Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Singer Robin McKelle  .. We caught up with Robin in Paris to talk about the 2020 CD Alterations that came out in February 2020 and this odd COVID-19 world of no live jazz .. On this new  album she delves into the catalogue of some of the most celebrated women of song, interpreting these masterworks through the lens of the jazz idiom. She is a powerful vocalis with a great story .. Get to know her... Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christopher in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-Wit.... You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. 

Bandon Community Radio Producer Chip Cassin explores some of KBOG's favorite recording artists with in-depth interviews on a personal level and then airs them, along with their new music, on the show Deep Dive, Saturdays 12-2pm. The Global Artist Spotlight features; Robin McKelle "Alterations." Vocalist Robin McKelle 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 including Dolly Parton, Sade, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Janis Joplin, Carol King, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, and Lana Del Ray. McKelle is joined on this release by a group of consummate musicians including co-producer, pianist and arranger Shedrick Mitchell, acoustic and electric bassist Richie Goods, drummer Charles Haynes, guitarist Nir Felder.  In addition, esteemed saxophonist Keith Loftis is featured on McKelle's sole original composition on this release, "Head High"; and renowned trumpeter Marquis Hill is featured on Lana Del Rey's "Born to Die".  The first single from Alterations, McKelle's rendition of Sade's "No Ordinary Love", was released in late January. Alterations will be released on Doxie Records and distributed and marketed by the Orchard. In the making of the album, most of McKelle's vocal tracks used on this final recording were takes she sang live with the band. On the recording process, McKelle notes "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 energy and connection of the album overall is palpable; stunning interplay is displayed throughout each track.  Shedrick Mitchell was responsible for translating McKelle's visions for each of these tracks into arrangements for this prodigious grouping of musicians to perform.  McKelle notes "Mitchell really understood my vision and did a fabulous job helping to make the arrangements come alive. We fused jazz, soul, r&b, blues and rock all while keeping a continuity in the music." McKelle transitions seamlessly between the emotions of every song. And makes each one her own.  To McKelle, alteration is all.  As the artist notes "when you create change, you create space for something to shift in the world and in yourself. As an artist. And as a human. And that is a change for the good." KBOG Producer Chip Cassin sits down (virtually) with Robin, check out his interview below and have a listen to a few tracks below, and then head to Robin McKelle to get tour dates, grab your copy and find cool merch!     SEE THE PAGE

Vinyl is back! Each month on "Vinyl Watch," we list some of the most noteworthy new vinyl releases - including new albums, reissues, special-edition box sets and more. At JAZZIZ, we share the vinyl community's appreciation of the experience of collecting and playing vinyl records. As an increasing number of music fans discover the joy of vinyl, we hope these lists will serve as a starting point for new musical discoveries. This "Vinyl Watch" install includes; Robin McKelle, Alterations (Doxie Records). A celebration of the long tradition of female song interpreters. Vocalist Robin McKelle pays tribute to some of the female music artists who have inspired her throughout her career. On Alterations, she interprets songs written by or associated with a diverse range of artists, including Dolly Parton, Billie Holiday, Amy Winehouse, Joni Mitchell and more. Each of the songs is interpreted through the lens of the jazz idiom and given a totally different reading to the original version. READ THE FULL JAZZIZ: Vinyl Watch ARTICLE

Robin McKelle released her new album Alterations on Doxie Records in February. On it, McKelle delves into the catalogue of some of the most celebrated women of song, interpreting these masterworks through the lens of the jazz idiom. McKelle follows in a long tradition of female song interpreters, lending her sultry vocal stylings to classics 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. McKelle is joined on this release by a group of consummate musicians including co-producer, pianist and arranger Shedrick Mitchell, acoustic and electric bassist Richie Goods, drummer Charles Haynes, guitarist Nir Felder.  In addition, esteemed saxophonist Keith Loftis is featured on McKelle's sole original composition on this release, "Head High"; and renowned trumpeter Marquis Hill is featured on Lana Del Rey's "Born to Die".  The first single from Alterations, McKelle's rendition of Sade's "No Ordinary Love." WUCF: Orlando FL interviewed McKelle about the new recording and living in the COVID reality. Listen to the attached file

In episode 917 of "ANIMAJAZZ", conceived and conducted by BRUNO POLLACCI , broadcast on TUESDAY 5 May at 20.30, on PUNTORADIO, also streaming on www.puntoradio.fm and in an immediate podcast on http: // animajazz. eu will be the protagonists of the evening, includes; JAKE SHIMABUKURO - Cd "Trio" - "Red Crystal" Referred to as "the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele," Jake Shimabukuro is a true virtuoso, and exhibits his talents once again with the release of  ‘Trio', through Music Theories Recordings. It's been a decade and a half since covering Jake's cover of George Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" went viral and propelled Jake to a level of success most never plausible with a ukulele. Now, with nearly twenty albums already under his belt, Shimabukuro enlists the help of bassist Nolan Verner and guitarist Dave Preston, as well as legendary producer R.S. Field, in presenting the ambience of a classic jam session taken into a studio and transformed into a captivating 13 track album.  We remind you that "ANIMAJAZZ" can be heard TUESDAY at 20.30 in immediate podcast. "ANIMAJAZZ" in collaboration with the PISA ACADEMY OF ART. Happy listening.  SEE THE FULL PLAYLIST

Robin McKelle released her new album Alterations on Doxie Records in February. On it, McKelle delves into the catalogue of some of the most celebrated women of song, interpreting these masterworks through the lens of the jazz idiom. McKelle follows in a long tradition of female song interpreters, lending her sultry vocal stylings to classics 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. McKelle is joined on this release by a group of consummate musicians including co-producer, pianist and arranger Shedrick Mitchell, acoustic and electric bassist Richie Goods, drummer Charles Haynes, guitarist Nir Felder.  In addition, esteemed saxophonist Keith Loftis is featured on McKelle's sole original composition on this release, "Head High"; and renowned trumpeter Marquis Hill is featured on Lana Del Rey's "Born to Die".  The first single from Alterations, McKelle's rendition of Sade's "No Ordinary Love." KSCO - Santa Cruz interviewed McKelle about the new recording and living in the COVID reality. Listen to the attached file

In episode 914 of "ANIMAJAZZ", conceived and conducted by BRUNO POLLACCI , broadcast on TUESDAY April 14 at 20.30, on PUNTORADIO, also streaming on www.puntoradio.fm and in an immediate podcast on http: // animajazz. eu will be the protagonist - ROBIN McKELLE - CD "Alterations" - "Head High (feat Keith Loftis)." Robin McKelle is pleased to announce the February 14th, 2020 release of her new album Alterations. Vocalist Robin McKelle 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 including Dolly Parton, Sade, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Janis Joplin, Carol King, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, and Lana Del Ray. McKelle is joined on this release by a group of consummate musicians including co-producer, pianist and arranger Shedrick Mitchell, acoustic and electric bassist Richie Goods, drummer Charles Haynes, guitarist Nir Felder.  In addition, esteemed saxophonist Keith Loftis is featured on McKelle's sole original composition on this release, "Head High"; and renowned trumpeter Marquis Hill is featured on Lana Del Rey's "Born to Die".  The first single from Alterations, McKelle's rendition of Sade's "No Ordinary Love", will be released in late January. Alterations will be released on Doxie Records and distributed and marketed by the Orchard. SEE THE ANIMAJAZZ PAGE        Happy listening. "ANIMAJAZZ" is a collaboration with the PISA ACADEMY OF ART

Bela Fleck, Robin McKelle and Delfeayo Marsalis are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that's been in my car lately … There's a danger in navigating well-worn pop standards. Singer Robin Michelle seems to jump into the challenge with both feet. The resulting album, Alterations, shows that fortune does indeed favor the bold. Michelle's take on "Ordinary Love" makes sure not to copy the Sade original. Instead, she and producer/pianist Shedrick Mitchell utilize Robin McKelle's expressive phrasing, as well as fantastic backing by drummer Charles Haynes and bassist Richie Goods, to create an enchanting experience from start to finish. Also, check out "Jolene." SEE THE Something Else PAGE

Vocalist Robin McKelle delves into the catalogue of some of the most celebrated women of song, interpreting these masterworks through the lens of the jazz idiom on her new album 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 including Dolly Parton, Sade, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Janis Joplin, Carol King, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, and Lana Del Ray. McKelle is joined on this release by a group of consummate musicians including co-producer, pianist and arranger Shedrick Mitchell, acoustic and electric bassist Richie Goods, drummer Charles Haynes, guitarist Nir Felder. In addition, esteemed saxophonist Keith Loftis is featured on McKelle's sole original composition on this release, "Head High"; and renowned trumpeter Marquis Hill is featured on Lana Del Rey's "Born to Die". READ THE FULL BroadwayWorld REVIEW

Alterations is jazz vocalist/composer Robin McKelle's follow-up to her 2018 Melodic Canvas which we covered on these pages. While that was mostly an album of originals, McKelle chooses here to, as she says, "fuse jazz, soul, r&b, blues and rock while keeping continuity in the music." These are mostly familiar songs from some of the most celebrated women in song interpreted through a jazz lens. They include Dolly Parton, Sade, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Janis Joplin, Carole king, Billie Holiday, Joni Mitchell, and Land Del Ray. For good measure, McKelle adds just one of her own, in tribute to female artistry. READ THE FULL MAKING A SCENE REVIEW

Robin McKelle, the songwriter is growing. "Alterations" which is published by Doxie / Membran / Sony, is a particularly endearing album, in form - a tornado of emotions, of climaxes interpreted with confounding mastery - as in substance: the echo of the creators who moved her. The artists I have chosen are powerful women who have inspired millions of people. They are legends; they are vulnerable and they represent exactly what I want to be . »Robin McKelle         PHOTO: © Frank Bullitt LISTEN TO THE SEGMENT

For her ninth album, 'Alterations', US soul and jazz chanteuse Robin Mckelle has chosen to do something very different to her previous recordings; she's chosen to record a set of covers – though not just any covers. The song selection on 'Alterations' (with one exception) is drawn from the repertoires of celebrated female artists... people like Joni Mitchell, Adele, Nina Simone and Janis Joplin. Robin explains that after recording a few albums of her own original music she wanted to focus once again on her first passion – just singing and, by extension, interpreting the music and lyrics of others. So she set about choosing a set of songs which spoke directly to her emotions allowing her interpretative instincts to take flight... and how! 'Alterations' is no "karaoke covers" album; rather it's a personal journey in music with each song given a totally different reading to the original version. That's most apparent on Robin's reading of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene'. Where the original was sprightly, jaunty even, this new take is almost a southern soul meander on which the lyrics seem to have more desperation and meaning. Janis Joplin's wish-list 'Mercedes Benz' is another southern country/soul steamer. The vocal's smoother than Joplin's but no less raunchy. READ THE FULL SoulandJazzandFunk REVIEW

Robin McKelle has spent the past two decades exploring the vast vocal terrains of jazz, soul, and the American songbook. On her ninth album, Alterations, the internationally renowned singer-songwriter delves into the works of female greats ranging from Billie Holiday to Janis Joplin and Dolly Parton. The first taste of the ambitious project comes via a remarkably fresh take on Sade's 1992 classic, "No Ordinary Love." Placed in a classic jazz context peppered with Latin influences, McKelle's rendering of "No Ordinary Love" retains the sultry seriousness of Sade's original, but translates its understated arrangement into a lively affair with rich hues of soul. The lucidity of her contemplative phrasing and emotive tones glides instinctively with the rhythm section, which builds from a hushed subtlety to a passionate musical manifesto. READ THE FULL SOUL TRACKS REVIEW & WATCH THE VIDEO

.....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 is on an extended European tour in March, April, and May and plays the New Morning in Paris on March 16th and 17th or Berlin's Quasimodo on May 1st. READ THE FULL Gina Loves Jazz REVIEW

Robin McKelle has picked an eclectic group of celebrated ladies-of-song to tribute on this album, starting with the Amy Winehouse hit record, "Back to Black." I am intrigued immediately, not only by McKelle's unique tone and quality of voice, but equally by the creative arrangements of Shedrick Mitchell. When Robin McKelle sings Adele's platinum record, "Rolling In The Deep," her group adds their own special uniqueness. I am captivated by McKelle's way of emotionally rendering these poignant lyrics. Nir Felder's guitar solo is beautiful. The third track on this stunning album of music was composed by Robin McKelle. She is as talented a songwriter as she is a vocalist. This tune is straight-ahead jazz and intoxicating. Robin McKelle tributes the strength of women with these lyrics and celebrates the power of song and singers. Tenor saxophonist Keith Loftis makes a magnificent solo appearance and her rhythm section swings hard and steady. She is a vocalist that displays style, power and strength. Her delivery is believable. Shedrick Mitchell's piano line introduces "Don't Explain" in a fresh way. I think Billie Holiday would have loved and appreciated his arrangement. McKelle adds the traditional folk song, Hush Little Baby into her unusual but lovely delivery of this old jazz standard. the band.....Robin McKelle, vocals; Shedrick Mitchell, piano/Rhodes/organ/arranger; Richie Goods, acoustic & electric bass; Charles Haynes, drums/percussion; Nir Felder, guitar; Keith Loftis, tenor saxophone; Marquis Hill, trumpet. READ THE FULL Musicalmemoir's REVIEW

Vocalist and composer Robin McKelle comes across as a wandering pilgrim, searching for answers on this intimate and personal album. Her voice is part indie, part dreamy, teaming with guests including Chris Potter/ts-ss, Shedrick Mitchell/key, Vincent Ardher/b, Daniel Sadownick/perc, Al Street/g, Martin Sweill/g and The Piano Man's Choir. The overall mood is reflective and personal, with themes such as a crisis of faith with Mitchell's B3 on the confessional "Do You Believe?" and a gentle gospel'd "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." The team is earnest as she tells a story on "Simple Man" and able to get earthy on "It Won't End Up" with a more placid than normal read of "Yes We Can Can" with a vocal choir in support. Potter's soprano adds to the atmosphere on the pulsed "Come to Me" while McKelle searches for truth on "Lyla." Intimate musical musings for the Janis Ian set. SEE Jazz Weekly PAGE

In recent interviews, CD reviews, TV/radio appearances and tour coverage, singer/writer Robin McKelle has earned praise for her new album, ‘Melodic Canvas': "Tackling tough subject matter including politics, faith and more, McKelle's Melodic Canvas offers listeners a timely social commentary with a rich, soulful sound. Blending elements of blues, jazz, gospel and soul, the album is an inspired work of pure, aural bliss" (Eponymous Review).  McKelle is a musical enigma, and proudly so. On the acclaimed new album, she's empowered by the alchemy, embracing her genre-blurring style and no longer trying to fit into a box. The result is a deeply textured, rich collection - somewhat of a sonic return to her jazz roots, yet subtly so.  READ THE FULL jazzcorner ARTICLE p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #606060}

An enigmatic sound, a storyteller's narrative and a live performance style oozing with Rat Pack moxie – singer and songwriter Robin McKelle is like a genre-blurring musical alchemist, taking listeners on a sonic trip to the old South, sprinkling in hints of the Motown Era or even the smoothness of Sade album, and mixing it together to create her inspiring ‘Melodic Canvas' of Soul, Jazz, Gospel and More. On her most recent album, Melodic Canvas, which dropped late April, she embracing her genre-blurring style and no longer trying to fit into a box. The result is a deeply textured, rich, authentic collection, a mix of timely social commentary, intimate lyrics and a thoughtful call to action. A savvy songwriter and a powerhouse vocalist, Robin has long found a home where soul, jazz, pop, gospel, blues and the American Songbook cross paths. For the new album (which she produced), Robin sought a more ‘acoustic' vibe with a focus on percussion, to allow the subtleties of her voice to shine. In her songwriting and in the arrangements/production of the album, she mixes her varied influences together with strength and grace. LISTEN TO THE GreenArrow Radio PODCAST p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #606060}

Rochester ex-pat Robin McKelle is far from your stock blues belter or jazz singer. She detours around those parameters , forging her own path. This path led her to the Harro East Ballroom last night. She has a jazzy voice that follows a certain discipline in tone and attack, especially when singing out-and-out jazz. There was an extended scat portion of the show to clear up any doubt. McKelle also sang a couple of pop tune and totally reworked them: Sade's "No Ordinary Love" and Amy Winehouse's "Back To Black." Both tunes were jazzy in mood and execution, proving what a fine vocalist McKelle is and that jazz can pop up anywhere. And the capacity crowd ate it up. READ THE FULL Rochester City Newspaper ARTICLE

Fresh off the release her new album Melodic Canvas, Robin McKelle brings her jzsoul to the Harro East Ballroom for shows as part of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival.  With an enigmatic sound, a Storyteller's Narrative, and a great live show. Empowered by not trying to fit into a box  writer/singer - Robin McKelle paints a Melodic Canvas that is deeply textured, rich, authentic, and imbued with social commentary. watch the video on FOX ROCHESTER

p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #606060} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #606060; min-height: 14.0px} An Enigmatic Sound, a Storyteller's Narrative and a Live Performance Style Imbued with Rat Pack Moxie, Singer/Writer Robin McKelle is a Genre-Blurring Musical Alchemist, Taking Listeners on a Sonic Trip to the Old South, Sprinkling in Hints of the Motown Era or Even a Sade, on her new album - Melodic Canvas. McKelle is empowered by not trying to fit into a box, and the music is deeply textured, rich, and authentic. Melodic Canvas is also a timely social commentary, from the struggling teen in ‘Lyla' to the immigrant tale of ‘Simple Man'; the moments of social awareness, in ‘Yes We Can Can' (an Allen Toussaint cover featuring Chris Potter) and ‘It Won't End Up', are wise and inspiring without feeling heavy-handed; on first single ‘Do You Believe', McKelle questions religion, hate, misogyny. Jazz90.1 - Rochester, Derrick Lucas interviews McKelle at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival 2018. WATCH THE ATTACHED VIDEO

Robin McKelle debuted as a big band jazz singer twelve years ago and has since tried blues, pop rock and smatterings of soul and gospel. Melodic Canvas marks her return to jazz, this time in a small ensemble. This is McKelle's album – she wrote six of the ten tunes, did most of the arrangements, and produced the project. Apart from the rich, textured music, McKelle takes on some social commentary, writes intimate lyrics, and without being too overt, spurs us to a considerate call to action. This is not the straight ahead jazz that you'll hear from Diana Krall, Lyn Stanley or other great American Songbook singers.  It's a bit off center as her term "jazz soul" (not to be confused with soul jazz) indicates. No matter what, she has some strong songs here and the musicianship is superb. READ THE FULL MAKING A SCENE

Madrid's International Jazz Festival continues, and Robin McKelle is the latest artist to have picked up rave reviews. She came to Spain to perform some of the songs from her new album released last March. ‘The Looking Glass' is McKelle's most personal album to date and the first composed entirely of original songs. "It's more about personal stories from my experience of love and relationships and more of an intimate sound on the album. But the live show, it combines some of the music from the album with some of my older music and a little bit more of an energetic show, so you kind of have a little bit of everything during the live show," she says. WATCH THE euronews VIDEO p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica; min-height: 12.0px}

Robin McKelle is no ordinary singer. She's firmly rooted in soul, but with a hint of jazz and blues that make her work so thrilling. If you see her perform, you could even go as far as suggesting she is a rock chick at heart. Influenced musically by her church choir-singing mother, she became intrigued by jazz harmonies, and as a teenager she  began to reveal her talent by performing in local R&B groups. After taking third place in the 2004 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocal Competition, McKelle launched her solo recording career. Her debut album, 2006's Introducing Robin McKelle, saw the singer give a new, fresh spin on old jazz songs. As she channelled Forties jazz, Sixties Motown and Stax and more, she recorded Modern Antique, then Mess Around and Soul Flower, which featured duets with Gregory Porter and Lee Fields. For her latest album McKelle has put together a collection of original songs, leading with the infectious single Stand Up. The song gives a knowing nod to the Seventies soul flavours that have serves the likes of Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson so well. Discussing The Looking Glass album, McKelle says: "After two albums oriented more toward old-school Memphis soul and Motown, I wanted to work with Steve to search for a new sound." "This new album is a shift toward music that allows me to use all the texture of my voice in a more intimate register." WATCH THE VIDEO FOR Stand Up exclusively on The Telegraph

There's a lot of great acts coming to the Jazz Fest this weekend. One of them is Robin McKelle and the Flytones who have three shows at the Jazz Fest this weekend: Friday at 7 p.m. at the East Avenue and Chestnut Stage. Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at the Jazz Street stage. We got a small preview of the show on Roc City Tonight. Hit play to see that performance. Robin McKelle, who went back to her first love - Memphis with the album Mess Around in 2010, has chosen the city of the Stax and Hi record labels, Otis Redding, and Al Green in order to record her new album. Just a few minutes of listening to Heart Of Memphis is enough to understand that choice. Despite the time that has gone by and the museums being built in place of the legendary recording studios, the spirit of the city that, in its heyday, represented one of the best eras of American popular music has not disappeared. Robin McKelle immersed herself in that spirit for her new album, two years after Soul Flower.  

She says "I wanted to capture the Memphis sound in the recording process and the goal was to write the music and arrangements with that sound in mind." says Robin McKelle. By enlisting Scott Bomar's services-the man behind the mixing console for many of Isaac Hayes' and Al Green's recording sessions-McKelle made it clear she wanted her album to be in line with the sound of these artists."   WATCH McKelle perform here on News 10, WHEC-TV Rochester.  

ROBIN McKELLE'S wonderful 'Soul Flower' album is steadily winning the hearts (and souls) of the UK and European soul fraternity. The LP is the Rochester, NY-born singer's fourth album and tracks like the passionate 'Fairytale Ending' and the wonderful duet with GREGORY PORTER, 'Love's Work' can be heard regularly on discerning radio stations while club DJs who play to a knowing soul crowd have made them fixtures on their playlists. Indeed JAZZ FM have playlisted 'Fairytale Ending' while the 'Soul Flower' long player is set to become the station's "Album Of The Week" from 29th July. READ THE FULL STORY

Robin McKelle's fourth and latest album on Okeh/Sony Records is called Soul Flower and features original compositions inspired by the sounds of Motown and Stax Records in the early 1970′s. Robin McKelle began to show her talent in R&B groups from the age of fifteen. After taking up the piano and French horn, she studied jazz at the University of Miami (1994‐1996) before attending and graduating from the Berklee College of Music in Boston (1999), and won a prize in the 2004 Thelonious Monk competition in Washington, D.C. After bringing two big band swing jazz records, Robin began to move back into soul/jazz territory with her previous album, Mess Around in 2010. Soul Flower is the first record to introduce her as Robin McKelle & The Flytones. In our talk, we discuss vocal influences, her directions in sound, and the writing process for Soul Flower. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW

The first day of the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival included Robin McKelle & The Flytones performing at the Unity Health System Big Tent. WXXI TV cameras captured this song from Friday's performance:

Rochester native and singer Robin McKelle talks with WXXI's Helene Biandudi Hofer from Need to Know Rochester about her musical upbringing and her new album, Soul Flower. The performer and her band, The Flytones, are performing at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival on Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd.

Robin McKelle might have called this album The Real McKelle. "It's the record I've always dreamed of making. Not that there was anything stopping me in the past, it's simply that things panned out differently."

Soul Flower, Mckelle's new production, a contemporary blend of soul and rhythm 'n' blues has it's offical release tomorrow: Tuesday June 18 and radio has been picking up on the 'digital only' project with great enthusiasm. With 30 Total Stations/Shows, outlets include CBC Music in Canada, as well as local stations in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Seattle, Austin, Long Is. NY, El Paso, and in Robin's home town of Rochester NY. "I love that music so much that I couldn't see myself doing something ‘in the style of…". I grew up listening to Nina Simone and Gladys Knight. I sang their classics and what I enjoy most today is building my own repertoire in that same soulful vein."
Robin McKelle

'Soul Flower,' Robin McKelle's new album on Sony Masterworks, set for release on June 11 might have called 'The Real McKelle.' "It's the record I've always dreamed of making" the singer says. McKelle who wrote most of the albums songs is true to it's title blending soul, blues, and R&B and showcasing not only her powerful expressive sound but also a great gift for devising familiar melodies that take hold immediately. McKelle also firmly puts her stamp on the project insisting on recognizing the backing band on the cover credit: Robin McKelle & The Flytones. "I grew up listening to Nina Simone and Gladys Knight. I sang their classics and what I enjoy most today is building my own repertoire in that same soulful vein" McKelle says, as her lyrics delve into today's gloomy news. "You turn on the radio in the morning, you watch TV in the evening, and all you hear is crisis, crisis, crisis'. Wherever you are in the world the word is repeated ten thousand times a day, So I've tried to offer a take based on real life - people's experience, the everyday impression they have." The Rochester New York native does however end the session on a glamorous jazz note, with a cover of 'I'm A Fool To Want You' immortalized by Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday.

Robin McKelle comes out swinging on her second disc of big band jazz, Modern Antique.The bassist plucks some fat, rich chords, the pianist skitters over the keys, and McKelle herself confidently scats over the melody while the horn section eggs her on. The mood is playfully flirtatious, just this side of naughty.  The entire combo is having so much fun – and so are you – that the tune is almost over before you realize it's an ingenious re-arrangement of Steve Miller's seventies classic, "Abracadabra." That opening gambit sets the tone for everything that follows: The singer has created a stylistically ambitious follow-up to her debut while still managing to evoke and honor the forties big-band sound she explored on the remarkable Introducing Robin McKelle.  There are more rhythm and blues touches, revealing McKelle's torchy side, and she concludes the album with a self-penned ballad ("Remember") that fits in comfortably with the American Songbook gems that precede it.  Modern Antique will impress the ever-growing audience who've already discovered McKelle -- via National Public Radio, her glowing press notices, or good old word of mouth  -- and it should attract the even wider audience in the U.S. she clearly deserves. The Europeans are way ahead of us when it comes to McKelle; she's already a vocal jazz star in France. The adventurous spirit McKelle brings to Modern Antique has distinguished her career from the start.  For her debut disc, the Boston-based singer had such conviction about the jazz record she wanted to make that she was willing to risk her own finances to record it – no small feat, given the arrangements that needed to be commissioned, the top-notch players to be hired. Arranger-producer-trumpeter Willie Murillo (Brian Setzer Orchestra, Aimee Mann) shared her vision. Together they fashioned an album that balanced period authenticity with the present-tense thrill of hearing an artist eager to put her own stamp on songs like "Something's Got To Give" and "Night & Day." On Modern Antique, McKelle – who's taught voice at her alma mater, Berklee, and sung with the Boston Pops -- allows herself more room to stretch artistically and "put more of my personality and my own touch on it." McKelle especially helped to shape smoldering ballads like "Save Your Love For Me," which boasts a sumptuous string arrangement, and the urbanely sexy "Lover Man." As she explains, "I really like blues and a groovy kind of feel. I love Nina Simone and Etta James and gravitate towards that sound." As for that unlikely but utterly convincing cover of Steve Miller, it serendipitously fell into McKelle's lap as she was driving. McKelle says, "I was coming home from a gig one night, I heard that song, and the idea popped into my head. I turned up the radio and thought, this could be great as a swing tune.  I called Willie right away. The thing is, I mostly never listen to the radio in the car, and if I do, it's usually talk radio."