When Nicole Slack Jones presented herself to the Parisian public on April 30, 2012, during the first International Jazz Day at UNESCO, she was a gospel singer whose powerful voice caused a sensation. Since then, the young Louisianan has come a long way. She gradually freed herself from the musical tradition of her elders to satisfy her passion and play with an enticing Soul-Music tinged with explosive Pop. Like one of her heroines, the late Whitney Houston, she wants to feel free and move at her own pace. Above Allher new album, is like the new Nicole Slack Jones, a spontaneous, determined, playful artist.
During her last performance in Paris, on December 13, 2022, Nicole Slack Jones wanted to display her convictions. Tolerance, listening, respect for differences, benevolence, are human values that must be promoted and to which she attaches great importance. As she repeats in one of her recent compositions, ” I can only be me (I can only be myself). You have to accept yourself with your faults and qualities. Assuming the complexity of our actions, admitting our flaws and celebrating our successes, all of this requires courage, but demonstrates real strength of character. Behind her dazzling smile, Nicole Slack Jones has gradually imposed her personality and her commitments. She does not present herself as an activist, but she has the will to participate in the collective citizen effort. She had also created, 10 years ago, the foundation “I sing for change” to give impetus to various humanitarian projects across the planet and, in particular, in Africa. In his eyes, art and, more particularly, singing nurture self-esteem and confidence. Realizing a dream then becomes tangible and credible. She is clear proof of that.
Over the years, his communicative energy has allowed him to cross paths with major figures of “The Epic of Black Music” including Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Fats Domino, Rhoda Scott. His candid enthusiasm and his astonishing range have seduced Lionel Richie, Percy Sledge, Aloe Blacc or Zucchero, among others… With each of his appearances, the praises multiply. Its New Orleans culture necessarily contributes to its notoriety, but it would be unfair to reduce its reputation to a native land conducive to the blossoming of eclectic talents. Admittedly, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Mahalia Jackson, have written great chapters in the history of jazz, but inventiveness and creativity presuppose a constant effort of renewal and perfection. Nicole Slack Jones certainly has in her the cultural imprint of her elders, but she wants to sublimate this heritage by mixing it with modern sounds in tune with her daily life.
Above All is therefore a plural album that flirts with the most unbridled pop, but always manages to bring us implicitly back to the fundamentals: Soul-Music! Will this be enough to satisfy attentive ears? Will the voice of Nicole Slack Jones manage, in this sound context, to satisfy the greediness of fervent gospel lovers? Is this the intention? Our open-mindedness will necessarily find the answers to its legitimate questions brought by the irresistible appeal of music rooted in the black soul.