Michael Nickolas & Ray Greene: We Got By (2002)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: March 1, 2002

Spirituals and soulful ballads comprise this first duo album from guitarist Michael Nickolas and singer Ray Greene. From Boston, the pair has worked together on other ventures: 17 years. Their empathy shows up in the seamless manner they employ to interpret each smooth song. Theirs is a mature product. Greene sings these comfortable melodies with a sensitive touch and heartfelt accuracy. Nickolas accompanies on both acoustic guitar and a blues-filled, amplified model with down-home charm. Together, they've put together a session that soothes. Their online audio and video samples provide evidence. The best part of the album comes on "Here's That Rainy Day," where Nickolas improvises a brief interlude, and on "Heaven Help Us All," where Greene interprets poignant lyrics with sublime passion. Bob Dylan's "Knocking on Heaven's Door" closes the session by turning up the emotional fires just a bit. Theirs is a gentle session, designed for healing.

Track Listing: We Got By; Hold My Hand; Hearts Horizon; Cecelia; When I Fall in Love; I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know; Heaven Help Us All; Here's That Rainy Day; They Can't Take That Away From Me; Landslide; Knocking On Heaven's Door.

Personnel: Michael Nickolas- guitar; Ray Greene- vocals.

Record Label: Studio Nine
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream