The months of waiting for Nick Garrett fans are finally over and they need look no further than his self-titled mini-album for their reward.
Nick Garrett, familiar to many from his previous work with Amici Forever and indeed his impressive operatic career, brings us a taste of heaven in his debut solo mini album which is released on Dec 4th.
My first impression of the album was that this is an extremely intimate and personal album. For many months, Nick’s fans had put forward their suggestions on his website, of songs they would like to have included in the album and, when you view the track listings, you can see that Nick has paid attention to this and has included their favourites; “Salva Me”, “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” and “Rhapsody in Time”. Indeed Nick’s manager, Nadia Raibin said that, “The reason the decision was taken to issue a mini album was to reward and thank the patience of his fantastic and supportive fans, to give them something to enjoy and cherish during the wait for a full length CD”. The other two tracks, “Exit Theme” and “I Just Have to Breathe” add the personal touch to the album as one is a cover version of one of Nick’s favourite artists, Radiohead and indeed, both songs are very reflective of Nick and his personality. Further intimacy comes from the fact that Nick plays the piano in most of the pieces featured and the sound is so incredible, it feels as if it is just you, him and the piano in a room. He is not only responsible for the arrangements on all pieces but also wrote the lyrics for two of them as well, showing us the full extent of his extraordinary talent.
The choice of songs is also interesting to me, not just because the fans helped to choose them, but also because they are not the usual covers you have come to expect from Crossover artists at this time. They are pieces chosen by Nick, not necessarily for their popularity but for their musical merit and this is what sets this album apart from others currently on offer.
Salva Me was both written and arranged by Nick and is a very moving and stirring piece. Nick’s talent shines through in this arrangement and the power in his voice is incredible.
Exit Music (from a film) takes on a more somber tone, but again, it is an astounding composition. The piece is full of passion and Nick’s voice brings out a complete range of emotions and is very well suited to it. His piano playing is also worthy of a mention as it compliments the lyrics and the overall tone of the piece so perfectly.
How Do You Keep the Music Playing starts off very softly and you feel as if you are being caressed by the music as you listen. It is a very romantic piece and very intimate, again complimented by the piano. Gradually the song builds up and Nick’s powerful bass-baritone voice could literally sweep you off your feet as he sings the chorus. The richness in his voice is just perfect for this song and it is impossible not be moved by the sentiments expressed in the lyrics.
Rhapsody in Time. This next piece, which is based on the 18th variation of Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini, is where you can fully appreciate all of Nick’s talents. He not only wrote the lyrics but also, composed and arranged the piece and of course sings too. Although I like all the pieces featured on the album, I have to say that this is one of my favourites. Not only does it combine modern lyrics to a well- known classical piece,but, the variations that Nick introduces in his arrangement add to the poignancy of the lyrics and the overall feel of the piece. This is a very emotive piece and one which through his vocal talent, Nick is able to express very beautifully.
I Just Have to Breathe is my other favourite on this album. If you have managed to regain composure after the passion of the previous pieces, you are about to lose all perspective again as you listen to this next track. Nick is responsible for the piano arrangement on this piece by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and it is indeed, breathtakingly beautiful. His voice is so full of passion and yet at other times, when his voice is almost as gentle as a whisper, you can feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and shivers running up and down your spine. The intimacy of this piece is such, that if you were to close your eyes whilst listening, you could truly believe he was in the room singing to you. To love this piece, you do just have to breathe and I think it would be hard to find anyone who could listen to it and not be affected by it. The title of the song is very appropriate; just remember to breathe as you listen!
As this is Nick’s debut solo piece, I would strongly encourage you to check out the album for yourself and get to know the man and his music. His voice has an unmistakable quality to it; the richness of it is incredible and the pleasure that you will get from listening to this album is immeasurable.
Track Listing:
- Salva Me
- Exit Music (for a film)
- How Do You Keep the Music Playing
- Rhapsody in Time
- I Just Have to Breathe.
