Anne McCue - Blue Sky Thinkin (2015)

The songs sound like they should be standards you ve known , and loved , forever. But don t mistake this CD for a period piece . There is quite a modern groove. - NoDepression I've been a fan of guitarist/singer/songwriter Annie McCue for many years so I'm very honored and happy about singing with her on a damn fine song for her upcoming album. She wrote the song with John Hadley and the brilliant David Olney. You can't go wrong with such talent. - Dave Alvin I had done some gigs with Annie McCue out in California and thought that besides her phenomenal playing and great songs she had a unique presence. She has an angelic quality to her but also a Charlie Chaplin-esque vibe. Fearless and tender and alluring. - David Olney Those who know McCue for her rugged blues rock music will connect to Little White Cat, a 50s-style roadhouse boogie that she notes is the most modern cut on the release. Written as a more positive-looking reply to Howlin Wolf s Ain t Superstitious, the tune also reveals her love for Cab Calloway, as does Devil in the Middle, a darkly dramatic song (co-written with David Olney and John Hadley) that features a duet with Dave Alvin. McCue was thrilled to get Alvin to sing with her because his beautiful, deep voice made him McCue s first choice for the track. Blue Sky Thinkin also affords McCue the opportunity to showcase her critically hailed guitar prowess in new and often more subtle ways. Her blues playing here favors a more acoustic variety, such as the Lightnin Hopkins-style picking on Cowgirl Blues. More often she salutes her jazz guitar idols. Her fluid licks in Knock on Wood and the title track pay tribute to the great jazz guitarist Charlie Christian, and the gypsy jazz playing on Dig Two Graves speaks to her affection for Django Reinhardt. The tango touches, meanwhile, in Uncanny Moon reflect her admiration for Argentinian music legend Astor Piazzola.