Kicca - I Can Fly (2019)

For years we've dreamed of booking Kicca, without ever managing it… and then a few days ago, Corinne, who manages her, contacted us to offer us her new album “I Can Fly” (InOuïe Distribution). I nearly fell off my chair! And rightly so, because this Italian artist, now living in Paris, is one of those artists with a truly powerful voice and a firmly established vision of her art. So it's no surprise to find jazz saxophonist Olivier Temine among her fantastic band of musicians. While this album might sound soulful to some, it certainly has the inspiration but is resolutely jazz in its approach, and we're not complaining! And besides, jazz/soul, who cares! From the very first track, if your head is nodding or your feet are tapping, there's no need to seek medical help, because the contagion you're suffering from is simply the result of a completely unique album.
An essential album that will make you addicted to Kicca's voice and Olivier Temine's saxophone notes, both supported by the excellent Oscar Marchioni on keyboards, the equally excellent Nicolas Peslier on guitars, and the magician Lionel Boccara on drums.
Kicca is a ball of energy who doesn't imitate anyone and finds her legitimacy through her voice. "I Can Fly" is a title that perfectly suits this CD, as it gives the listener wings.
I also highly recommend Kicca's self-titled album, released a few years ago on the 10h10 and Cristal Records labels. A superb album on which she is accompanied by the excellent bassist Olivier Carole and the equally excellent guitarist Hervé Samb. A guitarist whom Frankie, our editor-in-chief, calls a "six-string genius."

As they say, “like father, like son”… and when you’ve listened to “I Can Fly” all the way through, you’ll understand why the best jazz musicians have been accompanying Kicca for years.---Thierry Docmac