Jacqui Wicks VINTAGE (Vintage Records)

Ms Wicks is an ample-lunged lass from Yorkshire who can turn her tonsils to a variety of musical genres and has released this, her debut album, covering songs by such notables as Bob Dylan, Nick Drake, Randy Newman and Tom Waits, to name a few. To release a debut album purely of covers is a dangerous thing and then to borrow from such an acclaimed ensemble is surely leading itself towards a treacherous path. However, Ms Wicks seems to have pulled it off! Many of the particular numbers chosen for the set are somewhat lesser known and so will not seem familiar to most listeners. Add to that the respectful and tender delivery afforded here and the album is actually a very enjoyable listen.

There is a gentle soulfulness throughout, which gets cranked up by ventures into a more jazz or blues arena on some numbers. The lady clearly feels at ease with her abilities and has an execution to suit a variety of tempos. The most appropriate comparison that comes through is that of Nina Simone, which receives affirmation on the perhaps brave move of covering the great Eunice’s ‘Sugar In My Bowl.’ A contemporary protagonist is of course Susan Boyle and there’s enough here to suggest that the name of Jacqui Wicks should reach the ears of those that subscribe to Boyle’s particular offerings and, let’s face it, there is a sizeable number doing just that right now!

3/5

www.myspace.com/jacquiwicks

TC