Mercedes Nicole - Too High A Price To Pay
Mercedes Nicole - "TOO HIGH A PRICE TO PAY" -
MercedesNicoleMusic.com
Produced by - Ben Lange
Executive Producer - Mercedes Nicole
Frank Roszak - Radio Promotions
"Too High A Price To Pay",released under the Bonaberi to Paris Label, is a self-produced anthem and love letter to music lovers everywhere . Recorded at esteemed David Lange Studio in Lakewood,Washington,which was built in 1981, and is the quintessential go-to place for recording in the Northwest.The engineering talents of Ben Lange are unrivaled."
Mercedes Nicole -
"Her voice wraps itself like a comforter around the human experience,encouraging uplift,seeking not only triumph but healing....."
(https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/mercedes-nicole/)
For those unfamiliar with Mercedes Nicole - this extraordinary vocal jazz-stylist and interpreter of standards,blues,original compositions, and new Gospel Music;whose mission is bring a sound that will ease the troubled mind and bring an aura of peace ; who sings with those deliciously seductive vocals that embrace you, hold you tight , and takes you someplace wonderfully different . That's Mercedes Nicole - and so much more!!
"....I read somewhere that in order to be great,you must work hard,& surround yourself with greatness. That is what I do each time I get on stage or in the recording studio.I surround myself with greatness so I can breathe in joy,love and hope for all my tomorrows- and offer those that purchase my music beauty they are truly deserving of . May this CD touch your heart,give you courage,and a deep sense of enjoyment." (CD liner notes).
Mercedes certainly has a voice that demands your attention , richly expressive , deliciously seductive , taking you someplace wonderfully different . In 2013 Mercedes Nicole released the "Beautiful Alignment" album introducing her sweet voice to the world with rave reviews and thunderous applause worldwide.It was in 2014 that Mercedes found herself headlining at the Westport Blues Festival. Drenched in sweat , ecstatic,overwhelmed at the crowd's response , Mercedes was grabbed afterwards by B.B.King's daughter,Claudette,who exclaimed loud enough for those nearby to hear,"damn,girl,that was really good". Mercedes was awarded a Female Composer Award in 2018 by the Allied Arts Foundation. Her unique and captivating sound is wonderfully uplifting.A gifted storyteller Mercedes , like other classic vocalists before her , can put a magnifying glass on injustice; whisk you away from every care in the world; have you suddenly erupting with laughter; have you believing that you are worth being valued , and , on the flip side , value others around you ; and give you the strength to walk your own path and be grateful that you are on it .
The originals are refreshingly creative , showing so much of Mercedes' authenticity and honesty, reflecting not only her unique personality but an impressive awareness of the world around her . As Mercedes herself has said,"Life is full of detours and adventures. It is no secret that music softens the rough paths and helps us get to the other side - where fun,laughter and joy reside. Let's play in the rhythm of life together."
Equally interesting , and utterly delightful , are the interpretive choices here , not that we can call them "covers" because Mercedes and her multi-talented bandmates thread that balance between staying true to the traditional aspects of the music and song but staying true to themselves , wanting to create something that is a unique experience for both the performers and the audience . Putting their own spin, their own personalities , adding new layers of emotional depth to the following tracks:
* "I'll Play The Blues For You" - Recorded by Albert King
* "Feels Like Rain" - Written by John Hiatt and first recorded in 1994.
* "Last Two Dollars" - Written by George Jackson,recorded by Johnny Taylor in 1997.
* "It Tool A Long Time Blues" - Written by W. Harrison and recorded by Andrew Brown in 1985.
* "Smokestack Lightning" - Written by Chester Burnett and recorded in 1964.
* "The Sky is Crying" - Written by Elmore James and recorded in 1969;revitalized and popularized by Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Mercedes Nicole - "Too High A Price To Pay" is a remarkable album , giving so much to every listener from start to finish . Grabbing the soul , clenching the heart , toying with your mind , this is timeless music that entertains , while making a difference in you and the world around you . Honoring the past , but kicking the door open to the future , "Too High A Price To Pay" blends so many different elements together to create something truly special . Perfect fit for those days when life throws a few unexpected curves your way; feet up on that coffee table just letting the world pass you by ; chilling on your deck ; or sipping some wine as the sun begins to set-with that special someone wrapped in your arms - let loose and enjoy these sessions ! This release is a "must have" that absolutely delivers !
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Special Thanks to this incredible cooperative team that pulled these sessions together....
Musical Director - Jake Sele / Mercedes Nicole - Vocals / Jake Sele - Piano,Organ/Scott Harris - Bass / Andrew Cloutier - Drums / Rod Cook-Guitar / Alexey Nikolaev - Tenor Sax / Stacy Jones - Harmonica / Background Vocals - Mercedes Nicole,Tommy Warren , Stacy Jones,Ben Lange , Patrice O'Neil
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Review Ecstatically Written By - John Muller
Blue Notes and Conversations
