Two albums in, Erin Costelo seems destined to establish herself alongside the top tier of today’s most expressive soulful singers. It’s a quick ascent to be sure, especially since her debut album Down Below, The Status Quo was released only two years ago. Nevertheless, given its flood of rave reviews and the anticipation for what would follow, this Canadian chanteuse clearly has the craft and charisma needed to sustain her momentum. For the most part, Sweet Marie maintains a more nocturnal ambiance, a sound that’s well in keeping with a jazzier inclination. Smooth and supple, her voice manages to create an emphatic impression simply by manipulating the mood, veering from sensual and suggestive one minute to playful the next.
The upbeat appeal of “All In Your Head,” with its bouncy rhythm, Stax-style organ and soaring brass, adds a decidedly dazzling appeal, while the bluesy inflection of “Hands on Fire” asserts Costelo’s confidence as a torch singer of creedence and conviction. Likewise, the pulsating piano framing “Epilogue” adds an emphatic energy to the proceedings. then there’s “My Love,” a song which emerges from a slow build to a triumphant refrain to become one of the standouts of the set overall.
Musicians: Erin Costelo – vocals/keyboard/Producer Clive MacNutt – guitar Leith Fleming-Smith – organ Anna Ruddick – bass Glenn Milchem – drums Andrew MacKelvie – saxophone Andrew Jackson – trombone Leanne Hoffman – background vocals Kwento – background vocals
Taken from the documentary film based on the making of Erin Costelo’s 5th album, “Sweet Marie”.
The Fat Angel Sings 