Music
Press
Just listen to her vocal take on Clifford Brown's "Joy Spring". Where many vocalists would somehow stray off key during the complex, bopping melody, Nicols takes it perfectly in tune while covering all the trills and turnarounds of the tune. The title track shows off the range of her voice, lilting into the high register with breathy focus. - Jazz Society of Oregon
While one gets the sense that the best of Adele Nicols may be yet to come, "Never Let Me Go" stands as a gorgeous introduction to a talented artist and an excellent collection that jazz fans will likely treasure for years to come. - Times Argus
While a CD of standard jazz tunes isn't the most original material for a debut album, Vermont-based singer Adele Nicols has a skill for infusing well-worn classics with a sense of wonder. With breezy charm and jazzy presentation, her interpretations of familiar tunes such as “All of You” and “Dearly Beloved” transport listeners to a less complicated world where it’s still possible to swing one’s troubles away. Nicols' experience shows, and the warmth in her voice is as mellow and inviting as a cozy fire. The mood is reminiscent of Rick’s Place from Casablanca: Any second, in could walk the one you left behind in Paris, or Madrid, or Des Moines… or perhaps the one you haven’t met yet. The cheery “Joy Spring” could even help Vermonters through those subzero winter days we know so well. Never Let Me Go doesn't break any rules, but that's not the point. As Nicols declares in her shimmering voice, "I'm old-fashioned but I don't mind." - Seven Days
"Nicols is a mega talent with an outrageous sensitivity to sound. Her enormous musical aptitude allows her to hear even the subtlest of nuances."
- Craig Najjar, Berklee College of Music, former faculty
Adele is brilliant...about as good as any living female jazz singer and better than most...an inspired singer with a seasoned style of her own. ---Len Gorsky, Jazz Host - KVMR Radio
Discography
Adele Nicols' debut jazz vocal album, "Never Let Me Go", was released by independent recording label, Polkadot Records.
"Never Let Me Go" is available in music stores and on the internet, including, CDbaby.com and VermontMusicShop.com. Several tracks have been getting airplay throughout New England and West Coast jazz radio stations, especially "Fly Me To The Moon", "JoySpring" and the title track, "Never Let Me Go."
Photos
Bio
I am often asked what were the main influences for me musically. It could be a long conversation but I'll try and give you the short version. Early jazz vocal influences were Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday and Nancy Wilson. As a young girl, I was classically trained on the piano. Chopin and Prokofiev are my favorite composers. When in college, I began leaving the written notes behind, and started feverishly improvising and composing. This was a direct result of listening to Keith Jarret, Chick Corea and guitarist John McLaughlin, along with Thelonius Monk, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans. Having lived a year each in Italy and Japan it was only natural to be immersed into their respective musical cultures. In Japan, I began sitting in and singing jazz at the hot spots "Shinjiku Inn" and the "Pitt Inn." After returning to the United States I rediscovered my love of folk and popular music and began writing music on the guitar and piano.
As singer/songwriter, I will tell you that there are diverse influences that include: Bob Dylan, Otis Redding, Joni Mitchell, Bonnie Raitt, The Beatles, Carole King, Neill Young, Marley, MoTown and Bluegrass. Even though I'm primarily known as a jazz vocalist, I am also driven as a singer/ songwriter...passionate about it all. I keep looking for a way to bridge the gap. Until then, feel free to check out my jazz website at AdeleNicols.com and look for my second jazz CD, to be released in the Spring of 2009, with pianist Michael Arnowitt, and my debut singer/songwriter album to be released in the Fall of 2009!
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