Bluer Than Blue
Turtle Bay, 2024
9/10
Although the New York City songstress Sweet Megg got her start in the area of jazz, these days she doesn’t shy away from country sounds, too, and these 12 new songs recruit some of Nashville’s best for themes of heartache.
The upbeat and animated “Bluer Than Blue” starts the listen with the lively brass and Billy Contreras’ glowing fiddle complementing Megg’s distinct voice for a tune that should soundtrack an evening at a speakeasy, and “Once More With Feeling” follows with a classic country approach that makes great use of Dalton Ridenhour’s glowing keys.
Entering the middle, “Someday Sweetheart” is full of nostalgic energy that benefits from Chris Gelb’s frisky drums, while the dusty “Little Bit” showcases Dennis Crouch bass acrobatics and Wild Bill’s backing vocals that you could dance to.
“It’s All Over Now” lands close to the end, and flirts with plenty of swing fun via Justin Poindexter’s meticulous guitar, and “(Remember Me) I’m The One Who Loves You” allows Megg’s voice to soar amid the large brass presence and Ricky Alexander’s strategic clarinet for the vintage exit.
It’s hard to tell what decade Megg identifies most closely with, and it’s part of her charm. Whether you gravitate towards twang, the early days of jazz or swing from even earlier times, you’re going to be impressed.
Travels well with: Nancy Erickson Lamont- Through The Passages; Andrea Wolper- Wanderlust