Armed with her bass and winsome voice, Nicki Parrott teams with Chris Grasso/p, Chuck Redd/b and Lenny Robinson/dr along with some guests for a welcome tribute to the highly influential Blossom Dearie, who’s Betty Boop-like voice gave bop an extra dimension. Voicewise, Parrot is coy and clear with a clever bossa during “I Wish You Love” and is fun with a sincere sounding “I’m Hip.” She is intimate with clarinetist Engelbert Wrobel on an inviting “Tout Doucement” and fun during “Rhode Island is Famous For You.” Hints of vintage Benny Goodman’s Quartet are reminisced during the mix of clarinet and vibes on “Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” while her duet with Grasso is delightfully delicate on “It Amazes Me.” She’s also impressive on the bass, slinking along to Warren Vache’s cornet on a come hither “Peel Me A Grape” and delivering a hip bass run on “I Walk A Little Faster.” No imitation of Dearie on this session, no one should do that, as Parrott’s voice is richer; rather the atmosphere projected here is what is captured well. Easy swing!Nicki Parrott: Dear Blossom
Armed with her bass and winsome voice, Nicki Parrott teams with Chris Grasso/p, Chuck Redd/b and Lenny Robinson/dr along with some guests for a welcome tribute to the highly influential Blossom Dearie, who’s Betty Boop-like voice gave bop an extra dimension. Voicewise, Parrot is coy and clear with a clever bossa during “I Wish You Love” and is fun with a sincere sounding “I’m Hip.” She is intimate with clarinetist Engelbert Wrobel on an inviting “Tout Doucement” and fun during “Rhode Island is Famous For You.” Hints of vintage Benny Goodman’s Quartet are reminisced during the mix of clarinet and vibes on “Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” while her duet with Grasso is delightfully delicate on “It Amazes Me.” She’s also impressive on the bass, slinking along to Warren Vache’s cornet on a come hither “Peel Me A Grape” and delivering a hip bass run on “I Walk A Little Faster.” No imitation of Dearie on this session, no one should do that, as Parrott’s voice is richer; rather the atmosphere projected here is what is captured well. Easy swing!