On Sunday 16th February, Nicki Parrott, the acclaimed jazz bassist and vocalist, superbly supported by a tight ensemble featuring Brendan St. Ledger on piano, Paul Hudson on Drums, Matt Christensen tenor sax and Mal Wood on trumpet and flugelhorn, was a masterclass in jazz artistry. The performance showcased Nicky’s signature blend of sophistication and playfulness, blending sultry swing, heartfelt ballads, and Latin grooves. From the first notes of Nicki’s solo introduction of Fever, it was clear this would be a performance full of charisma and musical chemistry.
Nicki captured the emotional depth of Burt Bacharach’s songwriting with her versions of This Girl’s in Love with You and Walk on By. Cheek to Cheek, and Fools Rush In were timeless, classics that that showcased Nicki’s ability to balance nostalgia with fresh interpretation.
The Latin-tinged Quizás, Quizás, Quizás (Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps) added a sultry flair and You Make Me Feel So Young brought a joyful, swinging groove, reminiscent of Sinatra’s golden era.
The playful charm of Sing and Quando, Quando, Quando got the dancers on to the floor and the first set ended on a cheeky note with Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.
The second set opened with L.O.V.E., followed with It Had to Be You. Young at heart was a standout moment with a solo performance by Nicki, paying tribute to Les Paul, followed by Come Rain or Come Shine. The set took a nostalgic turn with a French song for our President, Julie – Piaf’s classic La Vie en Rose.
There was a shift in tone with I Can See Clearly Now, where the band embraced a light, reggae-infused groove. Paying tribute to St. Valentine’s Day were two Carpenter songs - There’s a Kind of Hush and We’ve Only Just Begun and Nicki’s smooth, velvety delivery gave these pop classics a sophisticated jazz twist.
As the set neared its close, Sunny brought a lively, infectious energy, while Mal and Matt took turns delivering soulful improvisations. The final song, I’m a Woman, was pure fun with amusing alternative lyrics to reflect our 21st Century lifestyle.
Of course there was an encore! An original tune with a funky beat and a song many of us could relate to Middle Aisle of ALDI!
Throughout the afternoon, Nicki and her ensemble displayed remarkable versatility, seamlessly transitioning between jazz, Latin, swing and pop influences. With her impeccable musicianship, and dynamic interplay with the band, this set was a testament to Nicki’s artistry; a performance that felt both timeless and refreshingly new.
Thanks so much for our member, Jules Verity, to fill in at short notice for our regular reviewer Life Member Brian Fane!
