From country music to rhythm and blues, Robin McKelle has made an entire career exploring the rich vastness of American music. Released on June 3rd via Naive Records, with Impressions of Ella, McKelle returns to her traditional jazz roots and finds herself right at home. Introducing Robin McKelle, her eponymous 2006 debut, delve into a dozen timeless standards of the swing era (“Come Rain or Come Shine,” “Night and Day,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street”). For her latest effort, McKelle draws from only one source and perhaps her greatest artistic influence, Ella Fitzgerald.
“The concept of the music of Ella came about because she was my first introduction to vocal jazz. I learned so much from her singing — the style of her swing feel an her singing resonates [with] me. Impressions of Ella” feels like a homecoming of sorts. Like a family reunion after years of separation,” said Mckelle. “A reconnection with the music that fueled my most formative musical years and it was Ella Fitzgerald that left quite an impression. I admired the effortless way she made herself a part of the band, even though she was the star. Her powerful voice and explosive scat to the most delicate tones had me hooked. I wanted to celebrate her and the style of her sound but in doing so, keeping my own individuality.”
Legendary pianist, Kenny Barron, Kenny Washington (drums) and Peter Washington (bass) played this music with such finesse. Their knowledge and experience of the repertoire is undeniable and they effortlessly breathed a new life into these classics.
