Album Notes

Shout Sister Shout: Steppin’ In It with Rachael Davis

Rachael Davis and the boys from Steppin’ In It found a common love for Jazz music of the 1930’s and ‘40’s after playing concerts as a double-bill. The summer of 2006 found the two Michigan acts working at the same festivals, as classic tunes from Nat King Cole or Sarah Vaughan found their way onto set-lists. By the fall, the quintet was dubbed ‘Shout Sister Shout’ (after the Sister Rosetta Tharpe classic of the same name) and an album was in the works. Combining the timeless rhythm section of Steppin’ In It and Rachael’s velvety vocals, this group “creates a live show that is hot, energetic and brilliant…” WXPR Radio- Rhinelander, WI

Their self-titled debut release was recorded on location at The Creole Gallery in Lansing, MI. Built in the late 19th century, the Creole provided the perfect atmosphere to record and album of classic standards, lending to the character of the project.

Although both are known nationally for their folk repertoire, Shout Sister Shout focuses on old-time American Jazz featuring torch swing numbers alongside bluesy ballads. Old-time radio fanatics Steppin’ In It provide the perfect backdrop for Rachael, who posses a voice that demands your attention.

“The quintet is a tribute to the smoky, sophisticated sound of 1930s and '40s jazz, with plenty of influence from Cole Porter, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole Trio and Sarah Vaughan, and it's a trip to hear Davis channel those old greats. Of course, it doesn't hurt to have a bunch of guys playing the hell out of vintage instruments as backup.” The Metro Times- Detroit, MI