Among all the surprises that My Morning Jacket unleashed at their instantly epic New Year’s show at Madison Square Garden was a pair of duets that lead singer Jim James performed with indie-pop singer Nicole Atkins. The duo teamed up for a covers of Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye’s You’re All I Need and simply brought down the house with their take on the Kenny Rogers/Dolly Parton karaoke staple Islands In The Stream.
For many in the house – myself included – it was the first time hearing the Neptune, New Jersey native in a live setting and I have to say I was thoroughly impressed. So much so that I decided to write this here post. Atkins describes her sound as pop-noir, which translates to sexy, mysterious sounding music that has one foot planted in 1950s girl groups, but with an modern edge. Check out the title track from her 2007 release Neptune City…
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Currently, Ms. Atkins only has one date scheduled in the new year: a benefit show on January 8 at the Algonquin Theatre in Manasquan, NJ. All proceeds from the concert go directly to Darfur Relief through Save Darfur Coalition and Oxfam America.
More Nicole Atkins:
