Shane Kelly: Shane Kelly

Shane Kelly one more vocalist who makes San Francisco her home. That city is simply loaded with good voices. For her debut album, Kelly has chosen a no loose theme, love. Sometimes it's mooning, swooning, desperately hopeful love. Other times - - and these are the neat tracks — it's the joy of love. "Come By Sunday" reaches Mach speed with tough ensemble playing punctuated by on the mark drum blasts by Deszon Claiborne and adorned by down low bass rumblings by Ron Belcher. "One Note Samba" is appropriately Brazilian with the flute of Melecio Magdaluyo a major contributor.

On the romantic ballad side, "My Foolish Heart" gets a telling sentimental treatment by Kelly with just the piano of Jeffrey Chin working with her. The blueness of "You've Changed" is emphasized by the soulful harmonica of Gregg "Tumbleweed" Mooney. This tune sounds like it comes smack out of a Texas Roadhouse on a Saturday night. Contrast this to a major production for "It Never Entered My Mind" and "The Look of Love" replete with strings, concert like pianism, tingling cymbals and heavy arrangements. While this is OK, Kelly's voice is more suited to small groups as on "But Beautiful" or in front of a swinging horn ensemble as on "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea". "But Beautiful" once again features Magdaluyo, this time on tenor. Mature, with good range and diction and great timing and phrasing, strings and other assorted musical paraphernalia just get in her way.

This is a good album. It would have been great if the smarmy strings weren't around. Visit Shane at www.shanekellysings.com where this album can be purchased.