I’ve been listening to Erin McKeown for a few years now.

Our local radio station had a showcase with a number of somewhat unknown performers. I wasn’t able to attend, but they had been playing songs by the participants to drum up interest. After I heard “Slung-Lo” on the radio, I immediately ordered her CD Grand.

That was two albums ago. Just weeks ago, Sing You Sinners was released.

The new album is a departure from the rest of her catalog, with only one original song. For Sinners, Erin has put her spin on a collection of lesser-known jazz standards.

While I prefer her original music, I think it’ll grow on me. I haven’t played it too much yet, but so far I know I especially like “Paper Moon.”

Sample verse, from “We are More” on We Will Become Like Birds:

it’s victorian this embroidering ordering and
sorting of memory to museum quality
in a box we are, we are and we’re art
for the victims and tourists to see

She’s an exciting performer, with a great jazzy style. Check out some samples on her site!