Barnes & Noble
Vocalist Robin McKelle’s jazz profile is in excellent order. A graduate of the prestigious Berklee School of Music, McKelle went on to place as a finalist in the 2004 Thelonious Monk Vocal Jazz Competition. With Introducing this more-than-promising singer continues her exploration of the venerated jazz vocal tradition, expertly interpreting such enduring standards as “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “For All We Know,” “Deep in a Dream” and even the Andrews Sisters' Swing-era hit “Bei Mir Bist Du Schön.” McKelle’s focus and energy -- not to mention sturdy pipes and terrific taste -- make her a diva-in-training to keep a sharp eye on. Steve Futterman
All Music Guide
The debut of vocalist Robin McKelle is a throwback to an earlier era, when singers were backed by big bands as they sang songs destined to become standards. Although McKelle doesn't break new ground in her interpretations of this material and doesn't take many chances, she is an expressive performer, opening with an exuberant, slightly breathy "Something's Gotta Give," followed by an enchanting cha cha treatment of "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen." Vocalist Robbie Wykoff joins her for her a duet of "You've Brought a New Kind of Love to Me." She's clearly having fun in "Yes, My Darling Daughter," a forgotten number from the big band era, with a brief detour into a Latin setting. The orchestra, which sometimes adds a string section, brings life to the charts adapted or transcribed by trumpeter Willie Murillo and trombonist David Stout, while the band includes veteran jazz instrumentalists like clarinetist Gary Foster, guitarist Larry Koonse and tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb. Ken Dryden