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The death of Aaliyah notwithstanding, it's been a banner year for young women in soul music. Two of the brightest newcomers will perform on back-to-back nights in September in Minneapolis. Alicia Keys (pictured) has stepped to the head of the class with her 'Songs in A Minor' debuting at No. 1. At 20, the classically trained pianist-singer-songwriter might be the most multidimensional R&B talent to come along since Prince. Her chart-topping hit 'Fallin'' swoops and swoons with all kinds of emotional gospel flourishes. She also does a killer cover of Prince's 'Why Don't U Call Me.' Keys will open for Maxwell, a prince of lovers soul who scored the recent No. 1 CD 'Now,' on Sept. 26. (8 p.m. at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Av., Mpls. $55. 651-989-5151.) Nikka Costa, the daughter of Frank Sinatra's arranger, Don Costa, also bears Prince influences on her dazzling debut disc, 'Everybody Got Their Something.' The 28-year-old mixes funk, rock, hip-hop and jazz with sexy soul. She will perform Sept. 27 at the Quest (110 N. 5th St., Mpls. $10. 651-989-5151).

-- Jon Bream
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