Nicki Richards | (Naked) To The World
The strikingly beautiful and talented Nicki Richards first burst on the music scene in 1991 with this very impressive debut recording on Atlantic Records written and co-produced by her and producer/jazz drummer phenom, Lenny White, after being signed to a deal by the legendary Ahmet Ertegun. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii,Nicki had her first public appearances in commercials when she was only5. She had her break when she won the Grand Prize on the singing competition Star Search. She consequently recorded and performed with Madonna, (including both Confessions Tour and Sticky & Sweet Tour), Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Gloria Estefan and many more top music luminaries. Let's take a closer look at this strong debut from an artist that, still to this day, is honing her skills as a writer, musician, producer, singer, and actress. This is very prevalent in her 2008 self released recording, "Nicki" as well.
Starting this great album off in the right direction is the title track, "Naked (To The World)". It's an up tempo dance, hip hop back beat drum influenced song. Her vocals in which she performs both lead and background, are in fine form here. She stretches her vocal range from mid to ear piercing high notes that are very pleasing to the earlobes, not harsh. Rap from Keith Scott La Rock adds a Hip Hop appeal to it that complements her R&B stylings.
"New Days Of Rage", is very similar to the "Naked (To The World)" track in that it's an infectious dance song that certainly have your head bobbing. Guitarist Nick Moroch brings his tasty licks to the table as the track bobs and weave between hardcore Funk, Hip Hop patterns, and R&B. A great song to listened to over and over.
On "Sunshine", she brings the tempo down a tad, not much, but just enough to feel her omnipresent vocals. On this particular track she enlists the talents of Alan Friedman to assist heron programming chores. Lenny White and Pete Levin assist Nicki on keyboard duties on this dance drenched tune.
She tackles the 1972 Seals & Croft classic "Summer Breeze" in a very slight reggae vibe, with the driving rhythm of a Soul II Soul track. Guitarist Neil X. adds a nice touch on a fuzz boxed solo. It works well with programmer's Ronin, Inc. production. This track was recorded in London, England in which you can certainly hear that region's of the world flavor.
She brilliantly vocally and musically performed The Isley Bros. classic "Voyage To Atlantis". She made this tune her own with soft, sweet and sensually delivery,performed once again on lead and background vocals by her. Oh yeah!! This woman can SANG ! ..... not sing, but SANG !!! She's supported by a stellar cast of musicians. Among those cats are longtime David Letterman band bassist Will Lee, session great Flare Funston on drums,Pete Levin, Alan Friedman and Lenny White on programming detail .... and of course, Nicki on keyboards. Nick Moroch's guitar solo rivals that of Ernie Isley's in that it's performed in the same feel and context, if not better than the original. Don't get me wrong, I love Ernie's performance, but Nick's does it for me.
Next up is song that had HIT SINGLE written all over it !!.... and with a video to accompany it, it had the potential to reach number #1 !! .... and that song is "What Happened To Us". It's warm and tender ballad that tells the tale of woman wondering why a good love went bad. Sure, that story's been told over and over in songs before and after, but you somehow FEEL the pain of Nicki's sorrow via her performance. It's sung with such heart and emotion ! Once again, she's supported by music legends such as Marcus Miller on bass,Jamaica Boys' Dinky Bingham, and session heavyweights, CHIC'S Norma Jean Wright, Yogi Lee, along with Nicki on background vocals. Another veteran session stalwart, trumpeter Lew Soloff adds a sonic depth and feel of a solo on this wonderfully arranged song. **** A Message To All Urban Adult Contemporary Radio Music Directors and Program Directors !! ADD THIS SONG TO YOUR LATE NIGHT QUIET STORM PLAY LISTS, AND WATCH YOUR SWITCHBOARD LIGHT UP WITH YOUR LISTENERS REQUESTING YOU PLAY IT AGAIN !! ***** ...... Yes !! This song is all that !!
On "Fire Burnin", Nicki brings the Funk ! With the help of producer Laney Stewart, both Laney and Nicki lay down some serious keyboard work. As usual, with Nicki on lead and background vocals, you can hear her soft side as well as the rough,rugged and raw side. Bass guitar plucks and slaps courtesy of Tony Brown brings that Brothers Johnson 'Louis Johnson' feel to it,it rocks ! Once again, being the rocker that he is, Nick Moroch brings the arena Rock N' Roll edge to his fills.
"His World", is very nice song. Mid tempo, slight New Jack Swing/early Soul II Soul rhythm pattern, it's one to be enjoyed as you're cruising along the highway with the drop top down. Her vocals are crisp and clear,strongly delivered, and certainly emotion filled. She's truly a true pro at her craft. Jazz violinist great, Polish great Michal Urbaniak adds a nice solo to this very aural pleasing song. The male voice featured here is none other than one time lead singer of R&B group CHANGE, James "Crabs" Robinson, who happens to be a fine singer in his own right. James' and Nicki's vocal interplay blends magnificently well together.
Closing song "Paris", is great tune to close out a truly overlooked gem of an album. With such a great vocal performance in terms of Nicki's lead vocal delivery,it's a song that have you singing right along with her. Not only does this song exert an excellent melody and feel good vibe, it clearly showcases how a song should be written and how to execute it properly,and this tune certainly display all. Featured on this tune is the late great Hiram Bullock on guitar and Dinky Bingham on keyboards.
I wish Nicki nothing but the best in all her musical travels. She's truly a talent to be looked out for in the future and beyond. She's classy, strong will driven, integrity ladened, and just a joy to listen to. I'm personally looking forward with great anticipation to hearing and seeing more of her in the years to come. As far as I'm concerned,she's just getting warmed up !! God has truly blessed with her with a wonderful gift.
To hear and find out more on this extraordinary artist, please visit her website : http://www.nickirichards.com/iWeb/nickirichards/Home.html
Happy Listening !
Randy Holmes
The Urban Music Scene
Posted by Administration at 10/18/2010 6:16 PM 
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Videos, New School Soul
Tags: Music Videos 90's Music
Categories: Rhythm and Blues, Videos, New School Soul
Tags: Music Videos 90's Music
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