Invitation

Featuring classic vocal jazz in the tradition of song stylists Johnny Hartman, Billy Eckstine, Lou Rawls and John Lucien, INVITATION, Nicolas Bearde's fifth solo album, is firmly rooted in the straight-ahead jazz milieu and yet still manages to infuse the nine iconic songs included in this set, with his trademark buttery soul. From the swinging jazz–waltz intro to Burton Lane and Alan Jay Lerner's "Come Back To Me" to the iconic and passionately rendered "Save Your Love For Me", INVITATION surprises and satisfies at every turn. The sessions, produced by legendary pianist Nat Adderley Jr., also feature the dynamic sax work of Vincent Herring on the title-track and two others, and driving rhythm sections from the east and west coasts.