Robin McKelle

Robin McKelle’s “people” claim she’s inspired by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, which immediately made me skeptical only because that seems too cliché. Almost any artist with a big voice backed by bigger horns has dibs on comparing themselves to icons of the 1940s. However, I apologize because I was wrong to be so skeptical; it's actually an ideal claim. The Boston-based diva is currently touring her big band jazz through Europe but is all set for a US celebration of her sophomore effort, Modern Antique, this August.

With rich horns, James Bond soundtrack quality vocals and that Nellie McKay esque mix of genres, McKelle brings a spicy presentation to the over saturated pop table. All of this and she holds a degree from Berklee and includes a position with the Boston Pops on her resume, giving her room to stretch into just about any place she wants to go.

Abracadabra (Steve Miller Band cover)
Go To Hell