The core of the Beauty Room is Kirk Degiorgio (producer, keyboards, vocals) and Jinadu (lead vocals, keyboards). Though the group didn't make its recorded debut until late 2005, with a low-key 10" single on the New Religion label, Degiorgio and Jinadu first collaborated four years prior, when the latter provided vocals on the former's 21st Century Soul album. For Degiorgio, an early champion of Detroit techno -- and, more importantly, a pioneering and prolific producer in his own right -- the Beauty Room represents a sharp turn away from 15-plus years of productions, a bold acknowledgment of his interests in the likes of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Joni Mitchell, Terry Callier, Jon Lucien, and Steely Dan. Jinadu, a distinctive vocalist, has made a couple solo singles (both for Bitches Brew), in addition to guest vocals on tracks by a handful of other producers (Jimpster, Zoltar, Si Begg, Tidal). Aided by a host of associates -- including guitarist and longtime Degiorgio peer Ian O'Brien, keyboardist Tom O'Grady, drummer Chris Whitten, and the Heritage Orchestra -- the duo put together a self-titled album, released in September 2006 through Peacefrog. The album also featured an arrangement from Eumir Deodato, whose work for the CTI label (in particular) has significantly affected Degiorgio. ~ Andy Kellman