http://undertheinfluence.me.uk/taxonomy/term/277/0 en http://undertheinfluence.me.uk/music/nichelle_nichols_down_to_earth <p>Although arguably best-known for her portrayal of communications officer, Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on the original sci-fi television program Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols is likewise a formidable vocalist. </p> <p>Her abilities actually predate her acting prowess, as she was performing in nightclubs and had garnered a solo spot during a brief stint with Duke Ellington &amp; His Orchestra, all of which she accomplished before 1960.</p> <p>Concurrent with her work on Star Trek, Nichols was recording for Epic Records, releasing a 45 rpm featuring "Know What I Mean" b/w "Why Don't You Do Right" in 1967. She then teamed up with jazz arranger Gerald Wilson to create Down to Earth.</p> <p>Her tremendous talents stylistically run the gamut from the up-tempo and soulful "Feelin' Good" to the torch balladry of "Tenderly" and the touching "The More I See of You." She effortlessly takes on "The Lady Is a Tramp," adding a few hip and timely humorous asides. The lesser-known title "You'd Better Love Me" and the cover of Georgia Gibbs' "Home Lovin' Man" are brought to life with equal aplomb.</p> <p>A nice little curio.</p> http://undertheinfluence.me.uk/music/nichelle_nichols_down_to_earth#comments 1967 Jazz Standards Swing vocal Vocal Fri, 23 Apr 2010 06:36:21 -0500 kevster 212 at http://undertheinfluence.me.uk