Regionites recall Nicole Jamrose of St. John as the last woman standing in the 2006 fourth season of the USA Network series, "Nashville Star," and the media hoopla surrounding her televised and triumphant homecoming concert at Lake Central High School.

While the memories were wonderful, Jamrose soon was boxed into a niche. While country music had clearly played and continues to play a part in the Jamrose sound, the singer had always been equally influenced by rock, blues and soul music.

"People that saw me in local clubs here before 'Nashville Star' already know that," she said. "But those who only know me from having been on the show think of me as country."

To correct that understandable misconception and get her musical persona back on track, Jamrose's self-named band have been working hard over the last year to create their long-awaited album, "U-TURN," being released and showcased live on stage tonight at Northwoods in St. John.

While Jamrose had been slow-cooking plans for an album that would show her various musical roots since wrapping up her "Nashville Star" experience; it was teaming up with guitarist Mark Soljacich that finally allowed her turn up the heat.

Soljacich filled in one night on stage when his string-bending predecessor was unable to make it to a gig. The musical chemistry was immediately clear and he soon joined her band full time.

"We just started writing together after that and it's been a great experience," he said. "Mark is an amazing songwriter," added Jamrose.

"The album is called 'U-TURN,' because that's what it is," she continued. "It's a musical u-turn that has me going back to those earlier days, to my roots and to the music that's always been a part of me."

While there is likely enough of a country feel on "U-TURN" to keep the local star's newer fan base happy and toe-tapping, this is clearly a pop album, and a darn good one.

"Nashville Star" fans will recall Jamrose performing her original song, "Family Man," on the show. Written when she was in a Colorado rock group many years ago. Jamrose has recut an acoustic version of that fan favorite for "U-TURN."

It's the only older tune mixed with the new ones, including first single, "Fall Out Of Love," already getting some local radio play.

"We're filming a video (tonight) for 'Fall Out Of Love,' so people can be at part of that if they come out," said Jamrose. "I'm really excited about the show, the album and the video. We've worked hard to get here."

Jamrose is not the only one stoked for tonight's event. Area radio stations have been doing "call in to win" contests for passes to a pre-concert VIP gatherings with the Jamrose band and response from local fans has been strong.

Jeff Fryzel, owner of Northwoods, is anticipating a sold-out night judging from advance ticket sales and phone calls.

JAMROSE featuring Nicole Jamrose, CD release party

WHERE: Northwoods, 8101 Indianapolis Blvd., St. John

COST: $7 (21 and older)

FYI: (219) 558-8130