Singer Kelly McRae blends elements of Patsy Cline with Lucinda Williams on ‘Never Be’

By Patrick Luce Jun 26, 2006, 13:27 GMT

Mississippi native Kelley McRae has released her debut album ‘Never Be’ – which is described as “beautiful reflection” of the singer’s live shows.

Recorded in Brooklyn with JD Foster (Calexico, Laura Cantrell) producing, ‘Never Be’ features the honey-sweet harmonies of Sarah Fullen and Virginia Kull, and Joan Baez's long-time drummer George Javori. 

McRase studied acting at SMU in Texas before moving to New York City in 2004. She grew up singing in her small town church choir, then sang in a jazz band in Nantucket as a teen, but never thought of herself as a songwriter until an elective class in guitar changed her life.

"The only thing Ican equate it to is falling in love or something like that, where you just find what to you is home and where you're supposed to put your time and passion," she said.

Kelley blends Patsy Cline's soulful delivery and heart-wrenching sincerity with Lucinda Williams’ southern literary prowess and damn-straight common grace insights. Like other genre-defying influences Patty Griffin and Kasey Chambers, she blends the blues, gospel, country and folk to create a sound that is deeply rooted and entirely her own.

‘Never Be’ is now available at Amazon. Visit the music database for more information and a complete track listing. Fans wanting to take a listen to some of the tracks from the album can visit Kelly McRae’s myspace website.