Nicole Henry - Set for the Season: Live in Japan (2012)

Only a couple of months after releasing her critically-acclaimed Embraceable CD, song stylist Nicole Henry keeps the momentum rolling with a joyous jazz collection of holiday-themed classics that were recorded live at the Cotton Club in Tokyo. Set For The Season: Live In Japan, produced by Henry and Grammy nominee Matt Pierson (Kirk Whalum, Jane Monheit, Joshua Redman), will be released October 25th on Henrys Banister Records.
Backed by an astute trio comprised of Pete Wallace (piano), James McCoy (bass) and David Chiverton (drums, percussion), Henry harnesses the full range of her immense vocal gift on the enchanting disc of festive tunes. From The Sound of Music, My Favorite Things is presented as an intricately arranged groovy waltz. You can almost hear the peaceful sound of snow falling on the graceful Christmas Time Is Here. Starting out playfully, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer evolves from a children's standard into an infectiously toe-tapping, finger-popping swinger. Henry, who the New York Times compared to a young Natalie Cole, would likely earn the seal of approval from Nat King Cole for her sterling rendition of The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire). McCoy suavely duets with Henry on the cozy Baby, It's Cold Outside, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town takes the form of a New Orleans-seasoned march, and Henry's beatific voice delivers O Holy Night as a prayerful spiritual. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm is a swinging showstopper on which Henry & Company go for broke. Finally, while not a holiday tune, she closes the set with the bombastic boogie I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water, a present for the ardent admirers that made it a fan favorite at her concerts.
Singing holiday music has always brought me so much joy, and being able to spread this joy around the world is a rare privilege, said the Miami-based Henry, who hails from the suburbs of Philadelphia. I've performed in Japan several times, but the exciting week that we spent at the gorgeous Cotton Club in Tokyo was a delight to capture in this recording. The band was swingin,' the audience was incredibly receptive and everyone's spirits were high. It truly is the season for sharing and giving joy generously from the heart, thus the perfect occasion to create a live musical holiday.
As an added enticement, Set For The Season: Live In Japan is being released at the special suggested list price of $9.98, making it an ideal stocking stuffer.
Meanwhile, Embraceable continues to garner rave reviews across the globe as Henrys fourth album ascends Billboards jazz album chart. The mesmerizing collection, featuring a world-class ensemble of noted musicians, concurrently appears in the top 20 on the jazz and smooth jazz radio charts. Performance clips shot at Henrys sold-out New York City shows at Dizzys Club Coca-Cola on the eve of the albums August 23rd release provide a glimpse into the considerable talent, passion, and sophistication that the beautiful and captivating performer brings to the stage and to her recordings.