Wed. Jan. 9

 “I lived here for five years and left after the Blizzard of ’78,” says soul/R&B/gospel singer Lee Genesis. “When I thawed out, I got out.” Genesis had been on Broadway, singing in “Godspell,” and came to Boston when it went on the road. The show played 11 months and Genesis decided to stay. He formed the R&B band Heat, and played many of the areas clubs. But he was drawn back to New York, where he worked a day job as an accountant and as a music director for Rev. Ike, an evangelist. (He still volunteers for Ike.) But, at 65, Genesis is jumping back on stage – he has two free shows at Johnny D’s Wed. Jan. 9 at 8:30 and 10:30 - and has recorded his first (!) solo album, “The Soul of Lee Genesis.” It’s a classic mix of old-school soul and R&B, most of the songs originals. He has a house remix version of the CD coming soon, too.  The album is put out by Al Hemberger’s Burger Platter label – Hemberger also does work for “American Idol.” Genesis says Hemberger’s been bugging him for years to do this.
    Genesis is an eclectic artist. He’s sung jazz, gospel, rock. He’s started singing professionally at 32 – already too old for music business execs to sign him, says Genesis – and has sung on many stages and albums. “Everybody I performed with or worked with has six or seven albums,” he says.  “I never went at music full time,” he says. So, now as most people his age are retiring, Genesis is taking the stage. He says the album’s been getting played by “the international blues community” even though some American blues djs find the mix “too soulful.” Imagine … At any rate, you can hear what Genesis does with this no-risk, no-risk gig at Johnny D’s. Pick an early or late show – they will consist of the same material, mostly music drawn from the new album.  (While admission is free, you might want to reserve a table, and thus, dinner, to assure yourself a good vantage point.)
 
17 Holland St., Somerville, 617-776-2004  www.johnnyds.com