RIYL: Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Ricki Lee Jones
Over the course of her career, Erin McKeown has consistently demonstrated an ability to transcend typical singer/songwriter fare with music that’s rich in both imagery and imagination. Unlike those contemporaries who dwell strictly on circumspect, McKeown creates a sound that’s unfailingly vibrant and revealing.
Happily then, Hundreds of Lions proves no exception. After McKeown’s last album, Sing You Sinners, found her retracing jazz standards, it might be imagined she’s mow channeling Kurt Weill in her own suggestive sort of way. Presented with a theatrical flair, these songs give the impression that someday they might be Broadway-bound. Offering a mix of whimsy and panache, producer Sam Kassirer utilizes clarinets, flutes, sax, cello, violin and viola to enhance the jaunty, jovial feel. In fact, “Santa Cruz,” “All The Time You Missed,” “The Rascal” and “The Foxes” come across as so exceedingly infectious, they make repeated listens almost seem mandatory. Even in the more pensive moments – “You Sailor” being the most obvious example – McKeown remains completely captivating, a songstress whose skill and finesse finds her at the peak of her prowess. (Righteous Babe 2009)
