NICKI PARROTT 

MOON RIVER & FLY ME TO THE MOON

VENUS RECORDS Double CD

CD1 MOON RIVER

Musicians:
Nicki Parrott, vocals, bass
Harry Allen, tenor sax
John Di Martino, piano
Paul Myers, guitar
Billy Drummond, drums

Selections:
1. Moon River
2. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby?
3. Say It Isn't So
4. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To
5. Takin' A Chance On Love
6. I Don't Know Enough About You
7. Makin' Whoopee
8. Cry Me A River
9. What A Difference A Day Made
10. Besame Mucho
11. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
12. Nicki's Blues
13. The More I See You

Parrott's Debut Album for Venus!

Australian-born and New York-based Nicki Parrot is a double threat: She can play the bass very competently, and has a singing voice that shares the relaxed sexiness of Julie London and the coquettishness of Blossom Dearie. She has performed and recorded with the legendary guitarist Les Paul, pianist Rachel Z and her sister Lisa Parrott.

Venus' producer Tetsuo Hara got to know Parrott when he recorded the Rachel Z band which included her. For this auspicious label debut release, Parrott was teamed with wonderful musicians that include John di Martino, a wonderful pianist and arranger who has recorded several times for Venus. Paul Myers' guitar work is exemplary, and Harry Allen contributes with tasteful solos and obligatos.

As Jay Leonhart often says, many people believe it's impossible to play the jazz bass and sing at the same time. But Parrott, together with Kristin Korb on the West Coast, proves them wrong. This is a very enjoyable, straight ahead jazz album with great singing and strong performances throughout.

"She doesn't showboat as a singer, opting to glide gently around the core of each melody, with a light, swinging style that proves highly effective." -Ken Dryden, allmusic.com

CD2 FLY ME TO THE MOON

Musicians:
Nicki Parrott, vocals, bass
John Di Martino, piano
Lisa Parrott, baritone saxophone, soprano saxophone, bass clarinet
Mark Sganga, guitar
Harry Allen, tenor saxophone
Billy Drummond, drums

Selections:
1. Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen
2. I Love The Way You're Breakin' My Heart
3. Do It Again
4. Fly Me To The Moon
5. La Vie En Rose
6. Waltzing Matilda
7. I Never Had A Chance
8. Evil Gal Blues
9. For All We Know
10. Charade
11. I Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer
12. Them There Eyes
13. Two For The Road

Parrott's Second Album Features Powerful Bass and Sultry Vocals!

Australian-born and New York-based Nicki Parrot is a double threat: She can play the bass very competently, and has a singing voice that shares the relaxed sexiness of Julie London and the coquettishness of Blossom Dearie. She has performed and/or recorded with the legendary guitarist Les Paul, pianist Rachel Z and her sister Lisa Parrott.

Following her smash hit Venus debut album Moon River, her eagerly awaited second album, Fly Me To The Moon, finally arrived. Her bass playing is more powerful and emotive, and her singing gained on the sultry quotient. Just listen to the very sexy "Do It Again."

Nicki surrounded herself with wonderful musicians again. John di Martino, Billy Drummond and Harry Allen -- familiar faces from the previous album -- are joined by Nicki's sister Lisa, who plays baritone and soprano saxophones, and guitarist Mark Sganga. The audiophile recording enhances the value of this wonderful release. Highly recommended!

"An accomplished composer, an adventurous improviser and a superlative bassist..." -Jazz Times