Cassandre McKinley - Dragonfly (2018)

A vocal culmination of Jazz, Country and Blues styles adapted through songs by great artists like Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson, Nina Simone and Etta James. Boston born and bred, McKinley started a career in film and television upon entering her freshman year of high school. By 16, she had already signed with a New York talent agent, began taking weekly private voice instruction and attended a long series of intensive music programs that specialized in voice performance. After high school, she attended The Boston Conservatory of Music majoring in Musical Theater and has now held an accomplished career spread over 3 decades as a professional singer, dancer, actress, voice-over artist and print model.

McKinley is best known for her powerhouse voice and stylistic versatility and ability to cross genres effortlessly. She is renowned for her spirited and emotional performances with a presence on stage that is exuberant and passionate yet warm and disarming. She has shared the stage, and in some cases, recorded with greats such as Dick Johnson (Artie Shaw Orchestra), Clay Osborne, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Jay Geils, Fred Lipsius (Blood, Sweat and Tears), Jerry Portnoy (Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters), the legendary Herb Pomeroy and others.

After self-releasing several favorable straight-ahead jazz albums, McKinley drew from deeper influences of her youth and revealed a more “soulful” sounding jazz album in remembrance of the late Marvin Gaye. Her expressive work on this album generated a resounding and enthusiastic buzz – soon to follow was a signed record contract and an extended release of the project re-titled “Til Tomorrow - Remembering Marvin Gaye” (MAXJAZZ 2007). Jazztimes Magazine hailed the work as “a rich, sensual salute”. The album steady stream of success both nationally and internationally, legitimizing her standing as a prominent and salient new artist. With a heightened joy for the process of creativity and performance, McKinley is continuously evolving seeking imaginative ways to illustrate her passion and elevate her art.

TRACKLIST

01. Plain Gold Ring
02. All Alone Am I
03. Let It Be Me
04. Lonely Wine
05. I Miss You So
06. Change Your Mind
07. Do I Move You
08. Mama
09. Are You Lonesome Tonight
10. Out Of The Rain



All thanks go to the original releaser