Erin McKeown - "Sing, You Sinners" (Nettwerk)

A lot more than some bland nod to the "Great American Songbook" ala Rod Stewart, Erin McKeown's latest is a totally engaging romp through some truly great old tunes. I really think Cole Porter would be happy to hear this.

Some could make a quick comparison to Norah Jones-y style on Sing You Sinners, but that not exactly where Erin's coming from on this new album. Everything's more upbeat, sunnier, lighter. The oldest song on here (besides the lone McKeown original "Melody") is 1955's Johnny Mercer-penned "Something's Gotta Give", and most of the tunes were written in the '30's including "Paper Moon", Porter's "Just One Of Those Things", and the title track. Recorded in her home city of Northhampton, Massachusetts (and completed start-to-finish in just under three weeks), Sing You Sinners sounds reverential, yet immediate and fun. It clocks in right around 40 minutes.

If you're gonna look back, this is the way to do it. Go ahead... sing, you sinners!!

Written by Dan Reed

Release Date: January 9, 2007

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