Search - Sue Nixon, Walt Wagner :: Even There

So Right There

Chris Korody | Playa Del Rey, CA USA | 05/10/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first came across Sue Nixon on a rainy night in a Seattle club belting out jazz standards in front of a three piece trio. Everyone there that night sat transfixed by her deep rich tones and her seductive, animated performance. My local guides told me that her real passion was her church, and they suggested that I take a listen to her CD, "Even There". Though my tastes generally run to more secular fare, I was sufficiently taken that I was eager to hear more. As you might have already guessed, I was not disappointed. Producer Walt Wagner has fashioned eleven stylish contemporary arrangements from traditional religious standards that showcase all of Nixon's luscious voice. She is in total command of the material, and her sensitive, sometimes surprising phrasing makes each song her own. Throughout the album her deep faith is evident, the music fills the room with her belief and utter devotion.While the audiophile might quibble with details of microphone selection and at times the mix, at it's heart this is an album that was cut live devoid of studio gimmickry. It's just Wagner's solid acoustic piano laying down the time, sometimes with an acoustic guitar, sometimes a small string section and Nixie, as she told us she likes to be called that night, out in front walking her unique line between jazz, blues and gospel.The slightly bluesy almost upbeat "Precious Lord" starts things off - you can only imagine what might have happened if they had upped the tempo and she really let it all go. In "You Know Me" she bares her soul totally for all to see, her opening acapella part on "I Need Thee" is chilling and "Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus" offers some of her most thoughtful and delicate interpretative work - her joy really shines through on this great old song.This is an album that has grown on me, one that I sit with time and time again - when I need hope or I simply want to enjoy the promise and potential of a great young voice. I can only hope that Sue finds a way to keep sharing her love with me - make that all of us - because no matter where you are, we each can make room for grace like this to shine in to our lives."