She used to sing at weddings and ended up as a vocal teacher at Berklee College of Music ánd as a third prize winner of the Thelonious Monk Vocal Jazz Competition in Washington (D.C.). Singer Robin McKelle has finally reached the place where she wanted to be. Her debut Introducing Robin McKelle is a hit in America, her homeland. In the slipstream of young crooners like Michael Bublé, Jamie Cullum and Matt Dusk McKelle is following the trend to sing the music of the distant past. The discovery from Rochester NY, who lives in Boston now, shies away from forcibly pimped up standards, but emphatically embraces thirties' and forties' jazz nostalgia. McKelle does so effectively and certainly not by means of everyday repertoire. Take, for example, her cabaret version of Bei Mir Bist Du Schön, a song made famous by the Andrews Sisters. Just a little bit over the top, but thrillingly executed in a husky voice and a Latin arrangement. Earlier this year she made a big impression in Amsterdam. A feat she is sure to repeat!
