Sabine McCalla
Don't Call Me Baby
***and1/2 out of *****
New Orleans has been called "the northernmost Caribbean city" and on Sabine McCalla's debut full length album the singer/songwriter digs into this vibe. Don't Call Me Baby floats along on warm wafting sounds from further south, digging into McCalla's Haitian roots before drifting up into the Gulf of Mexico and right into the Bywater of the Crescent City and beyond.
Working with multi-instrumentalist/producer Sam Doores (Deslondes) and a core backing band of Gina Leslie - Bass, Background Vocals, Ajaï Combelic - Bass, Guitar, Background Vocals, Howe Pearson - Drums, Background Vocals, Craig Flory - Flute, Bass Sax, Moog, Roy Brenc - 12 String Guitar, Bass, Casey Jane - Background Vocals, McCalla uses her vocals and guitar to move from delicate to rocking.
Her Compas influences flutter through the record as the dance ready groove of "Sunshine Kisses" kicks things off, with percussion and beats that make you want to get up and shake. The warbling electric guitar joins the islands inspired dance vibe on "Two of Hearts" while "Anything Without You" deploys more of the same with an easy shuffle, piano, and softer distant vocals from McCalla. Vocally, McCalla remains mostly languid, hovering around the sound as the songs sway and breathe.
Playing with different styles, McCalla is still feeling her way around as "Louisiana Hound Dog" is an excellent slice of rambling R&B that finds her falsetto vocals above the popping rock that builds with sax squeals. While it is a fun outing Sabine seems more at home with the bluesy torch songs songs such as the album closing "Lovely Lonely" and the album centerpiece "Baby, Please Don't Go" which uses organ and sultry singing to offer sweltering summer night blues, building slowly and winningly.
Things become bloody and real on the haunting tale of violence and inequality with "I Went to the Levee" before a gorgeous duet with her sister Leyla McCalla on the African spiritual "Deep River" as their voices intertwine wonderfully. The "Tall Lonesome Cowboy" is a gorgeous toss back cowboy song as The Lostines, Riley Downing, and Sam Gelband join her around the campfire. From country, to rocking R&B to blues drenched lounge tunes, McCalla comfortably embodies them all.
The total package results in a stout debut that proves Sabine McCalla has many talents and can produce songs in different styles. All are delivered with grace and confidence throughout Don't Call Me Baby.
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