Erin McKeown Debuts at Feinstein's Nov. 25 & 26

Feinstein's at Loews Regency will continue their Fall 2007 season with the debut of critically-acclaimed performer Erin McKeown. McKeown and her Little Big Band will perform songs from the CD Sing You Sinners for two shows only, Sunday, November 25 and Monday, November 26. Both shows are at the Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street).

Erin McKeown's critically-acclaimed CD "Sing You Sinners" features thirteen songs of mischief and spunk collected from Tin Pan Alley and Broadway. Written by the likes of Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter, and Fats Waller, learned from Fred Astaire, Gene Krupa, Nat King Cole, and Blossom Dearie, "Sing You Sinners" is McKeown's singular and sly take on the not-so-standard entries in the Great American Songbook.

"Sing You Sinners" kicks off with the cinematic "Get Happy," whose sprightly guitar and horns are a nod to the movie-musical spirit of Judy Garland. You are probably familiar with the classic "Paper Moon," but played as an exuberant dub-calypso? How about the cheeky "Just One of Those Things" as a slow, sinister electric organ vamp? "Thanks for the Boogie Ride," sung originally in 1941 by the inimitable Anita O'Day, is transformed from a big-band classic to a rockabilly rave-up, while the twin organ and guitar lines of the title track recall Rosemary Clooney and the surreal lounge pop of the mid-50's. In the midst of all this high octane stomp, come the sweet Reinhardt swing of "Coucou" and the gorgeous swish of "They Say It's Spring." Tying it all together is McKeown's clear and unadorned voice – natural and confident.

McKeown began by assembling a band of talented friends. Sam Kassirer (Josh Ritter), a longtime collaborator with McKeown, brought his left-field jazz chops to the piano, organ, and wurlitzer. Todd Sickafoose (Ani DiFranco), another longtime friend, played the bass like a highwire acrobat – the perfect note at the perfect time with a delicious sense of danger. Newest to the family was drummer Allison Miller (Natalie Merchant) a flawless technical player sensitive to the humor and melody of the songs. Rounding out the ensemble was McKeown playing her usual array of banjos and guitars. In the spirit of the recordings that inspired her, McKeown made the record live, in four days, in her hometown of Northampton MA.

Sinners is McKeown's fourth studio album in six years and her seventh release since she began her career in 1997 at the age of 20. Ten years later, she has built a truly unique reputation for being a complete original. This disc also marks McKeown's debut as a sole producer.

The special Sunday and Monday Night Series at Feinstein's at Loews Regency has performances at 8:30 PM. This show has a $30.00 cover charge and a two drink minimum. Jackets are suggested, but not required. Feinstein's at Loews Regency is located at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street in New York City. For ticket reservations and club information call 212-339-4095, or visit www.Ticketweb.com or www.feinsteinsattheregency.com.

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