Nicole Z's "wild" journey brings her to London

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The engaging and Grammy-winning Nicole Zuraitis thrilled the audience at The Pheasantry on London's Kings Road, thanks to the 'Nigel Williams presents ...' series for JazzFM.

Nicole Z and Nigel W in conversation

Joined by Neville Malcolm (bass) and Kai McCrae (drums) who she had met for the first time just a few hours earlier, the impressive pianist and vocalist entertained with standards such as Georgia and Walk On the Wild Side (which was just missing a bit of Bari sax, which I'd have been happy to provide!). However, it was the original tracks which brought Nicole Z's voice to life.

Nicole's excellent album How Love Begins won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album and the night was peppered with the tracks which clarified the Grammy win. Songs like Two Fish and Well Planned, Well Played have a touch of humour and self-deprecation, as well as great musicianship, alongside the stunning Burn, which features Christian McBride (bass and co-producer of the album).
 
The middle of the evening was where JazzFM presenter Nigel Williams led the conversation with Nicole, who described her journey as a vocalist as "wild". I'm happy to have seen and heard this stunning musician in such an intimate venue: I'm sure the next time she's in London, the audience will be considerably larger. Definitely one to watch and hopefully a future guest on Harmonious World.
Location: King's Rd, London, UK

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