Robin McKelle Alterations

Robin McKelle
Alterations
Doxie Records

Vocalist Robin McKelle's new album has the singer interpret several songs by a diverse list of female innovators including Dolly Parton, Sade, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Janis Joplin, Carol King, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, and Lana Del Ray. Backing McKelle on this release is co-producer, pianist and arranger Shedrick Mitchell, acoustic and electric bassist Richie Goods, drummer Charles Haynes, guitarist Nir Felder. Saxophonist Keith Loftis and trumpeter Marquis Hill guest on one song each.

There is quite a variety in material and McKelle's approach to the tunes ranging from straight-ahead jazz singing to songs more in a Memphis soul vein. With a slight vibrato, an impressive vocal range, nuanced phrasing, and timing, she displays a thorough command of the material set against a choice rhythm section and Mitchell's first-rate arrangements. As McKelle says, "We fused jazz, soul, r&b, blues and rock all while keeping a continuity in the music."

From the opening Latin-tinged rendition of Amy Winehouse's "Back to Back" to the appealing duet with Mitchell of Carole King's 'You Got a Friend," McKelle shines. There are a number of highlights, including her own "Head High," which is set against a Coltrane-ish groove. Mitchell sounds like he is channeling McCoy Tyner while Keith Loftis' solo is terrific. In contrast to the full-throated delivery on "Head High," the low-key vocal on Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain" is complemented by subtle, restrained backing. Marquis Hill adds his muted trumpet to a plaintive vocal on Lana Del Ray's "Born To Die." McKelle has recorded a classic soul album, so one should not be surprised by her Memphis soul-rooted rendition of Dolly Parton's "Jolene," or the funky blues-rock rendition of Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz."

There is considerable charm in her relaxed, tender take on Joni Mitchell's "River," which one more illustrates how well she can instill her personality on such varied material. It is the consistency of McKelle's marvelous performances and backing that make "Alterations" such an outstanding album.

I received a download to review from a publicist. Here is a performance of "Don't Explain."