Nicole Andrews is a self-taught (though you certainly wouldn’t guess it) pianist from Portland, Oregon, now based in Wellington. She has a rich voice in the style of Tori Amos (very much) or Kate Bush, and the comparison is not just paying lip service to any likely influences. Her style is simple, stripped back, but incredibly solid. Less is more as they say, and there is no unnecessary filler on these compositions.

Piano-led songs are embellished on occasion by subtle traditional instruments (guitar, bass etc.), and also cello, viola, violin, e-bowed guitar and harpsichord – all applied judiciously. Recorded and mixed at Wellington’s Surgery Studios by Lee Prebble and mastered at Munki Studios by Mike Gibson, this is a classy recording. The Steinway piano was recorded at the NZ School of Music and it sounds fantastic. Nicole is not only a gifted songwriter with a most pleasant singing voice, but to be so instantly comparable so early to two important and iconic female performers speaks for itself. Hopefully not one to fall under the radar. This lady’s a bit special.