Nakia

Live From the Good Music Club (The Good Music Club)

Backed by a ninepiece band, Nakia’s powerhouse vocals fill up the North Door in this Good Music Club recording and accompanying DVD. Kicking off the first of five songs – all pulled from the local belter’s 2013 EP Drown in the Crimson Tide – keyboardist Derek Morris and guitarist Ulrich Ellison weave a feverish intro to “Pieces and Castles.” Considering Nakia’s rise to first-name ubiquity after 2011 appearances on The Voice (revisit “Water to Wine,” Sept. 9, 2011), it’s thus no surprise that the saccharine “Dream Big” also exudes sincerity. Standout “Tight,” the only Crimson Tide track omitted, might’ve sopped up some of the residual sweetness, however. Ponder East’s whistling and Nakia’s belabored delivery lend the bawdy “Make Up with a Gun” a carnival-tent mania, while gin joint love note “Walking on a Slant” rightfully returns the focus to the singer’s throaty growl.

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This article appears in February 13 • 2015.

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