Nishla Smith, Friends with Monsters, Whirlwind ***

A frustrating listen because the tempi especially in the first half of the album are so slow, too much so, on a lot of these largely original songs. And yet there is quite a lot to like but you will need a very sweet tooth. Aussie singer Nishla …

Published: 16 Nov 2021. Updated: 2 years.

A frustrating listen because the tempi especially in the first half of the album are so slow, too much so, on a lot of these largely original songs. And yet there is quite a lot to like but you will need a very sweet tooth. Aussie singer Nishla Smith comes across like Stacey Kent even more so when she covers 'It Might As Well Be Spring'. Charming, lyrically strong there however is little darkness with the exception of the fine title track on the menu. Smith's writing is skilful and the singer leads an empathetic band. Very easy to listen to given its preference for the chime and comfort blanket of a major rather than a minor chord trumpeter Aaron Wood makes some knowing contributions and drummer Johnny Hunter is like the sound of a grandfather clock when needed on this sleeplessness-themed affair. The sunny 'Up' is the best track by a mile. SG

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First male winner at the Sassys

Chicago singer G. Thomas Allen became the first male winner of top US jazz vocals competition the Sassys hosted by Christian McBride at the weekend. Allen according to reports impressed with his version of Erroll Garner's 'Misty,' a song firmly …

Published: 16 Nov 2021. Updated: 2 years.

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Chicago singer G. Thomas Allen became the first male winner of top US jazz vocals competition the Sassys hosted by Christian McBride at the weekend. Allen according to reports impressed with his version of Erroll Garner's 'Misty,' a song firmly in the repertoire of Sarah Vaughan who the awards are named after. Allen debuted last year with his self-titled album G. Thomas Allen and receives a $5,000 cash award. His voice is a gospel-and-blues soaked soaring high alto reminiscent a little of Jimmy Scott.

G. Thomas Allen, above. Photo via gthomasallenmusic.com