Nicole Hart
"Treasure"
Blues Leaf Records
By Peter "Blewzzman"
Lauro April 2009
Prelude
I can't recall the last time I couldn't
wait to sit down and start writing about a CD. Sure, the fact that the
disc is killer always makes it exciting, but there's a lot more to why this one
feels so special. A big part of it is that Nicole Hart and the NRG
Band just blew me away this past Sunday at Earl's Hideaway in Sebastian, FL, and
I'm excited that it will be happening again this Sunday at Springing the Blues
in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Bring it on guys! Another part
is the fact that Nicole and Lance, who I only met a year ago but
already feel like they've been life long friends, are two of the best
people one could ever hope to meet. Lance - this is for you buddy, stay
strong................
Generally, Nicole and the
guys are billed as Nicole Hart and the NRG Band. However, since there
were many special guests on this project - her first for Blues Leaf Records
- allow me to introduce the members to you as Nicole Hart and the Extra NRG
Band. Joining Nicole, on Lead Vocals, Tambourine & Shaker are:
Lance Ong on Piano, B3 Organ & Bass; Sonny Kenn, Ron Rauso and Marc Shulman
on Guitar; Dan Mulvey, Nate Allen and Vonnie Hudson on Bass; Swami
and Ian Carroll on Drums; Sandy Mack on Harp; and Albert Castiglia on
Vocals and Lead Guitar.
As the opening track, "Can't
Ever Let You Go", kicks off, slow and sultry guitar and piano notes are
exchanged creating anticipation for the even more sultry vocals that you
just know are about to come.....and they sure do. With the rhythm guys
tightly, yet softly joined in, Nicole takes over and works her magic. As
is usually the case, her range is absolutely magnificent.
It's quite interesting that on my review
of Albert Castiglia's recent release, one of my favorite tracks was one on which
Nicole did the background vocals. Label mate Albert returns the favor
and joins Nicole on a perfectly harmonized duet titled "You Were Lyin'
To Me". There's certainly a musical chemistry between these
two. Of course, Albert's guitar work also makes this one a
winner.
On this Stevie Wonder cover, Nicole is
determined to reach a "Higher Ground". There's no
questioning she will, but the way she belts this one out, I doubt she'll ever
reach a higher note. As the track comes to a close, the notes she
reaches and holds had me shaking my head in equal amounts of awe and
disbelief. I kept thinking that at any second she was going to
crack and screech. No way! She nailed it to the end. Knowing
this woman's phenomenal vocal abilities, I'm betting it was done on the
first take, as well. Lance on the B3, and whichever guitar
player it is - Ron or Marc absolutely tear it up on this - the discs'
most impressive track.
The title track is a song Nicole wrote
for Lance - her "Treasure". This love songs' lyrics were
obviously written from the heart and performed that way as well. If you're
ever lucky enough to see her sing it to him at a live show, you'll know exactly
what I'm talking about. Vonnie, Ian and Lance provide some of the discs'
best rhythm on this one.
On this particular track,
besides "Singing The Blues", Nicole demonstrates one of
the best voices and best vocal ranges in the business. Remember
these words when sometime in the near future you see her walking up to the
podium to pick up a Blues Music Award.
Other tracks on "Treasure"
include "Heart Trouble", "No Cuttin' Loose", "I Just Want
To Cry", "Gin House Blues", "It Feels So Right" and
"Other Side of the World".
If you keep a "to do" list, grab it
right now and add - in capital letters and underlined -
SEE NICOLE HART
& THE NRG BAND to it. To say the shows are full of eNeRGy is an
understatement. In addition to being stunning to look at, Nicole is
equally stunning to watch perform. In the meantime, while you're waiting
for her to pass through your area, go to
www.thenrgband.com and pick up a
disc. And remember, tell her that Pete the Blewzzman...........oh never
mind, I'll just tell her myself on Sunday.
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
