Nicole Henry possesses the kind of sing-the-phone-book voice that is both commonplace and necessary among interpreters of the Great American Songbook. Her phrasing is impeccable and Henry also has the kind of vocal pronunciation that ensures that her listeners will understand each word. So it’s not surprising that Henry has released three albums consisting primarily of jazz standards, along with a holiday album. But it is great news that she includes original pop and soul tunes on her latest project Embraceable.
Nicole Henry possesses the kind of sing-the-phone-book voice that is both commonplace and necessary among interpreters of the Great American Songbook. Her phrasing is impeccable and Henry also has the kind of vocal pronunciation that ensures that her listeners will understand each word. So it’s not surprising that Henry has released three albums consisting primarily of jazz standards, along with a holiday album. But it is great news that she includes original pop and soul tunes on her latest project Embraceable.
Embraceable brings Henry together with several songwriters who penned four new tunes, including one from long time SoulTracks favorite, John Stoddart, fresh off his work on his own highly regarded CD. “Anything For You,” once again highlights Stoddart’s ability to craft a pop tune. Stoddart’s lyrics are plain spoken and descriptive, and Henry moves from a conversational delivery while singing the chorus and then adds emotion during the hook. “Hush Now,” a song by Oli Rockberger, tells the story of woman dealing with the crisis of learning that her man has either been injured of fallen ill. The lyrics describe the fear, confusion and effort to draw strength, courage and certainty from a situation filled with fear and uncertainty. Henry has no difficulty switching gears from the coolness and sassiness needed to sing fare such as “Embraceable You” and “Like Someone In Love” to the let ‘em see you bleed emotionalism required on a cut such as “Hush Now.”
Most of the numbers on Embraceable are covers of well-known tunes, and a nod must be given to the producer Matt Pierson for bringing in the kind of personnel who could infuse these cuts with some freshness. Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain” features a lazy swing that serves as a nice complement to Henry’s sizzling vocal. “Since I Fell For You” swaps the soulful arrangement for a brass infused jazz feel. The piano introduction on “A Day In the Life of a Fool” makes an allusion to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Fantasy,” before transitioning into a mournful Bossa Nova melody. Henry is most skillful in the use of her vocal instrument on this cut. She stretches and bends notes in a successful attempt to wring emotion out of every word.
Embraceable continues a trend of artists putting considerable thought into projects featuring pop standards. It features covers that have not been done to death and a new and attractive sheen on some well-loved songs. Embraceable also includes originals that sport top-flight lyrics and musical arrangements that draw from the church, the blues club and the Broadway stage. On all of this, Nicole Henry and her collaborators strike a great balance and Henry proves herself to be a fine interpreter and song stylist. Recommended
By Howard Dukes