Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - My Name Is Nicole Willis (2017)

Nicole Willis, known for her collaborations with The Soul Investigators & Jimi Tenor produces an album including some of the tracks she composed with the former as well as originals specifically for a fresh collaboration with UMO Jazz Orchestra. Jimi Tenor, who is a multi-faceted artist, has penned all arrangements for the big band and their talented rhythm section. Pete Toikkanen who is a mega-talent guitarist from The Soul Investigators, along with the two, composed those original tracks that highlight their alternative influences. Indie god & personal hero of Ms Willis, Ian Svenonius introduces Ms Willis on the first track and wraps up the LP with a final plea.

Ms Willis delves into her Northern Soul anthems with One In A Million, Together We Climb and Break Free (Shake A Tailfeather) and with the never released (Everybody) Do The Watusi. UMO Jazz Orchestra add extra horn dynamic and Tenor's arrangements shine, as they have done so on the Soul Investigators' records. Pete Toikkanen whose unique style has been a defining asset of the group give the UMO Jazz Orchestra a rawness in treatment that they have never quite exhibited before. The mixes flatter all involved and are full. Mr Svenonius is superb without even trying and is on as ever.

Tracklist:
01. Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - Introducing (feat. Ian F Svenonius)
02. Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - Break Free (Shake a Tailfeather)
03. Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - Haunted by the Devil
04. Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - One in a Million
05. Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - (Everybody) Do the Watusi
06. Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - No Child Denied
07. Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - Together We Climb
08. Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - When We Go Down
09. Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - Togetherness
10. Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - Final Call (feat. Ian F Svenonius)
11. Nicole Willis & UMO Jazz Orchestra - Still Got a Way to Fall