Nick Colionne - Feel The Heat (2011)

Chicago is a fountain for smooth jazz artists with big talent. Among those talents one can find a bird of paradise. Renowned jazz guitarist Nick Colionne is the best-dressed musician always clad in colorful suits. But these garments aren't satisfying no other purpose than the enjoyment of doing it, they are Nick's trademark signaling his musical stardom. His first albums It's My Turn, Arrival and The Seduction were released on the Lake Shore Jazz label followed by Just Come On In (2003), Keepin' It Cool (2006), and No Limits (2008). His new album Feel The Heat (2011) will be released on Trippin & Rhythm next month.

After the first tones you know, this is a Nick Colionne quality. Some Funky are his first steps into the new album. The Steve Miller influenced tune is the right place for Nick's brilliant guitar performance.

The Windy Dance is Nick's new radio single. A tribute to his hometown. Funky, crispy and a great hit for the hot summer. John Blasucci supports Nick's guitar play with distinguished keyboard lines.

On Let's Spend Some Time Nick Colionne shines with his sonorous vocals. On The Connection Nick echoes the theme from Some Funky before he explores new melody realms. Obviously is keyboardist James Lloyd, who wrote and produced this song, also a friend of Fly Like An Eagle.

There It Is is another fantastic example for Nick's exquisite skills as composer and performer. Midnight And You is the second tune presenting Nick's vocals. His vocal prowess is brilliantly recorded by Carol Ray. My favorite on this album is It's Gonna Be Alright, an easy going guitar piece penned by James Lloyd. Simply perfect to stir up your mood.

With Wessin' Nick pays tribute to his earliest jazz inspirations. Guitar legend Wes Montgomery is a big idol for many jazz guitarists. "The main thing was like, I listened to a lot of Wes Montgomery's stuff all the time, even now," Nick explains. "His style of playing really gets to me. I try to put myself in his frame of mind a lot of times. 'Where would he go here?' Because Wes, more often than not would avoid going to the obvious note at the end of a phrase. Where a lot of people would end a phrase on the root, I noticed that Wes would end a phrase on the sixth or ninth degree of the scale, which is kind of funny. It makes it stand out."

Nick Colionne sings the Blues on Can't Let Go. Following the path of B.B. King the premium guitarist offers much to explore. The final Po' House presents Nick's funky energetic side making him to one of the most popular acts nationwide.

Described by Jazz Review as "one of the most finest performers to come along on the jazz scene in a long time" Feel The Heat highlights the fact, that Nick Colionne is also an outstanding recording artist on his latest album. Don't miss this gem! -- [i][/i]