From Nikki Parrott
If there’s such a thing as casual sophistication, Nicki Parrott has it in spades. As a follow-up to her recording, If You Could Read My Mind, a curated collection of seventies pop songs in a jazz setting, she embarks on a captivating musical journey once again in the jazz tradition encompassing popular songs of the sixties era, to deliver an amiable dozen of classics with finesse, while balancing a reverence for tradition with an unyielding sense of innovation.
Once the theme gets established on the title track Feelin’ Groovy, one senses an unsurpassed ensemble cohesion. The chemistry between the musicians is undeniable in this all-Australian band of Steve Russell (piano), Todd Hardy (trumpet and flugelhorn), Dave Sanders (drums), Martha Baartz (saxophone) and Shane Hannah (trombone). There are also guest appearances from the Australian guitar legend Jim Kelly on Catch The Wind and her sumptuous rendition of Everybody’s Talkin’.
Each track is a testament to the musician’s collective prowess (Parrott included on bass) and their deep musical understanding of the style. On Pure Imagination and I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight, Parrott delivers a duo of delightfully sensitive readings with her voice gliding through the melodies, leaving space for her exemplary bass work and Dave Sanders’ featherlight brushwork.
Throughout the album, it almost seems the ensemble is having too much fun to stop playing and hopefully, listeners may experience the same effect as they sing along with the lyrics included in the package.
Kick your shoes off!
Anything you want to, do it!
You ready
boots? Start walkin’!
– Barry O’Sullivan