Mercedes Nicole is a veteran jazz and blues vocalist who made her professional solo recording debut in 2008 with the appropriately titled single “Seattle Blues”. That record introduced a world-class singer who has entertained western Washington and beyond for more than a decade. Her music has received airtime across the US, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, and throughout Europe.
Since her debut, the prolific songstress has released four albums and a dozen singles. She has worked extensively in jazz and gospel. However, the blues have always been at the heart of Mercedes Nicole’s sound. On her latest album, the singer returns to her roots.
Dare to Love-Dare to Dream‘ is the brand new album from Mercedes Nicole, released worldwide via all major streaming services on August 1, 2023. It is her first album since her popular 2020 collection Constellation. On the self-produced record, the singer and her band deliver bluesy renditions of classics from across the decades.
Throughout the album, Mercedes Nicole is accompanied by a crack ensemble of piano, drums, percussion, guitar, keys, saxophone, and bass. The band lays down a smooth jazz-infused groove on iconic songs made famous by legends like Nancy Wilson (“Save Your Love For Me”), Nat King Cole (“Too Young to Go Steady”), and Peggy Lee (“I Love Being Here With You”). Virtuosic sax, piano, and guitar leads color the edges of the mix.
Love, in its many permutations, is the theme of the album. Whether she is offering a heartbreaking plea for a better tomorrow on Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece “What’s Going On”, or a sultry and seductive ode to her ‘sugar’ on Dinah Shore’s “Candy”, Mercedes Nicole’s message is one of love, clarity and healing. She finds these common themes in the Great American Songbook, but also in modern classics like Stevie Wonder’s “If It’s Magic” and Randy Crawford’s 80’s soul hit “Rio de Janeiro Blue”.
Check out Dare to Love-Dare to Dream in its entirety below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear both “Too Young To Do Steady” and Mercedes Nicole’s excellent take on “Sack full of Dreams” on the Deep Dive : Jazz & Classical playlist. Follow the links below to connect with the artist.