Hi folks - we are inviting industry people and media in the New York area to come out and hear Robin McKelle, who we believe will be the next big jazz vocalist.  She will be performing at the premiere club in NYC , The Blue Note, this Friday 1/30, Saturday 1/31 and Sunday 2/01.  We would be happy to put you on the guest list for either of the shows.  Please email or call me so that we can hold a spot for you.

Blue Note calendar

Robin was one of the winners of the 2004 Thelonious Monk Institute Jazz Vocal Competition.  Her first two albums have hit the top of the Billboard Jazz Charts.  She has been touring heavily in Europe the past two years, packing clubs and major concert halls including Le Bataclan, L'Olympia, JVC Jazz Festival, the Paris Jazz Festival, and hit shows in Milan, Berlin, Munich, Stockholm, Amsterdam.  Here in the U.S. she has packed Dizzy's, The Blue Note (on a Monday night), and Scullers.  We are now launching full extensive touring in the U.S. starting in April.

Below are audio and video samples from her first two albums.   Her second album has been picked up by Blue Note for distribution in Europe.  Below that are a sample of the exceptional reviews that she has received so far.  Quite frankly, they are some of the best that we have ever seen.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend.  Please call me or email me so I can put you on the list.  If you can not make it, and you would like further information, please call me or email me and we'll get a package out to you immediately.

Best,
Steve Frumkin
330-405-9075
wadsworthjazz@sbcglobal.net

She’s blessed with O’Day’s indefatigable verve as well as her innate sense of swing, and echoes Nancy Wilson’s relaxed authority.   Two years ago, she delivered a dynamite debut disc.  Now she’s back with a second big-band effort even better than the first.   For fans of gorgeous standards lovingly nestled in ideal settings and sung with impeccable beauty and style, Modern Antique is essential listening.
 - Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times

Now she has arrived with a debut album that shows off her spectacular chops as well as her respect for big-band vocalizing.   Robin McKelle—remember the name.
 - Harvey Sidars, Jazz Times

On her smashing 2006 debut, this Boston based chanteuse displayed elegance, musicality and interpretive powers that recalled greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.  McKelle combines Ann Hampton Callaway's moxie with Anita O'Day's sultriness.  McKelle is a substantial talent. Embraced by French audiences, she's long overdue for a Toronto show.
 - Ashante Infantry, Toronto Star    4 stars

Her vocal quality occasionally calls to mind Ella, but more often demonstrates the breathy quality of Peggy Lee or even Lena Horne.  Robin McKelle has a rare feeling for the American Songbook.
 - John Clark,  The International Association of Jazz Record Collectors

Robin McKelle’s debut CD is a blast of fresh air from the past.   This is a delightful CD with a time honored way to introduce a new vocalist. Enjoy this one and look forward to McKelle’s future offerings.
 - Marcia Hillman, All About Jazz

Her interpretations and those of her orchestra recall tender memories that we associate with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie.  Reaching high and low, McKelle’s full vocal range gives this track outstanding marks in musicianship.  It’s an excellent choice.
 - Jim Santella, All About Jazz

McKelle has a wonderfully rich assortment of qualities in her voice. She is able to belt, be bluesy or croon a ballad.
 - Marcia Hillman, All About Jazz

Sometimes, when a jazz vocalist does a big band arrangement of a rock or pop hit, the results can be classical. Robin McKelle avoids that trap from the very start with her swinging rendition of Steve Miller's "Abracadabra." The lyrics are perfectly suitable for a jazz offering, and the blend of McKelle's voice and the horns is magical.  Like many vocalists, McKelle covers classics. What sets her apart though, is her knack for making them sound almost original with new arrangements, making Modern Antique an appropriate title and a fine collection.
 - Woodrow Wilkins, All About Jazz

Introducing Robin McKelle--an extraordinary new talent with a remarkable voice -- a soul-infused alto tinged with haunting echoes of the postwar jazz greats. With its well-struck balance of potent swing and fearlessly sentimental balladry, the album heralds the arrival of a peerless interpretive artist.  Now, with her debut CD being released, the world can be introduced to Robin McKelle’s rich, prismatic voice and her star-gazing jazz sound.
 - Music Remedy


Toronto Star Top Jazz Albums for 2008
James Carter (Present Tense), Sonny Rollins (Road Shows, Vol. 1) and Robin McKelle (Modern Antique).