Sweet Megg • Bluer Than Blue

It’s a country sort of month this month, with both my review records having a hint of the wide open prairie about them. I felt obliged to check out Sweet Megg’s new record sooner rather than later, as she kindly contributed to my July feature—but it’s out of unbridled, organic enthusiasm rather than any sense of obligation that I present it to you here. I last checked out Megg’s work back in 2021, since when she’s released three full-length albums and one live EP—so she’s long overdue a mention, regardless. If you haven’t previously heard of Sweet Megg, then where have you been? The crossover singer-songwriter has built up a huge following blending old-time jazz and country music, with contemporary bandleaders like reedman Ricky Alexander (Early Bird Jazz Band), guitarist Justin Poindexter (Silver City Bound) and trumpeter Mike Davis (The New Wonders) lining up to be her backing band. And while country music is without this publication’s remit, there’s undeniably enough swing to Bluer Than Blue to warrant its attention. The record’s twelve tracks include a mix of Western swing classics like the title track (previously a Bob “King of Western Swing” Wills number), Tin Pan Alley favorites like “It’s All Over Now” and solidly swing standards such as “In A Sentimental Mood.” All feature the wail of the fiddle and sighing lap guitar—but the brass se