Description
Label Review.
2020 album. Jazz vocalist. Also available on Vinyl.
Our Overview.
Robin McKelle, the Paris based vocalist from New York, is setting and singing such new standards. With influences ranging from classic R&B to vocal pop to swing her ninth solo album ‘Alterations’ sees the 43-year-old interpreting favourites by those female songwriters, who inspired and moved her to become the “powerful and expressive alto voice” she is today (Blues & Soul). ‘Alterations’ makes for perhaps Robin McKelle’s most personal work speaks volumes about her abilities and her artistry. An album where the savvy Robin delves into the catalogue of some of the most celebrated women of song, interpreting these masterworks through the lens of the jazz idiom. On Alterations, McKelle follows in a long tradition of female song interpreters, lending her sultry vocal stylings to classics by a diverse list of female innovators.
Robin‘s new album is her first album of cover songs featuring the work of artists like Sade, Lana Del Ray, Adele, Dolly Parton, Billie Holiday, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, or Janis Joplin. Pianist Shedrick Mitchell has helped her co-produce and arrange the album of which Robin says: “The energy and connection with the musicians was so powerful. They lifted me up and made it feel effortless. I’ve never felt so confident in the studio.” The songs were actually recorded live with the band.
Robin starts off the album with a slightly subdued, very soulful take on “Back To Black” by Amy Winehouse, complete with a fancy Latin backdrop and great organ playing by Shedrick. She is also backed by Richie Goods on bass and Charles Haynes on drums. Robin’s voice has taken on yet another quality improvement on this album, sounding exquisitely intense and secure and her version of “Rolling In The Deep” sounds much more urgent and compelling than the original. Nir Felder was asked in here to play some fierce guitar lines.
Tracklisting: Back To Black / Rolling In The Deep / Head High / Don’t Explain / Born To Die / Jolene / River / No Ordinary Love / Mercedes Benz / You’ve Got A Friend (Bonus Track)