Anyone who has followed the path of American singer Robin McKelle knows that jazz is the beating heart of her artistic commitment. Admittedly, there were sidesteps towards Soul-Music, Funk, Pop, but the swing was still there. It is therefore natural that this worthy interpreter honors one of her elders, the immense Ella Fitzgerald. A sacred challenge brilliantly taken up through a luminous album entitled Impressions of Ella.
When Robin McKelle revealed himself in 2006 as one of the sparkling voices of jazz, we imagined him flourishing in the historical repertoire bequeathed by the stars of the vocal art of yesteryear. The eclecticism of his range will prove to us, over time, that The epic of black music does not frighten him and that the different colors of the African-American musical landscape inspire him more than they intimidate him. 15 years have passed since her first outbursts of voice and we have adopted the stylistic voltefaces of this multidisciplinary artist. We were excited about mess around in 2010, soul flower in 2012, Heart of Memphis in 2014 or, more recently, Alterations in 2020, but trotted in our head the delicate jazz convolutions of its beginnings. Introducing Robin McKelle And modern-antique still ring in our ears. The eruptive freshness of the new album is ultimately only the mature extension of a reverent reading of heritage.
Impressions of Ella reaffirms the sensitive tone of a singer who does not seek to measure herself against her illustrious and late colleague. In all humility, Robin McKelle plays with the works immortalized by the “First Lady of Song”. She does not imitate him. Who could? It updates, with a touch of blues, legendary compositions. The piano ornamentations of the brilliant Kenny Barron (80 years old) legitimize the audacity of Robin McKelle. The icing on the cake, the smiling presence of singer Kurt Elling revitalizes the classic I won’t dance in a cheerful Franglais duet.
This disc will make history. No doubt about it. He has already charmed many listeners during the 2023 summer tour and will continue to distill this indescribable feeling that grips us each time the thrill of a voice manages to magnify irresistible melodies. Robin McKelle continues on her way with confidence and gives you, in particular, an appointment on November 7, 2023 at the New Morning in Paris. She will have moved, beforehand, the spectators of Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons, Montlouis-sur-Loire, Reims, Stuttgart, Milan, Bordeaux… Our cries will accompany with fervor the real talent of this very endearing personality!