...returns
to her adopted hometown, her fans show up to enjoy the moment. Nicole Henry is
not what is proverbially called a "chick singer." She is a 100%
performance artist. Stage presence, audience relation, patter, charm,
presentation and most of all, a remarkable voice. Did I mention pretty good
taste in clothes as well?
The
venue was the Black Box Room at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center. It
was a RRazz Room production. The room's capacity was limited to 120 --- EVERY
seat was taken and I spied a few standees. Nicole had a select rhythm section
backing her. Aaron Lebos (guitar), Pete Wallace (keys), Eric England (bass) and
Dave Chiverton at the kit. Wotta band!!!!! And all wearing suit jackets.
Nicole
came on stage wearing a floor length black & white gown, slit up to you
know where on one side. She is tall and slender. Her arms and body are proof of
a workout regimen. Yeah, I'm in love. So is every guy who has ever laid eyes on
her. She opens with "I Love Being Here With You" The audience is
thinking "Ditto". Nicole plays with the lyric, introducing some novel
lines. "To Be With You Tonight" was next and Aaron had the chance to
show off a bit. A really interesting song, both melody and lyric, followed. The
title "Wayfaring Stranger". A little funky and a little Sunday
morning church. Pete and Aaron play
impressive solos with Dave adding depth. Eric is an expressive bassist. His
facial expressions and head movement reflect the mood and tone of every song.
Nicole has a deep rooted faith in the Lord. You can hear and feel the emotion
when she does "I Rise". What else can follow a spiritual than a song
titled "I'm Beginning To See the Light". Nicole sings it. Dave, Eric
and Pete, SHINE. Can a singer not include a Jobim melody. Nooooo. Okay--The
cute tune "The Joy" has all the flavor of Brazil. The song is
"I'd See You Again". Eric and Dave are in my line of sight. They are
having a great time with this number, exchanging glances, smiles and musical
talk. Pete takes a 5* solo. Dave's drums introduce the next one, "I'm
Feeling Good". You could say that about everyone in the house. A terrific
rhythmic pattern with Eric getting the starring role. They slow it down to
'drag' tempo. Nicole ends with an amazing long held note.
During
the break I had a chance to talk with my tablemates. JAZZ lovers, Mollie and
Susan Grad(mother & daughter) and Ted Adelman. As a young man Ted had
managed a 'rock band' in San Francisco circa mid 60's. You had to be there to
know about it --- ooooweee.
The
2nd set opened with "I Feel Pretty" from West Side Story. "Like
Love" and then Eric introduces "Why Did the Love----". Deep from
somewhere inside of Nicole comes the tune with the lyric line "Your love
is like a chunk of gold, easy to see but hard to hold". Eric has a gal pal
in the audience and gets teased about it. Pete's keyboard play intros
"Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word". The standard "That's
All" has Nicole showing what JAZZ is all about and Aaron really swings his
solo. You know that Nicole has some background in the church with her aunt
Aretha Franklin and Aretha's friend Patti La Belle. She does "Getting the
Spirit In the Dark". The song is a rousing spiritual and along with her
vocalization there are exceptional solos by Aaron & Dave. The song ends
with the audience on its collective feet with sustained applause. After the
show, Nicole is signing CDs for fans, old and new. She takes time to chat with
each and exudes the charm I mentioned at the beginning.
She
will be in Florida for a while. Check listings at JazzBluesFlorida.com
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