Flip Tops

“Live at Chan’s: Combo Platter No. 2”
Blue Bella Records

If you crave traditional Chicago blues without the funk and rock, then feast your eyes and ears on Nick Moss & The Flip Tops’ “Live at Chan’s: Combo Platter No. 2.” The follow-up to 2006’s album, also recorded live at the Rhode Island restaurant/blues club, singer-guitarist Nick Moss and his fine band deliver a heaping helping of dyed-in-the-wool electric Chicago blues that are sure to tickle the taste buds of any true blues fan. “Live at Chan’s” is cookin’ from the start with tracks like “Spare Ribs & Chopsticks” and “Whiskey Makes Me Mean.” But things really heat up when fellow traditional Chicago singer-guitarist Lurrie Bell stirs the mix on classics like “Don’t You Lie to Me,” “Five Long Years” and “I’m Ready.” No leftovers here. Give me another helping. CV

(Nick Moss plays Saturday, April 11 at Blues on Grand at 9:30 p.m. $10.)

Jillian LaDage

“The Ancestry”
Tarith Cote

This musical journey from the desert sands of medieval Turkey through the moors and legends of the ancient Celts finds Woodstock, Ill.-based Celtic musician Jillian LaDage successfully crossing musical borders that have existed for centuries. LaDage weaves a rich musical tapestry that includes her ethereal vocals and a variety of acoustic instruments including harp, piano, bodhran, tabla, hurdy gurdy, guitar, violin, cello and uillean pipes. From the haunting opening number “Procession,” to the folklore inspired “Bonny Was the Lady (The Legend of Cong),” to the intricate instrumental “Manzikert,” to the soothing closing ballad, “Endless Knot,” “The Ancestry” features nine provocative songs that demonstrate the timelessness of Celtic, classical and Middle Eastern music when placed in the capable hands of a talented independent artist like LaDage. Let your imagination flow. CV

(Jillian LaDage performs Saturday, April 11 at Ritual Café from 7 to 9 p.m. $10.)

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