I’m In Love Again
Turtle Bay, 2021
8/10
A duo from New York City, Meaghan Farrell (Sweet Megg) and Ricky Alexander are well versed in jazz, blues and Americana sounds, and on this debut album the pair take firm nods to the ‘20s with their nostalgic and irresistible formula.
“My Honey’s Lovin’ Arms” starts the listen with a playful, vintage approach as the opener flirts with ragtime ideas where Megg’s expressive, flawless pipes complement the fun, and “Foolin’ Myself” follows with a calmer pace that’s steeped in jazz as warm piano and Alexander’s sax align with Megg’s pretty pipes.
Closer to the middle, the swing climate and strong percussion of “Last Night On The Back Porch” recruits conversation into the upbeat mood, while “Angry” is anything but and shuffles with a dance friendly spirit you can’t help but move your body to. “Ragged But Right”, another exceptional tune, then flows with clever storytelling as swift keys and busy bouts of brass help make this the album standout.
Deeper yet, the jumpy, bouncy atmosphere of “I’d Love To Take Orders From You” seems like it could soundtrack a night at a speakeasy, and “A Blues Serenade” exits with sweeping beauty as keys, and drumming interact in retro ways that sounded as great then as they do now.
Sweet Megg cut her teeth playing in the jazz band The Wayfarers, and Alexander was plugging away with The Early Bird Jazz Band. Together, they bring an immeasurable amount of talent to an exciting, fascinating and memorable listen that’s varied enough to remind you of Billie Holiday, Terry Waldo or more recent stars like Pokey LaFarge, which, of course, could never be a bad thing.
Travels well with: Pokey LaFarge- Rock Bottom Rhapsody; The Devil Makes Three- Chains Are Broken