Album Review: I Remember You from Nicolas Bearde

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Album:  I Remember You:  The Music of Nat King Cole
Artist:  Nicolas Bearde
Label:  Right Groove Records
Website:  www.nicolasbearde.com

I Remember You: The Music of Nat King Cole is Nicolas Bearde’s newest endeavor and the sixth CD he has released on his own label, Right Groove Records.  His re-imaginings modernize the formula for swing music from the days of Nat King Cole.  Bearde's R&B enriched voicing helms the tracks, engaging the listener's melodic sensibilities.  Creamy and debonair, Bearde's renditions move the music of Nat King Cole into the 21st century in time with Cole's 100th birthday celebration.

Supple and smooth, Bearde's treatment of "That Sunday, That Summer" displays his sensual phrasing and even keel.  Moving deeper into the recording, the emotive tone of his voice in "Funny (Not Much)" rings like a nightingale as Eric Alexander's saxophone twirls float with a lingering peal above the melodic verses of the piano keys.  The bluesy tone of the keys rippling elegantly along "Sweet Lorraine" brings out a spiritual feel in Bearde's register, changing to the charming and engaging lounge singer in "L-O-V-E" and "Thou Swell" resembling a Sammy Davis, Jr. swagger.

The laid-back disposition and silky texture of Bearde's vocals are reminiscent of Nat King Cole, though Bearde's style is indelibly his own.  His nature exhibits an easy-listening R&B incline with a soothing soulful vocal phrasing reflective of George Benson.  Establishing himself as a striking crooner, Bearde was part of Bobby McFerrin’s ground-breaking a cappella group Voicestra. He was also a long time member of SoVoSò, a vocal improvisation group that has won numerous awards and honors.  Made from a similar cloth to Nat King Cole, Bearde's vocal timing and engaging charisma is reminiscent of his hero.

Musicians:
Nicolas Bearde - vocals
Eric Alexander - saxophone
Josh Nelson - piano
Peter Horvath - piano
Alex Boneham - bass
Dan Feiszli - bass
Dan Schnelle - drums
Lorca Hart - drums
Jason Lewis - drums

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