Summary: Enjoy the vocal jazz stylings of Mercedes Nicole, who brings a rich, expressive voice that is deepened by vulnerability and ardor to cover classic Etta James numbers. Her performance reveals an unending passion for probing the lyric, melodic and rhythmic nuances of her material, backed up by a quintet of award-winning local jazz musicians. Song selections may include: At Last, Tell Mama, I Just Want to Make Love to You, Prisoner of Love, Good Morning Heartache, Sugar on the Floor, God Bless the Child, Dance with Me Henry, Since I Fell For You Vocalist Mercedes Nicole has performed at many venues and festivals. Her popular tribute shows include Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughn, Dinah Washington and Etta James. Pianist Bill Anschell has received a number of awards for his jazz playing, both in ensembles and for solo work. Bassist Phil Sparks is among the leading bassists in Seattle and has performed with nearly every top jazz group in the city. He records extensively with many of the Northwest's top names. Drummer Jamael Nance has performed with several leading jazz musicians on both the East and West coasts. Saxophonist Darryl Barber began his studies at the Brazil Academy of Music, then continued at San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has received awards for outstanding musicianship and has studied saxophone under John Handy, Hadley Caliman and Joe Henderson
