Nick Black - Deep Blue
Deep Blue is the second album from young
vocalist/songwriter/guitarist Nick Black. Pure talent propels Black’s quick
ascension into the top rank of modern soul and R&B musicians. The
songwriting certainly recalls classic material, but Black and his collaborators
never sound outright imitative. Some might find the songs a little too clever
by a half, but most will hear this collection for what it apparently purports
to be. Nick Black’s ten tracks on Deep Blue insist on staking out their own
territory. These are songs that rarely, if ever, risk any self indulgence or
affectation. Instead, Black confidently steers them through cuts often cresting
on a wave of vivid changes, fiery lead guitar, and an irrepressibly clear sense
of melody underpinning much of the playing. The production qualities are
exceptionally clear and render Black’s vision for each of the songs with warmth
and a across the board balance.
He doesn’t completely turn listener’s expectations
on their heads, but he’s happy to put them on their side. Songs like the opener
“Ocean” are plentiful on Deep Blue trod familiar musical and lyrical themes,
but there’s an unusual spin given to these elements thanks to the ability of
Black and his musical collaborators thanks to their talents for turning the
R&B form’s customary textures towards different ends. The brass
contributions are a little muted on the album’s second song “Grownups”, but
there’s a rambunctious sense of playfulness to this style of R&B lacking on
the first song. Whatever genre credentials it may or may not have, “Grownups”
is a fantastic pop song as well that writes about a ageless topic in a slightly
new, inventive way. “Falling in Life” has a sharper attitude than the
aforementioned songs and kicks off with a super slinky groove with Black
delivering an evocative vocal over the top. There’s a lot of variations and
changes in direction during this song and it isn’t hard to wish Black would
settle for one direction on songs like this but, to his credit, his basketful
of directions are never boring or predictable, even if their sheer variety is a
little dizzying. “D.I.Y.” is quite a contrast. This is an elegantly turned and
minimalist composition utilizing just enough of the right elements to paint a
picture for its audience. The highlight of the piece is twofold – the expert
touch that the drumming and piano work demonstrate guiding the way musical is
superb and Nick Black’s vocal ranks among his best performances on the album.
Many will flock to the song “Let’s Be Glad”, but
some will be put off by how much it strains for its musical effects. The wisdom
of so deliberately plotting out a pastiche to particular styles is that you
risk sounding too premeditated and “Let’s Be Glad” certainly checks off all the
boxes for southern gospel influences. Others, however, will hear an artist and
accompanying musicians building their own splendid variation on the form
without it ever sounding like pandering. The lyrics in the song’s second half
are particularly strong. “The Worst You Can Do” has a great build as well from
its beginnings as an acoustic guitar and singer alone into a full-stop
theatrical stunner with Black confidently in front and riding out a variety of
crescendos with the band on point behind him at every step. Deep Blue ends with
the rhythmic showcase “All Over Again” and it’s a good, muscular familiar for
the recording. Nick Black wants to exit on a high note musical and this song
does so without ever over-exerting himself. It’s a microcosm of the album as a
whole – there’s just the right amount of artistry, just the right amount of
force, just the right amount of fun.
8 out of 10 stars.
William Elgin
