CD Review: Nica Carrington, "Times Like These"

 This month's review is focused on Jazz Vocalist Nica Carrington and her debut album, "Times Like These".  A native New Yorker, Nica was exposed to Jazz by her father who was a Jazz enthusiast and worked on the promotional side of the music business but also played several instruments.  Nica was lucky to have access to her father's vast record collection and was always drawn to musicians she considered more lyrical, like Chet Baker, Miles Davis and Wes Montgomery.  She also loved Jazz singers but was especially drawn to Frank Sinatra.  "I fell in love with Sinatra when I was 10 years old and especially withh his "Only The Lonely" album.  I really love his phrasing and ability to tell a story without vocal acrobatics."  Perfectly said in my opinion and Nica has followed the Sinatra roadmap in developing her own style.  

Nica has selected a group of "Great American Songbook" classics for "Times Like These".  Mostly torch songs that require great phrasing and sensibility in order to make them believable for the listener.  Nica does a great job on all the songs in her album and is helped along by three of the most talented and sensitive professional musicians performing today.  During the Covid lockdown Nica had been taking voice lessons via "JazzVoice.com" with Los Angeles-based Vocalist, Pianist, Composer and recording artist, John Proulx.  She choose Proulx to be her Pianist, Arranger and Producer for her debut album and then added Bassist Chuck Berghofer and Drummer Joe LaBarbera to complete her trio.  These three seasoned professionals mix perfectly with Nica's rich deep voice and contribute greatly to her wonderful phrasing.  They support but never overwhelm Nica who performs in the spotlight by herself in bringing new life to these old chestnuts. 

I have attached two "YouTubes" for you to listen to.  The first is "When Sunny Gets Blue" written by Marvin Fisher and Jack Segal and the second is a standard written by Carl Fischer and the great Frank Lane, "We'll Be Together Again".  

If you love the beautiful standards and great Jazz singing, you will love "Times Like These".

PLAYLIST:

1. Skylark

2. Left Alone

3. When Sunny Gets Blue

4. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye

5. We'll Be Together Again

6. The Summer Knows

7. You Don't Know What Love is

8. Angel Eyes

9. The Shadow Of Your Smile

10 Here's To Life

PLAYERS:

Vocals- Nica Carrington

Piano, Arranging- John Proulx

Bass- Chuck Berghofer

Drums- Joe LaBarbera

                                                           "When Sunny Gets Blue"

                                                             "We'll Be Together Again"