Words: Caroline Whitham
An extraordinary voice well-known to jazz, soul and blues lovers nationally and internationally, singer/songwriter Niki King takes to the stage previewing songs from her upcoming album Time. From the start it’s clear that this is going to be a deeply personal journey, as she talks about the inspiration behind writing the album, the recent loss of her mother and the mediations on metaphysical energy it provoked.
Dedicating the album to “my rock, my root, my wisdom tree,” she intersperses her songs with philosophical recordings, telling us that the cosmos is within us. She has been thinking deeply about these concepts, as she mentions, but her songs remain intimate and accessible. With gorgeous ballad, ‘Blanket of the Stars’, for example, she wishes she could stop the dawn coming to have more time with her mother.
In classic King style, however, the overall message is hopeful, with more upbeat numbers like ‘Piece of Mind’, ‘Soul Route’ and ‘Sands of Time’ encouraging the lively audience to clap and sing along. It’s clear she’s well-loved and the room hangs on her every word, her every vocal run and the way she can flip from sweet and intimate to raucous and passionate in a matter of milliseconds. Her voice rings out, flawless and captivating, even more so when she sings her own songs, telling her own story.
With only a short run at the Jazz Bar this Fringe, Niki King’s show is a must-see for music lovers and deep thinkers alike. Make sure you don’t miss this chance to see her album performed live, as it’s a truly miraculous experience.
