November 3, 2013

Mercedes Nicole and her Quintet 

Soft –spoken Mercedes Nicole has an intimate and alluring stage presence that reaches out beyond the limits of time and space. Her voice is haunting and arresting, wrapping itself like a comforter around the human experience, encouraging uplift, seeking not only triumph but healing. She is that exquisite mix of a Mezzo- Soprano & Contralto blend that permeates and interrupts one’s thoughts. Often with uncanny control…she lingers.

Mercedes has a rich resonance and fluidity in her voice, and humanly connects to the message birthed in each song, transparently sharing her joy as well as her pain. She loves aligning with the message and deep meaning behind lyrics embracing the tension and rhythms of life that gives magic to each song.

Her own compositions acknowledge life’s obscure and melancholy moments that so easily turn into beauty, and life journeys of the many faces of love. Her music exudes strength in the midst of tenderness and often soars so freely that the listener is caught up on wings of mystery and intrigue. It makes sense then that her influences run from Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughn to Nina Simone and the queen of storytelling, Nancy Wilson, with whom Mercedes shares her birthday.

In 2008 and 2009, she debuted on stage at Demetrio’s Jazz Alley, a highly acclaimed national stage and a favorite of many of the great touring artists of all genres. “It was one of the best shows I have ever witnessed” Shirley Kline. This past September she performed her third Tribute Show to the edgy and provocative Nina Simone at a Seattle a Town Hall to a packed audience. “Her cross over appeal is astounding” Gory Taylor of Community Connections. “Mercedes draws everyone, young , mature , European, male and female; she’s remarkable!”

Mercedes is joined by members of her quartet: Greg Smith, Piano; D’Vonne Lewis, Drums; Evan Flory Barns, Bass; Thomas Marriott, Trumpet; and Ann Lindquist, Flute