Blue Sky Thinkin'

Fans likely never knew the extent of Anne McCue’s interest in music from the pre–rock ’n’ roll eras. Old blues, sure, but swing and jazz at the Django Reinhardt/Billie Holiday/Cole Porter level? Yet, the Australian-born, Nashville-based singer/songwriter has written and performed a modern album that takes us back to the ‘20s, ‘30s, and ’40s in full style. Dave Alvin joins her for a duet on “Devil in the Middle,” cowritten with David Olney and John Hadley, and “Little White Cat” gives a Cab Calloway–like reply to Howlin’ Wolf’s “Black Cat Blues.” It’s a set loaded with stunners.