New York-based jazz and soul singer Nicole Henry will be coming to the UK this October paying tribute to the iconic Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.

A Soul Train award-winner – competing against the likes of Tony Bennett and George Benson – Henry has a series of studio releases under her belt. Produced by JBGB Events, Henry’s tribute to Aretha Franklin features a 6-piece band led by Mr Nick Fitch. Read below for an interview with Ms Henry and her tour dates!

Interview

1. What does Aretha Franklin mean to you? What was your first exposure to her?

Aretha Franklin’s songs had to be some of the earliest adult music I ever memorized. As early as I can remember, my sister and I were singing along to her “Amazing Grace” album.  Her voice and heartfelt delivery became a standard of measure by default.  If “soul” could ever be quantified, I would bet my last dollar that she sang with every milligram of her soul!  And because the topic of that entire album was about faith, over the years, it’s impacted me exponentially.

2. Why did you decide to dedicate a whole show to her?

Because she is the Queen of Soul… Her repertoire and legacy are worthy of celebration.

3. How did you choose which songs to select from Aretha Franklin’s very broad repertoire? Are there any subtle/unexpected cuts?

You’re right, Ms. Franklin’s repertoire from five decades is very broad, ranging from gospel, to jazz, to blues, to soul, to pop and rock.  Of course, there are a handful of songs you simply CANNOT omit from an Aretha tribute…selections like RESPECT and Natural Woman.  Then the other selections were really chosen by era; groove; genre and of course, personal preference and meaning. 

And yes, we’ve made sure to include a few obscure songs because we want to encourage people to do their own personal dive into her repertoire and see what gems they might have missed over the decades…

4. How do you approach interpreting the songs musically and vocally? Are there any radical rearrangements? How do you put your own stamp on the songs?

For starters, Nick Fitch, the musical director and guitarist for the show, is the one specifically hired to take on that task. He’ll consider updating grooves, varying tempos, and mixing things up a bit.  Personally, with any song, I always set out to tell the story through my own voice and my own timely interpretation of what the lyrics mean to me. I find phrasing to be the number one approach to personalizing a song. Rest assured I’m certainly not going to embark on a futile attempt to sound like Aretha.

5. Do you have a favourite Aretha Franklin song? Why?

I would say my favourite would be “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” – from the Amazing Grace album – because it’s a life lesson about faith. “Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.” It’s a reminder that we should talk to God more often and know that we are not here on earth alone.  We can ask for guidance, don’t worry…let go and let God. This also includes giving thanks.

And I know you didn’t necessarily ask for TWO favourites, BUT…I’d have to say my other favourite is “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me” because I’ve always been a George Michael/WHAM! fan and loved this collaboration.  I only wish I could’ve ever sung with George myself…

6. Do you have a favourite Aretha Franklin LIVE performance? Why?

Once again: the January 1972 live recording in California of “Amazing Grace” – which is now a documentary video!

Nicole Henry Tour Dates

9th October 2019 – The Apex, St Edmunds (Tickets)
10th October 2019 – Pizza Express Live, Maidstone (Tickets)
11th October 2019 – Dereham Memorial Hall, Norfolk (Tickets)
12th October 2019 – St John’s Smith Square, London (Tickets)

(Image Copyright: Nicole Henry)