by Jane Lambert

Nicki Richards Captures Timeless Beauty with “You Become More Beautiful”

Nicki Richards’s latest single, “You Become More Beautiful” is a transcendent ode to love, gratitude and the quiet moments that leave a lasting impression on the heart.

Released just before the holiday season at the end of last year, the track is a really lush R&B ballad that wraps listeners in a warm embrace.

The origin of the song is as poignant as the track itself. While driving through the sunny streets of Florida with her mother, Nicki found herself enveloped in a moment of pure contentment and connection.

Inspired by the soft glow of sunlight and the blessings of life, the phrase “You Become More Beautiful Each Day” came to her, drawn from the spirit of Joe Sample’s Carmel album. That single lyric became the heart of a song that celebrates the profound beauty of relationships that continues to grow richer over time.

Musically, the single blends elements of classic R&B, jazz, and subtle Latin influences to create a sound that is both expansive and deeply grounded.

The rhythm section is driven by jazz-fusion legend Lenny White on drums and the iconic Marcus Miller on bass whose grooves provide a flawless foundation. Cyrus Chestnut’s piano work adds elegance, while percussionist Bashiri Johnson brings a gentle vibrancy to the arrangement. Acoustic guitarist Marcus Machado injects a soothing groove, layering the track with definite texture and heart.

Backing vocals from Catherine Russell, Carolyn Leonhart, and Everett Bradley create a choral warmth that complements Nicki’s voice, as she glides effortlessly between tenderness and power.

Her vocal delivery is nothing short of mesmerizing, balancing technical precision with true vulnerability. Every note feels deliberate, every lyric like a gift carefully unwrapped for the listener.

While “You Become More Beautiful” is infused with the festive spirit of the holiday season, its themes transcend the moment. It’s a song about cherishing the people who matter most, about finding beauty in life’s fleeting yet profound moments. This emotional resonance is what makes the song feel so deeply personal while still managing to speak to listeners on a broader scale.

About Nicki Richards

Nicki Richards’s has a talent for creating meaningful music, something that has ensured longevity in her music career.

From her early breakout on Star Search to her collaborations with legends like Madonna, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston, Nicki has consistently proven herself to be a creative force. Yet what really makes her music endure is the way she imbues it with her own experiences and insights, creating songs that are unique while also relatable.

“You Become More Beautiful” from Nicki Richards is a gift that will keep giving, long after the holiday season has passed.

Keep up with Nicki Richards on her Website.

Stream music on Spotify, and YouTube Music.

12.06.24

by Jane Lambert

“Hell’s Kitchen at Christmas Time” – A Soulful Holiday Tribute to New York City

“Hell’s Kitchen at Christmas Time” is a vivid and vibrant musical journey that celebrates the spirit of a New York neighborhood steeped in history and transformation.

Co-written by Sarah Pillow and Marc Wagnon, the track marries Pillow’s evocative, rich and genre defying vocals with Wagnon’s rhythms and textures, creating a holiday song that perfectly captures the magic of Hell’s Kitchen during this busy season.

Listen in here:

Sarah Pillow’s voice is the star of the song here. She offers a stunning blend of jazz sophistication, classical finesse and rich warmth. Her vocal delivery feels more like a conversation and draws the listener into her world that she paints with her words.

Pillow’s decades long connection to Hell’s Kitchen, where she has lived for nearly 30 years, imbues this song with an authentic edge. Her nuanced performance speaks of a deep love for the neighbourhood with each lyric having a personal touch.

Marc Wagnon’s arrangement brings this love letter to life with a rich, layered instrumental palette: the vibraphone glistens like freshly fallen snow, while his percussion adds a dynamic pulse that reflects the neighborhood’s ever-moving rhythm.

The brass section featuring Summer Camargo (trumpet), Coby Petricone-Berg (alto sax), and Cole Palensky (tenor sax) really infuses the song with warmth and vibrancy, echoing the bustling energy of Manhattan’s streets.

Eliane Amherd’s guitar provides a melodic anchor and balances the richness of the brass with a steady, grounding groove, while Jonathan Price’s bass ties it all together with depth.

The song’s lyrics are as much about Hell’s Kitchen as they are about the essence of the holidays. They capture the duality of the neighborhood: the electric buzz of midtown Manhattan softened by the quieter charm of brownstones adorned with festive lights and local cafes humming with life. It’s a place where the pulse of New York City merges with the heart of a close-knit community.

Lines like “in it all, but off to the side” speak to the unique identity of Hell’s Kitchen – a neighborhood that is part of the city’s relentless energy that retains its own quiet magic.

But where “Hell’s Kitchen at Christmas Time” transcends the typical holiday song is by offering a deeper narrative. It’s not just about twinkling lights or festive cheer – it’s about the people, the stories, and the ambience that make a neighborhood feel like home. The song reflects on the enduring spirit of Hell’s Kitchen, a place that has weathered decades of change while holding onto its identity.

You can almost see the snow-dusted streets, hear the muffled conversations in cozy cafés, and feel the unique warmth of a neighborhood that welcomes everyone.

“Hell’s Kitchen at Christmas Time” is a celebration of place, and a reminder of what makes the holidays special: community, tradition, and the ability to find wonder even in the most familiar corners.

About Sarah Pillow

Sarah Pillow is a vocalist celebrated for her extraordinary versatility, blending jazz, classical, and early music influences into a style uniquely her own.

A graduate of Oberlin College’s prestigious music program, Sarah began her career as a jazz singer and quickly expanded her repertoire, performing as a solo artist and collaborating with renowned ensembles across the United States and Canada. Her projects include a jazz quartet, the crossover ensemble Nuove Musiche, and the early music group Galileo’s Daughters.

Her distinctive voice – rich and vivid, praised by The Washington Post as “genuinely genre-busting” – has graced the stages of legendary venues like the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Whether delivering an operatic aria or interpreting a jazz standard, she captivates audiences with her emotional depth and technical brilliance.

For nearly 30 years, Sarah has called Hell’s Kitchen home. This iconic New York City neighborhood is steeped in history and creativity and has been a profound source of inspiration for her work. From its roots as a gritty, working-class enclave to its evolution into a vibrant cultural hub, Hell’s Kitchen embodies the energy that Sarah channels into her music.

Sarah Pillow continues to redefine what it means to be an artist. Her work is a celebration of connection – between past and present, tradition and innovation, and the universal language of music.

Connect with Sarah Pillow here.

Stream music on Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud and YouTube Music.

11.22.24

by Jane Lambert

Laura Baron’s “Beauty in the Broken” is a Mesmerizing Meditation on Vulnerability and Hope

In a world where music often feels crafted to fit industry molds, chasing trends or filling a commercial void, Laura Baron’s new album Beauty in the Broken stands out for its authenticity and artistic intuition.

Her songs don’t follow any pre-set formulas or calculated gimmicks but, instead, they flow with a natural grace, shaped by genuine emotion and life’s unpredictability.

Listen in here:

Guided by the rhythms of experience, each track feels like a reflection of a specific moment.

From the uplifting energy of “Walking on Water” to the quiet introspection of the title track, Baron lets the music lead her and allows for an organic exploration of joy, heartbreak, and healing.

It’s this sense of freedom – this refusal to cater to anything but the soul of the song – that makes Beauty in the Broken such a compelling listen. Baron’s warm and dynamic vocals have the ability to glide over the upbeat instrumentation.

In the title track, “Beauty In The Broken”, the song marries delicate acoustic guitar and tender strings, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and expansive. The poeticism in the lyrics conveying a profound sense of healing and acceptance, reminding us of the grace that can emerge from even the most challenging experiences.

Then there’s “Misfits and Renegades,” a celebratory track that pulses with energy and infectious optimism. Blending folk and blues, the song’s vibrant piano lines and vocal harmonies create an empowering narrative about embracing individuality and defying expectations.

Baron also brings a touch of romance and intimacy with “Enchanté,” a lush and atmospheric track that blends folk and jazz in a way that recalls the emotional complexity of early Nick Drake. The song’s soft, tender melodies underscored by rich guitar work and a dreamy vibe that transports you into the world of quiet longing and connection.

Perhaps most surprising is her re-imagining of the 1931 classic “Dream a Little Dream.” With its gentle, stripped-down arrangement, Baron gives the song a new life, elevating it with intricate guitar work and lush vocal harmonies. It’s a beautiful moment on the album, showing an ability to take something familiar and turn it into something completely her own.

Produced with precision by Marco Delmar, the sound is lush and inticate without being over produced.

With the title to guide us, we are swept up in the flow of the album. The great thing about music like this is that the listener can allow the music to conjure our own thoughts, allowing enough space to take its own unique message and arrive at its own conclusions about life.

As an artist, Laura Baron has always been known for her ability to connect deeply with her audience, and Beauty in the Broken is no exception.

A longtime fixture of the DMV music scene, Baron has earned accolades for her work, including multiple Wammie Awards for her previous album, Heart of the Great Unknown.

But wiith Beauty in the Broken, she builds on this legacy even more and delivers a collection of songs that feel timeless in their emotional honesty and artistic integrity.

Keep up to date with Laura Baron here:

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify / Soundcloud / YouTube Music

10.01.24

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’S WITH BUD E. LUV

Behind the Scenes with Bud E. Luv’s Re-imagining of “Music to Watch Girls By”

For over 35 years, Bud E. Luv has been a captivating presence in San Francisco’s music and nightlife scene.

The charismatic alter ego of singer and showman Bobby Vickers, Bud E. Luv is known for blending humor, nostalgia, and sophistication in his performances. And with a career spanning prestigious venues like The Fillmore, Bimbo’s, and Paradise Lounge, and appearances across the U.S., he has become a fixture of timeless entertainment. His versatility allows him to effortlessly explore various musical genres, from jazz to pop, while maintaining an engaging, larger-than-life persona.

Recently, Bud E. Luv has turned his attention to reimagining the 1960s classic “Music to Watch Girls By.”

Known for its catchy melody and lighthearted vibe, the song has been revisited by various artists over the years but Bud’s new rendition brings a fresh and thoughtful perspective. In collaboration with director Tom Donald of hiTrecords, Bud E. Luv has produced a visually stunning black-and-white music video that reflects the complexities of modern society while paying homage to the song’s timeless appeal.

We got the chance to sit down with Bud E. Luv as he shares the story behind his decision to re-imagine the song, the inspirations behind the video, and the thoughtful message he hopes to convey.

1. Tell us the story of this song, why did you choose to visualize this song specifically in this way?

“Music To Watch Girls By” was written some 60 years ago, and today it’s regarded in some circles as inflammatory. We disagree.

To us, it’s a beautifully-written ode to the joys of humanity, in all its forms. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.

2. What was the inspiration behind this new video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

We chose Mr. Tipple’s, perhaps the classiest nightclub in San Francisco, for its noir lighting and background. It’s the kind of place where Bud E. Luv performs, but also where the young woman might venture for a night out.

As we stage the meeting between the two characters, this iconic location was perfect. In like manner, black and white photography seemed the right choice.

3. What was the process of making the video?

Our message is one of inclusion; we want to suggest that all of humanity, regardless of age or gender, is beautiful.

And as such, the simple act of beholding one another is as natural an act as we can undertake.

Speaking about the music video, Bud E. Luv shares, “Our goal was to send a message of inclusion and shared humanity. It’s not about objectifying – it’s about appreciating people for who they are, in all their forms.”

The combination of Luv’s timeless persona with Tom Donald’s thoughtful direction elevates this project into a reflection on human interaction, perception, and the beauty of fleeting moments.

Through thoughtful storytelling and elegant visuals, this new version invites audiences to appreciate the beauty and complexity of human connection. This project shows an enduring creativity and charm and that Bud E. Luv’s legacy will continue to captivate audiences for many years to come.

Find out more about Bud E. Luv on his Website.

Watch the video to “Music To Watch Girls By” on YouTube.

06.24.24

by Jane Lambert

VIDEO VOYAGEUR: 3 Q’S WITH MARLA LEWIS

New Jersey’s Marla Lewis is currently captivating listeners worldwide with her latest single, “Te Quiero a Ti.”

This mesmerizing new track, offered in both Spanish and English, showcases Marla’s exquisite bossa nova-inspired vocals, which are perfectly complemented by a rich and sophisticated arrangement.

The song features a lush ensemble of flute, piano, acoustic bass, electric guitar, drums, and backing vocals. The result is an evocative experience that captures the soul of romance, some vulnerability, and the carefree spirit of a holiday with its warm melodious embrace.

Marla has a very diverse set of influences in her music, including Ella Fitzgerald and The Beatles, and she has carved a unique path for herself bringing elements of big band, global folk music and smooth jazz together. A 25 year old tenure as an elementary school teacher ignited her passion for creating fun, educational and engaging songs for children, leading to accolades like featuring on the Grammy award winning album “All About Bullies … Big and Small” with her song “Leap of Faith.”

Transitioning into smooth jazz and American standards, Marla’s recent releases have captivated a global audience, including her latest hit “Te Quiero a Ti,” which has soared with much acclaim on indie music charts.

We caught up with Marla to discuss the music video to accompany her new single release, “Te Quiero A Ti.” The video was created by the talented Melissa Sanley.

Watch and share the Official “Te Quiero a Ti” music video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-7vghk7_7A

1.Tell us the story of this song. Why did you choose to visualize it specifically in this way?

This is the story about how you feel when pure love appears in your life, when you find someone who loves you the way you are, and makes you feel as one with every step you take. One look into each other’s eyes and you can see how you have met your match.

I visualized the video with this beautiful feeling in mind, to empower this marvelous song.

2. What inspired this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

This video shows different couples from all cultures having the same experience of deep love.

I aimed to awaken this feeling in all who watch it.

3. What was the process of making this video?

Like with any song, you need absorb yourself in it, choosing the exact image for every phrase, taking the all the time you need, and putting in all your love for the best result.

The first draft of the video had too many people of the same race and culture; it wasn’t until a friend commented on this that I revised it and made it for all the world.

Listen to “Te Quiero a Ti” on Spotify now!

Connect with Marla Lewis: Website. // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // Spotify // Soundcloud // YouTube Music.

06.24.24

by Jane Lambert

Portland, Oregon-based singer songwriter Shelly Rudolph teams up with musician Charlie Hunter to present “I Love LOVE”

“I Love LOVE” is a soulful and funky track celebrating love in all its glorious forms. A delicious collaboration with jazz-soul legend Charlie Hunter, trumpeter Cyrus Naibipoor, and drummer Reinhardt Wolfgang Melz, Rudolph delivers a song that is delighting music lovers across all genres.

“I Love LOVE” began as a poem and evolved into a glorious song in its own right when Rudolph brought it to life with her vocals. It is a vibrant mix of jazz, soul, funk, and blues, proving these genres remain.

This track builds an interesting jazz-pop identity, highlighted by a contagious rhythm. Undoubtedly, the magic of this song lies in the lyrics and the warm and sensual vocal performance, which guides us through the song. All of this is achieved without losing a playful, fun, accessible, and catchy identity, making it perfect for capturing the attention of diverse audiences.

“I Love LOVE” began as a poem, like many of my songs, but when I approached the microphone, I started to sing! Thus, a song was born. Lyrically, it is playful and sweet, but the message is profound: love, in any flavor, in any combination, should be savored and celebrated.”

Hunter’s soulful guitar adds depth, Naibipoor’s New Orleans-influenced trumpet brings unique flair, and Melz’s dynamic drumming propels the rhythm, elevating “I Love LOVE” to new heights.

Shelly Rudolph has been a beloved figure in Portland’s music scene for more than two decades now, and she is known for her dynamic live performances. Her music spans genres like jazz, soul, blues, R&B, reggae, and pop.

Her latest album, “The Way We Love,” diverges from traditional jazz, embracing a drum-less, chamber jazz style with “maverick” cellist David Darling.

Rudolph’s genre-blending style and poetic lyricism have earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim, sharing the stage with renowned artists like Tom Grant and Phil Baker of Pink Martini and has made her mark as a solo artist. Her international influence includes placements on Spotify, Pandora, and jazz radio stations across Europe, Japan, Indonesia, and the Middle East.

Deeply rooted in her community, Rudolph has received accolades such as the Professional Development Grant from RACC and has been featured in Mayor Adams’ Listen Local program.

Find out more about Shelly on her Website and connect on social media: Facebook and Instagram.

Listen to music on Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Music and YouTube Music.