Independent, 2007. www.reeljem.net

Columbia connection: Renee Serritella (guitar, keyboards, and vocals) graduated in ’04 with a B.A. in music (instrumental jazz).

The sound: Neo-soul/rock

The Word: Originally formed in 2004 as a back-up band for lead singer Monica Leigh, Reel Jem soon discovered its connection ran deeper, transforming the project into more of a collaborative effort. Encompassing elements of old-school R&B with new jazz, the band’s debut, For Real, is smooth and sultry. (An obvious influence on this band, Jeff Buckley, the brilliant singer/songwriter who passed away in 1997, would have been impressed.) Reel Jem is based out of Chicago and gigs locally.

—Brent Steven White