When it comes to Canada and black music there isn’t an endless list of artists that may come to your mind. Maybe it’s because there isn’t really market for soul, jazz or house there or maybe because musicians rather move to the USA like Ian Martin for example. Well, whatever the reason is, here’s a new artists from Canada that you should look out for. Nicole Pratt aka Nick-e was born and raised just east of Toronto and she’s been attracted to music at an early age and she soon started developing her talent as a vocalist. And with Mosaic she finally showcases her talent as singer, writer and producer on record. With six songs and roughly 30 minutes of music this is actually more an extented EP. But to judge from the quality of Mosaic, Nick-e is surely an artist you will remember.
For me Nick-e sound best in the warm organic music setting of It Feels Good, I Say and If You Were Here.
It Feels Good, an excellent slow soul song, shows that Nick-e has eagerly studied the book of 70s soul written by the likes of Roberta Flack, Stevie or Donny Hathaway. I Say with its subtle jazzy overtones is another winner that recalls soul music’s halcyon days. With the beautiful ballad If You Were Here Nick-e finally digs more into jazz territory.
Muse has a beautiful melody and features a captivating cello, but compared to the afore mentioned songs it could be improved by replacing the drum machine with a real drummer.
The introspective slow cut Turn Me Around will certainly please fans of electro downtempo songs. The message of the modern and aggressive Numb is supported by its electric guitars to good effect. Although, alas, Numb is the one song I can’t get into (but you all know my troubles with the modern sounds of today then). Nevertheless, Nick-e is to applaud for presenting different musical styles on her debut and exploring different directions. All in all Mosaic is an impressive and varied showcase from a talented artist.

Tracklisting of Mosaic: 1. Muse/ 2. It Feels Good/ 3. Numb/ 4. I Say/ 5. If You Were Here/ 6. Turn Me Around | released 2005 Smooth Groove Records

For more infos visit cdbaby.com and nickeonline.com.

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