Nicole Henry: Embraceable (2011)

Larry Taylor

Contributor since 2006

Larry retired from teachng college journalism after over 20 years, coming to teaching from 15 years in the newspaper business working for Ridder-Johns Newspapers.

Recent articles (88 total)

Published: September 1, 2011

With the release of her fifth album, Embraceable, vocalist Nicole Henry pleasingly brings together a range of styles—smooth and mainstream jazz, along with pop and gospel.

A roster of musicians from diverse jazz backgrounds are featured on various tracks, with standouts including saxophonist Kirk Whalum Kirk Whalum
b.1958
saxophone , harmonicist Gregoire Maret Gregoire Maret
b.1975
harmonica and pianists John Stoddart and Britain's Oli Rockberger Oli Rockberger

piano , who all contribute mightily. Among the albums's 12 selections, there are four new numbers including three Stoddart gems, and eight standards on which Henry puts her stamp.

Henry kicks off with a dreamy version of Mann/Weil's "Just A Little Lovin," with Maret's languorous harmonica creating the mood. The ambiance continues with Stoddart's soulful ballad, "Anything For You," which builds to a throbbing finish.

Whalum's lush tenor warms up a rocking version of Buddy Johnson Buddy Johnson
1915 - 1977
composer/conductor 's "Since I Fell for You." With Richard Jones Richard Jones
b.1973
guitar, electric ' "Trouble In Mind," Henry gives tribute to Aretha Franklin Aretha Franklin

vocal , as Rockberger's solid blues piano brings home its soulful message. On Bob Marley Bob Marley
's "Waiting in Vain," the singer subjugates its classic reggae beat, but Maret's harmonica more than compensates as it weaves in and out behind her plaintive voice.

Hitting her peak with Gershwin's "Embraceable you," Henry offers a romantic toast to this staple from The Great American Songbook. She brings it back to the church with her fervid preaching on Stoddart's "A Little Time Alone," as Whalum's wailing sax urges her on from the choir.

The album ends simply, with Christina Aguilera's "Save Me From Myself," Henry's unadorned voice caressing the lyrics, accompanied majestically by Stoddart. Henry's stated mission with this record is to take large steps in new directions, and she accomplishes this with a sweet, accessible voice that serves up lyrical ballads, as well as dishing out large helpings of soulful blues and gospel.

Track Listing: Just A Little Lovin'; Like Someone In Love; Anything For You; Since I Fell For You; Trouble In Mind; Hush Now; Waiting In Vain; Embraceable You; A Day In The Life Of A Fool; Even While You're Gone; A Little Time Alone; Save Me From Myself.

Personnel: Nicole Henry: vocals; John Stoddart: piano, keyboard, Fender Rhodes (1, 3, 4, 7, 10-12 ; Gerald Clayton: piano (2, 9); Oli Rockberger: piano (5, 6); Gil Goldstein: piano (8); Jef Lee Johnson: electric guitar (1, 4, 7, 11); Julian Lage: electric guitar (2, 9); Larry Campbell: acoustic guitar, electric guitar, National Reso-phonic guitar (3, 5, 8, 10); Gregoire Maret: harmonica (1, 7); Kirk Whalum: tenor saxophone (4, 11): Andy Snitzer: alto saxophone (4, 11); Aaron Heick, tenor saxophone, bass flute (4, 7, 8, 11); Lou Marini: flute (7, 8); Tony Katleck: trumpet (4, 11); Michael Davis: trombone (4, 11); Larry Grenadier: acoustic bass; Richard Locker: cello (7, 10, 11); Entchko Todorov: violin (3, 6, 10, 11); Eric Harland: drums; Bashiri Johnson: percussion; (1, 4, 6, 9, 11).

Record Label: ArtistShare
Style: Vocal