The Silent Wish
Purple Lead, 2025
8/10
The Australian singer Michelle Nicolle and guitar extraordinaire Larry Koonse come together for these 10 contemporary jazz tracks, i.e. 8 standards, a cover of Split Enz and an original.
“When Your Lover Has Gone” begins with Nicolle’s expressive voice alongside Koonse’s sparse guitar, and “I Hope I Never” follows with an impressive range emanating from Nicolle amid the soft guitar.
“With A Song In My Heart” occupies the middle spot and offers a heartfelt mood via Koonse’s dreamy delivery, while “My One And Only Love” emits a poetic moment of sublime beauty thanks to the eloquent vocals and stirring guitar.
Near the end, “Gone With The Wind” showcases Nicolle’s scatting skills, and “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life” exits with Koonse’s rich guitar playing and Nicolle’s soaring voice that makes an indelible impression.
This is Nicolle’s 11th album and the duo setting is her first but hopefully not her last, as the tender, playful and timeless setting is nothing short of mesmerizing.
Travels well with: Elaine Dame- Reminiscing; Judy Wexler- No Wonder