- News & Reviews FeedEster Nicholson
Hey SoulTracks, my new family.
I am so blessed, honored and humbled to be a part of you.
I've spent my life singing someone else's music, or doing background vocals for other artists - which was amazing and has been extremely instrumental in leading me to this incredible time in my life where I get to sing about and be about what I'm really about, and I'm absolutely loving it. Every moment of my life, before and during my recovery from drug addiction, which were some of my darkest and brightest experiences have led me to a place where a CD like "Child Above The Sun" could be born. I thank you for being the mid-wives to the birthing of this greater expression of God through me. Thank you Chris and Soultracks for joining me on this wonderful God filled journey of unfoldment. I bless you and I honor you.
Peace and Blessings,
Ester Nicholson
Web Sites:
Official Web Site
Biography
As a child of Gospel music, raised as the daughter of a Baptist minister and with a lifelong love of music, it was not surprising that Ester Nicholson chose singing as a career. But her first break was not in singing Christian music. Her smooth, attractive voice landed her regular work as an in-demand backing singer, both on recordings and tours. Over the past decade she's supported such top shelf singers as Rod Stewart, Bette Midler, Brenda Russell, Faith Hill, Al Green and Barbra Streisand.
A drug addiction almost cut her life short, but she found both recovery and redemption in her faith. Her experience became the foundation for a second career as an inspirational speaker and now as a featured singer, with the release of her album Child Above the Sun,
Child is a sophisticated, melodic album that has appeal both to Gospel and Contemporary Christian fans, and could also sneak onto the playlists of adult contemporary stations. More spiritual than overtly religious, it is lyrically largely a musical reflection on Nicholson's experiences, with special emphasis on the personal epiphany that faith provided to her at her darkest moments. This is particularly true on the title cut, a gorgeous ballad the sweetness of which belies the haunting underlying message of a drug addict, ashamed of herself and asking for forgiveness.
Nicholson's voice bears more than a slight resemblance to Yolanda Adams', and musically the disc is the kind of elegant, adult-oriented album that has been the foundation for Adams' enviable career. Songwriting and song selection are particularly notable here, with infectious tracks like "Never Be the Same" standing alongside excellent outside compositions such as Wendy Waldman's "One Heart" and Brenda Russell's "What Would Love Do Now."
Child of the Sun may be too tastefully refined for some soul music listeners, but it is tough to argue with the album's songwriting and production or with Nicholson's consistenly strong vocals. For lovers of beautifully performed adult soul music, this is highly recommended.
By Chris Rizik
