At JazzWax, my review of Nicki Parrott's new Blossom Dearie tribute album. It's wonderful... https://t.co/uaS6LVFk53 pic.twitter.com/mWoRaIgX2F— Marc Myers (@JazzWax) 11 de maio de 2017
Saturday, May 20, 2017
my review of Nicki Parrott's ...
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Rossano Sportiello, Nicki Parrott
Sunday August 2
"If you bemoan the passing of exquisite sessions....artfully played swing....prepare yourself for a decidedly international take on that all too rare listening experience." - Elliot Simon / AllAboutJazz
Nicki Parrott
"Parrott is indeed the whole package." - AllAboutJazz
With expressive elegance, Nicki Parrott has charmed audiences worldwide with performances showcasing her dynamic voice and commanding musicianship.
Nicki’s releases "Fly Me To The Moon and "Moon River" were voted Swing Journal Magazine Critic’s Poll, “Best Jazz Vocal Albums.“
Nicki performs regularly on Monday nights at the Iridium Jazz Club NYC as part of the legendary Les Paul Trio. Nicki was Les Paul’s bassist and vocalist for over 10 years. In addition to performing at most of the world’s top jazz festivals, Nicki has performed with jazz greats Randy Brecker, Clark Terry, Jose Feliciano, Rebecca Paris, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman, Patti Labelle & the New York Pops Orchestra, Harry Allen, Michel Legrand, Marlena Shaw, Mike Stern, David Krakauer, Ken Peplowski, Ann Hampton Callaway, Scott Hamilton, Larry Carlton and Victor Wooten.
Rossano Sportiello
"Sportiello reprises Basie's economical style while Parrott swings hard." - AllAboutJazz
Award-winning jazz pianist Rossano Sportiello was performing professionally at jazz venues in the Milan area, at age 16. In 1992, he joined one of Europe’s historic jazz bands, the “Milano Jazz Gang” touring with the group throughout Italy and West Europe. Rossano met legendary jazz pianist and educator, Barry Harris, who became a mentor and friend. Harris has touted Rossano as “the best stride piano player” he has ever heard and on several occasions has invited Rossano to perform during his own performances.
Stylistically, the influence of other great masters can be heard in his playing, such as Fats Waller, Teddy Wilson, Art Tatum, Count Basie, Earl Hines, Ellis Larkins and Bill Evans, to name a few.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Nicki Parrott On Piano Jazz
Bassist and vocalist Nicki Parrott was born in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. She got her musical start studying flute and piano, but switched to double bass so she could join her sister's band. Parrott studied at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music in Sydney, and quickly thereafter began touring and playing with professional bands across Australia. Whenever possible, she took lessons with top bassists, including Ray Brown and John Clayton.
In 1994, Parrott was awarded an Arts Council of Australia grant to come to New York and study with acclaimed bassistRufus Reid, and in 2000, she became a fixture at the late Les Paul's regular Monday-night session at Iridium Jazz Club. Paul encouraged Parrott's vocal talents, and she's emerged as a fine singer and award-winning composer who's recorded several of her own albums and appeared on dozens of records by other artists.
Parrott also performs in Broadway ensembles; her credits include Avenue Q, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, Imaginary Friends, Summer of '42and Jekyll and Hyde.
On this episode of Piano Jazz, Nicki Parrott showcases her swinging vocals and plays upright bass on a set dominated by standards. Fresh from her lunchtime gig at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Parrott joins guest host Jon Weber for Peggy Lee's "Fever," a tune that puts the bass line and the singer right out front. And in "I Love the Way You're Breaking My Heart," Parrott's pure yet knowing voice is again in the spotlight.
Les Paul: Parrott's Mentor
Parrott pays tribute to Les Paul, her great friend and mentor, in "East of the Sun," a favorite of the late "Wizard of Waukesha." Parrott's performance swings easily and faithfully to the original, missing only the accompaniment of Paul's namesake electric guitar.
"I learned a lot and got to be close friends with [Paul]," Parrott says. "He was the first one who got me to sing, and it was nice to play for a full room every Monday. With so many other musicians coming by to meet him, it was really a show — onstage and backstage."
In "Besame Mucho," Parrott substitutes the English lyric, but the emotion of the original Spanish tune is left intact, as she gives a slow, smoldering performance with delicate piano flourishes supplied by Weber.
Parrott displays her low-end leanings with the original tune "Come and Get It," a hard bop groover in the spirit of Herbie Hancock or Lee Morgan. And in "Waltzing Matilda," she slows the jaunty, anthemic tempo to a contemplative, moonlit walkabout through the bush.
This session closes with "How High the Moon," another Les Paul favorite that keeps in the mode of bebop codas on Piano Jazz. Parrott takes the opening verse as Weber sets off on a soaring piano solo. Parrott follows with a bass solo before scat singing a few bars from Charlie Parker's "Ornithology" to end this episode.
Originally recorded Jan. 12, 2011. Originally broadcast March 8, 2011.
Happy 93rd Birthday Les! (on June 9th 2008)
Santa Baby - Slip a Gibson under the tree! Four Les Pauls on display here - three guitars and the man himself. Les Paul at his regular Monday night gig at the Iridium Jazz Club in NYC. Great vocals from bassist Nicki Parrott. Sorry it's not the whole song - I didn't want to get my camera taken away!
I believe this is the lineup (set me straight if its not):
Lead Guitar: Les Paul
Rhythm Guitar (a Les Paul): Lou Pallo
Double Bass: Nicki Parrott
Piano: John Colianni
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