Chris Otepka (formerly of Troubled Hubble) may have recently moved to Washington, but he is still a Chicagoan at heart. In fact, most his new album, Goodness Gracious (Greyday Records), was recorded here last March just before Chris left. Chris spent his last Chicago winter around a wood stove with friends Michael Mergenthaler, David James, Steven Mitchell and Nick Lombardo, who played in local band Ulysses S. Grant. The result is a chilling collection of songs that are a full-band composite of many songs written and performed solo by Chris during the past two years of touring. Releasing at least one record per year since the first The Heligoats release in 1999, this album is not just another entry in the catalog. Opteka and the band have really crafted something unique and extremely enjoyable here.

Goodness Gracious was released today by Greyday Records, and The Heligoats will be playing at Schubas on March 2nd.

The Deli's Year End Polls for emerging artists are a great opportunity to catch up with all the most exciting up and coming bands that left a mark in the previous 12 months. Don't forget to check out these bands as they might hit it big in 2010 (if they haven't already!).

AUSTIN BEST EMERGING ARTIST OF 2009: STEREO IS A LIE


Also check out
Missions (2nd place overall)
Neon Indian (3rd place overall)
Black Joe Lewis (3rd place overall)
Austin Overall Chart - Austin Fans' Chart

CHICAGO BEST EMERGING ARTIST OF 2009: I FIGHT DRAGONS


Also check out
Hey Champ (2nd place overall)
Netherfriends (3rd place overall)
Chicago Overall Chart - Chicago Fans' Chart

LOS ANGELES BEST EMERGING ARTIST OF 2009: LOCAL NATIVES


Also check out:
Fitz & The Tantrums (2nd place overall)
Crash Kings (3rd place overall)
Light FM - (Fans' Poll Winners)
LA Overall Chart - LA Fans' Chart

NEW ENGLAND BEST EMERGING ARTIST OF 2009: MEAN CREEK


Also check out:
Michael Bernier and the Uprising (2nd place overall)
Jesse Dee (3rd place overall)
McAlister Drive - (Fans' Poll Winners)
New England Overall Chart - New England Fans' Chart

NASHVILLE BEST EMERGING ARTIST OF 2009: THOSE DARLINS


Also check out:
Non Commissioned Officers (2nd place overall)
Protomen (3rd place overall and Fans' Poll winners)
Nashville Overall Chart - Nashville Fans' Chart

NYC BEST EMERGING ARTIST OF 2009: TALK NORMAL


Also check out:
Freelance Whales (2nd place overall)
Bear in Heaven (3rd place overall)
Midnight Spin (Fans' Poll winners)
NYC Overall Chart - NYC Fans' Chart

PHILLY BEST EMERGING ARTIST OF 2009: READING RAINBOW


Also check out:
Grandchildren (2nd place overall)
Free Energy (3rd place overall)
Levee Drivers (Fans' Poll winners)
Philly Overall Chart - Philly Fans' Chart

PORTLAND BEST EMERGING ARTIST OF 2009: EXPLODE INTO COLORS


Also check out:
Nurses (2nd place overall)
Bodhi (3rd place overall and Fans' Poll winners)
Portland Overall Chart - Portland Fans' Chart

SAN FRANCISCO BEST EMERGING ARTIST OF 2009: GIRLS


Also check out:
Man/Miracle (2nd place overall)
Or, The Whale (3rd place overall and Fans' Poll winners)
Orchestra of Antlers (Fans' Poll winners)
SF Overall Chart - SF Fans' Chart

A Chicago legend, Gill Scott-Heron, return this month with the release of his album I'm New Here (xl Recordings) on February 22nd. A full review of the album is coming, but for now you can preorder the album and watch this incredible video directed by Coodie & Chike and Michael Sterling Eaton.

Last week the Chicago Underground Duo released their fifth album Boca Negra and completely blew me away. Like many of you I went through a jazz and swing period in my listening history, I dug through the old crates and even found some modern classics, but I thought those days were behind me. However, Rob Mazurek and Chad Taylor have brought me back in time. The album, their first not recorded in Chicago, was recorded in Sao Paulo, Brazil at Rocha Studios. It has some Brazilian elements, but at its core is pure jazz. Well, more than jazz it is the art of creating jazz that makes this album so special, and after twelve years still a vibrant contribution to their catalog.

Chicago Underground Duo will be performing at Chicago Cultural Center on Feb. 3rd and at The Hideout on Feb. 20th.