For a few years there was a great singer/songwriter living and performing around Chicago called Briar Rabbit. That wasn’t his real name, of course; rather a pseudonym that hinted at the kind of music you might expect if you’re old enough to remember Disney’s racially charged Song Of The South. Briar Rabbit was a character of cunning wit and smarts. All of the singer Briar Rabbit’s songs could be described as such. Now the artist makes a home in Los Angeles and plays under his given name, Phillip-Michael Scales. Next week he makes his first appearance in Chicago in over a year, playing two shows at Uncommon Ground on Clark.

The first show will feature JC Brooks of JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound. The second will see Scales playing with Elle Casazza. Tickets for both shows can be found here.

Back in January, Scales put out the first EP under his new (?) name called Melodies & Ghosts. It is hands-down one of the most beautiful records you will hear this year. Check it out below and if you dig it, consider throwing the guy $5 so you can own a copy.