Nancy Erickson’s voice is like a warm blanket on a snowy day or the sun peeking out from the clouds. In her debut solo effort, “Prelude”, this Northwest singer places just the right touches on just the right notes. Erickson is gifted with an understated ability to mold her deep, voluptuous voice around impossibly tight, intricate melodic curves. The musicians chosen for this CD match Erickson’s no-nonsense approach. They play the music, they play to their and her strengths, and they play every note well, from the transitional points to the requisite, lush solos. Especially outstanding: the piano playing of Ed Weber on “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” and Geoffrey Castle’s innovative use of violin in “Cry Me A River,” which could both be on individual CDs as instrumentals. - Carol Banks Weber, Jazz Music Examiner "Prelude" also features skillful & soulful solos from saxophonists Richard Cole from Origin Records & EJ John Erickson.