Robin McKelle’s “people” claim she’s inspired by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, which immediately made me skeptical only because that seems too cliché. Almost any artist with a big voice backed by bigger horns has dibs on comparing themselves to icons of the 1940s. However, I apologize because I was wrong to be so skeptical; it's actually an ideal claim. The Boston-based diva is currently touring her big band jazz through Europe but is all set for a US celebration of her sophomore effort, Modern Antique, this August.

With rich horns, James Bond soundtrack quality vocals and that Nellie McKay esque mix of genres, McKelle brings a spicy presentation to the over saturated pop table. All of this and she holds a degree from Berklee and includes a position with the Boston Pops on her resume, giving her room to stretch into just about any place she wants to go.

While viewing Elbows (http://www.elbo.ws) I ran across this lovely smoooth 40's voice lass. If you like big horns and even bigger vocals, 40s style, check it out! :)