Nikki Armstrong can be a spontaneous and combustible entertainer. She can be like a hand-grenade with the pin pulled out. So let me say her performance at BB Kings on March 5th was explosive. Performance is by definition how we act in a crowd. Nikki always surrounds herself with the best musicians. This night her band “Whole Lotta Blues” included Michael “MT Pockets” Torres, Musical Director and guitar; Chris Carter, guitar; Michael Fossa, keyboards; Rob Chaseman, tenor sax; Ivan Bodley, bass; and Bernard Davis, drums.
After a beautiful introduction from Larry Cerrone, Nikki began with Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want to Make Love to You” and set the pace early for what would be an energetic set. She told the women to watch out and sang the Betty Wright classic, “Clean up Woman”. She then slowed it down with her crowd pleasing version of Billie Holiday’s “God Bless the Child”, and then she revved it up again with Bill Withers’ “Use Me”. Lavelle White’s “Voodoo Man” followed and she closed with Stephen Still’s “Love the One You’re With”. Nikki’s set pleased the crowd of mostly tourists here to see “The Commitments”, an English cover band who reprised classic hits from the 50’s and 60’s.
Nikki Armstrong can often be seen in Lucille’s located within BB King’s. She is the Musician’s Liaison for the New York Blues and Jazz Society a non-profit, volunteer organization that exists through membership and donations, dedicated to educating the public about blues and jazz music, and supporting area musicians who perform these important cultural genres.
Richard Ludmerer, Director
The New York Blues and Jazz Society
http://nybluesandjazz.org/signup2.htm
