Since leaving her native Australia to settle in the U.S., bassist/singer
Nicki Parrott has settled into the New York City jazz scene and the jazz party circuit, with occasional recording opportunities coming her way as a leader. These 2007 sessions recorded for the Japanese Venus label showcase her engaging vocals and bass chops, backed by pianist
John Di Martino, guitarist
Paul Meyers, drummer
Billy Drummond, and on some tracks, tenor saxophonist
Harry Allen. 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. Especially fun are her renditions of "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" (which is seductive) and a hip, bluesy "Makin' Whoopee." Warmly recommended.