Parrott, Nicki
Arbors Jazz, 2024, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 30.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 79
O’s Notes: Nicki Parrott is back with her gentle, inviting vocal tones placed front and center while she anchors the rhythm section on bass, with Steve Russell (p), Dave Sanders (d), and special guests Jim Kelly (g) & Nanny Assis (perc). Feeling Groovy, starts with the title track, also known as “The 59th Street Bridge Song”. That sets the retro mood for the set, a soulful collection that includes “He Called Me Baby”, “Mas Que Nada” (in Portuguese), and “Pure Imagination”. The horn accents from Shane Hannan (tb), Todd Hardy (t, flugelhorn), and Martha Baartz (sax, fl) are crisp. Parrott shows her instrumental prowess on “These Boots Were Made For Walkin’”.
Publicist: Arbors
