Album Review of
Heart of Memphis

Label: Okeh

Genres: R&B, Blues

Styles: Soul, R&B, Soul Blues, Contemporary Blues, Blues


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Written by Duane Verh
February 6, 2015 - 12:00am EST
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Having previously established her jazz credentials, singer/songwriter McKelle here displays serious savvy across a wide spectrum of soul music, from Deep Southern to uptown varieties, from ballads to Ike-and-Tina styled rave-ups; alternately strutting and simmering her way through a set tailor-made for soul connoisseurs. Her backup band shows their own smarts, navigating the mood shifts and shining exceptionally on classic Memphis sounds.  Standouts include “About To Be Your Baby”, “Control Yourself” and the title track. Nice chart on their cover of the vintage Animals hit “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” as well.