CD review:

I’m That Way

Orlando’s Beth McKee was once a member of the

roots New Orleans outfit Evangeline, and that Big

Easy spirit is evident in this solo CD.

I’m That Way (available on cdbaby.com) has the additional benefit of being acollection of songs by the iconic Bobby Charles. If you don’t know, he wrote “See You Later, Alligator” and “Walking to New Orleans.”

Both are included along with lesser-known gems that illustrate the power of Charles’ economical wordplay and melodies. McKee- backed by a studio band that includes her husband, drummer Juan Perez- brings her own attributes. Her twangy voice falls between Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams. On piano, her driving left hand recalls Professor Longhair.

Things shift from rockabilly to horn fueled R&B to understated ballads such as the wonderful “I Don’t Want to Know.” McKee makes it well worth getting to know these old songs again.

Jim Abbott- Orlando Sentinel