Nicki Jaine Nicki Jaine Live

The old-world music style of cabaret is enjoying a resurgence at the qualified hands of several, very talented performers.  Some of it is modified to fit today’s adventurous mode while a very small and distinct group of genuine artistes have worked an authentic sliver of the real thing.  The original styles of cabaret involved social and political satire within the core of it, which provided the quality of its popularity.  To get it with musical perfection was the equivalence of bliss - a great time, friends, great music, and a chance to laugh and to be inspired.  This was the beat generation of the ‘30s and pre-war ‘40s.  Chief amongst the new purveyors of the original experience is Nicki Jaine. 

Nicki Jaine is a natural.  She has a beautiful, Germanic appearance that lends greatly to the presented show effect of a genuine cabaret chanteuse – sleek build, sculptured features, and a deep, honeyed voice.  On her new release, Nicki Jaine Live, she delivers on every aspect of cabaret with her songs that look at people, effects, as well as genuine commentary on the humanity (or lack thereof) of the world’s inhabitants.

Much of Nicki Jaine Live is of her own compositions, beginning with the observational “Pretty Faces,” and including the deeper depths of “Pigeon Named Crow” (“…pretty little girls grow up to be vicious liars…”), and the hauntingly effective “Amsterdam.”  It is rounded out by a few rehearsal cuts, and completes with covers from Weill/Brecht (“Alabama Song”), Craig/Goell (“Near You”), and Frederick Hollander (“Ich Bin Von Kopf Bis FuB Auf Liebe Eingestellt”).  The covers are genuine

To fully enjoy an authentic cabaret, you first have to go through Nicki Jaine.  Otherwise, your approach has been for naught.  Trust me, Nicki Jaine is the real deal for the “lost art” cabaret experience.