NIKKI ARMSTRONG BIO

Nikki Armstrong has been compared to a wide varied of singers such as Anita O’Day, Tina Turner, ​ Gladys Knight, Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin. Noted for her soulful interpretations of material from standards to rock, she strives to perform every song “in the now and never the same way twice!” ​ ​ Inspired by the great jazz singers, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Peggy Lee as well as the great Soul and R&B artists, James Brown and Tina Turner, She has studied music and voice in Boston, LA and New York, most notably with the great arranger Hal Schaefer (Peggy Lee, Marilyn Monroe). Writing and doing session work in Los Angles and Sydney, Australia for the first few years was fun, but it was live performing she craved and New York City was calling to her.

For the past 15 years Nikki has performed regularly all around the New York Tri­State area with her bands, Whole Lotta Blues (blues/rock/funk) and The Nikki Armstrong Project (jazz/blues), as well as ​ ​ ​ ​ performing for stretches in the Florida Keys and Caribbean Cruise ship stints. As featured guest vocalist, she has performed and or recorded with artists like Melvin Sparks (Acid Jazz Guitarist) and the Great Les Paul (Father of the Electric Guitar). An important voice in the New York area Blues and Jazz scene Nikki was on the Board of Directors of the New York Blues & Jazz Society for over 8 years as Musician’s Liaison; coordinating, producing, and performing in noted Blues and Jazz events at venues as Birdland, BB King Blues Club and Sirius Radio in NYC as well as many benefits for causes such as Katrina/NOLA. In 2007 Nikki became a DJ on the air with her own show Blues in the Grooves ​ broadcasting every Tuesday afternoon on WFDU 89.1FM, www.wfdu.fm ​

As a producer, Nikki has produced many live radio and internet video broadcast with multiple blues & jazz artists and several tribute shows, including Woodstock in which she performers her “Just Janis” show, a tribute to Janis Joplin. Plus, most recently her “Lady Sings the Blues” show has a regular recurring spot on the B.B. King’s Blues Club stage in Times Square.

Nikki has five independent CD releases…Blues and Jazz, Live at B.B. King’s, Turnin’ & Burnin’, New, Borrowed & Blue and the latest 2012 release Now and Then.

She and her band(s) of very accomplished musicians perform their unique arrangements of a wide variety of material as well as her original compositions. They can be seen regularly in Lucille’s at BB King Blues Club in Times Square. Some of the Artists Nikki has opened for are; The Commitments, Joan ​ ​ Osborne, Dave Mason, Dickey Betts, Hubert Sumlin, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstafunk, John Tropea Band, Johnny A, Coco Montoya, Cornell Dupree, and Parliament Funkadelic.

Most recently, Nikki has resumed touring outside of the New York area. In 2012 she was also inducted nd into the New York Blues Hall of Fame. Recently back from her 2 ​ European Tour where she played to ​ packed houses in France and Germany, Nikki just never seems to lose momentum.

“…and Nikki Armstrong was fantastic. No lie! During Nikki's performance, a man near me who was in a wheelchair, got up and danced!” – Journal News NY ​

“Powerful/from the bottom of soul­filled song well with a serpents unpredictability, Nikki can sink her teeth into the skin of any style of song and make you want to get bit again.”­ Mister G, DJ 91.7FM WHUS Storrs, CT ​

"When I saw The Commitments at BB King's, the opening act , Nikki Armstrong & Whole Lotta Blues, was a dynamite little redhead with a great, big voice and a ton of stage presence (and great hair and great legs to boot) and her band is the poo ­ extremely tight, great groove." ­ From a fan ​

“She’s got that smoky, sexy sound I love. Nikki’s got it all! ­Hal Schaefer (Arranger for Peggy Lee & Marilyn Monroe) ​ “Nikki’s performance was superb! The band is excellent!" ­Melvin Sparks­ Legendary ‘Acid Jazz’ Guitarist ​ “Nikki has an amazing breadth of styles and vocal range, as she transformed choice selections of American blues, funk, rock, soul, jazz and pop into sultry, soulful gems.” ­Lynn Paret –Reviewer for Cliff View Pilot.com ​ “It’s like sitting next to a Nuclear Reactor!” – R. Ludmerer, Music Reveiwer ​ “Nikki Armstrong is a musical journey you have to experience. Her lineup of musicians is second to none and you never know who will show up to jam!” ­ Bob Suede (Producer, Performer, Writer w/ Richie Havens) ​ “Her voice ages like fine wine.” ­ Elliott Randall (Guitarist ‘Steely Dan’) ​ “Nikki’s transcendent performance communicates her passion directly to the listener.” ­ Larry Baeder (Guitarist w. ​ Chuck Jackson, Carly Simon & Bo Diddley) ​ “She reminds me of Anita O’Day” ­Les Paul (Father of the Electric Guitar) ​

“Armstrong's wonderfully expressive vocals and her contagious enthusiasm are well suited to (the) intimate atmosphere. Nikki belted out "I'm a Woman," groaned and growled through "I Just Want to Make Love to You," turned sultrily playful on "It Ain't the Meat (It's the Motion)," pure bluesy on "Lover Man," buoyant on "Fly Me to the Moon," and absolutely soulful on "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy." ­Thomas Kitts (Author, “Ray Davies: Not Like ​ ​ Everybody Else” ) ​ “Nikki is a great performer, without a doubt an excellent singer with an excellent voice and strong musicality to match!" ­Michael Hill (Singer/Songwriter) ​ “You know it’s authentic when a girl from the San Fran bay area can make a true believer of a true Southerner. Nikki Armstrong does it. Nikki Armstrong is true blue, baby. Sit n’ listen for a spell and believe for yourself.” ­David ​ Esposito (New York– In Tune Magazine)

“…Nikki delivers with incredible passion and a voice that would melt gold!” ­Peter Berman (CNN, ABC Photo Journalist)

“What a performer. You've got it all: class, power, dynamics, showmanship, and the most amazing voice” – ​ Terry Silverlight (Award winning Songwriter & Drummer)

“I can't thank you enough for your wonderful performance. Our phones were on fire during your live music set. ​ YOU were in total control of your band of great musicians, who backed you up to the hilt under your very professional leadership. Listening to you really knocks me out!“ ­ Bill Nolan (Host of WPKN FM’S Antique Blues, the ​ longest running rhythm and blues program in the U.S.)

Sweet, Sweet Nikki, the pitfalls of the "music business" is something we are all subjected to, at one time or another! In your case, you have so much talent and smarts going for you (besides your beauty) you must not let it deter you... Expect it, and I'm certain you will surely climb that next plateau!! ­ Vinnie Bell, Legendary session guitarist/inventor ​

Credits and Collaborations

Larry Baeder Guitarist with Bo Diddley, Dr. John, Paul Simon Jeff “Skunk” Baxter Guitarist with The Doobie Brothers Tim Bogart ‘Hot Tuna’ ­ ‘Beck, Bogart and Appice’ Danny Draher Guitarist with Albert King and Hubert Sumlin Ivan Neville Leader of the popular “Dumpstaphunk” Band Pete Levin Keyboardist/Arranger Gil Evans Orchestra, Paul Simon ​ Steve Ferrone Drummer for Average White Band & Steve Winwood ​ ​ Barry Goldberg Keyboards w/Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Bloomfield Nicky Hopkins Pianist w/John Lennon, Jeff Beck, Rolling Stones, The Who Dave Keyes Keyboards w/Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Gladys Knight Lenny Macaluso Producer with Tina Turner & songwriter for ‘The Spinners’ ‘Blue’ Lou Marini Saxophonist for The Blues Brothers Howard McCrary Musical Director for Chaka Khan Jon Paris Guitarist for Bo Diddley/Harmonica player for Edgar Winter Les Paul Father of the Electric Guitar and Music Legend Elliot Randall Guitarist with Steely Dan Carmine Rojas Bassist with Rod Stewart & David Bowie Hal Schaefer Pianist/Arranger for Peggy Lee, Marilyn Monroe Jason Scheff Bassist/singer with ‘Chicago’ ​ Jeff Simon Drummer with ‘George Thorogood’ Melvin Sparks Famed Guitarist of Acid Jazz, Funk Jerry & Jimmy Vivino Musicians on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” ​ ​ Gene Cornish Guitarist The Young Rascals ​ Anthony Jackson Bassist with Chaka Khan, Chick Corea, Inventor of the 6 String Bass Michael Hill International Blues Guitarist/Songwriter Bernard “Pretty” Purdie The most recorded Drummer in History – James Brown, Joe Cocker Jerry Jermott Bassist with BB King, Ray Charles, The Allman Bros. Aretha Franklin Dr. Lonnie Smith Soul Jazz/Acid Jazz Organist – Russell Malone Jazz Guitarist with Jimmy Smith, Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr. John Tropea Famed Guitarist with Deodato, Van Morrison, The Blues Brothers, etc. Gil Parris Guitarist with Dr. John, Blood Sweat & Tears, Diane Schuur Lou Pallo Guitarist with Les Paul, Tony Bennett, Jose Feliciano Vitali Imereli World Renown Jazz Violinist ​ ​

Nikki Armstrong Nikki Armstrong Strong­arms the Blues

The downside to researching music sometimes is that you can only find a few, limited tracks. And when you’re hunting down an artist like Nikki Armstrong, soulful, sultry, smoky, swarthy, and any other s­synonyms you can think of, this can be a very discouraging thing. But fear not, gentle readers! Northeast In­Tune digs deeper to bring its fan base what it wants! On her live cut, a cover of “Love the One You’re With,” Armstrong actually actively seeks out audience members to kiss each other and advocates a kind of love that’s missing in a barren and soulless pop landscape. And Ms. Armstrong is anything but pop. She is emotive, she is funky, and her backing band, Whole Lotta Blues, plays all of their own instruments (and well, too. Shocking). Her blues sound is original while still employing many of the techniques that hearken back to the greats: Janis, James, and Ella. The well­laid harmonica infusion, the slow twang of a sad country guitar, all overlaying the steady and driving and building drum crescendo, these elements combine behind Armstrong’s voice to leave the listener with a silky feeling on the brain and a smile on their lips. Any one who can sing convincingly that rollin’ and tumblin’ will lead you to bad luck and whiskey is authentic blues. Any one who can ask you to be their “te na ne na nu” and make you believe that you could be, if only for a night, is authentic blues. Nikki Armstrong is of this type. Her track, Rollin’ and Tumblin’, is some down­home grits n gravy blues that makes a southern girl hanker for days gone by. You know you’re authentic when a girl from the San Fran bay area can make a true believer of a true Southerner. Nikki Armstrong does. Nikki Armstrong is true blue, baby. Sit n listen for a spell and believe for yourself. By David Esposito ­ New York, New York – In Tune Magazine ​

Nikki Armstrong Monthly New York Blues & Jazz Performances Society

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. Richard Ludmerer, Director The New York Blues and Jazz Society

Nikki Armstrong & Whole Lotta Blues "Turnin & Burnin" CD review by Roger­Z

The "It" girl. They first used that phrase in the "Roaring 20's." It still applies. When Nikki Armstrong walks down the street, heads turn. When she ascends the stage, her timeless presence titillates, captivates, and just generally mesmerizes. This woman will funk you, blues you, and above all, rock your world. When she coos "I Just Want To Make Love to You" -- lie down. When she begs for "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" -- for God's sake, just give in! Ladies, when she warns you about the "Clean Up Woman" -- take her advice. She knows. Never underestimate this lady. She leaves nothing to chance. Acting on a last minute request by Ms. Armstrong, proprietor & sound engineer John McAvoy recorded "Turnin & Burnin" direct from the soundboard at The Turning Point Cafe in Piermont, NY for her show that hot night in ​ ​ April. This marks the club’s first known, official, live, two-track CD release in its thirty year history. Ms. Armstrong employs the crème de la crème of NY and NJ musicians: Gil Parris (guitar), Stew ​ ​ Cutler (guitar, slide), Keith Lambeth (bass), Kenny Soule (drums), and Rob Chaseman (tenor sax). On every tune, she showcases one, if not two, of the soloists. Gil Parris practically steals the show with his bubbling, country-on-acid solo on "I Just Wanna Make Love to You." He mystifies with progressive jazz chops on the sultry "Summertime," and astounds with animal sounds on "Clean Up Woman." But everybody contributes to this stellar show. Stew Cutler plays the role of unsung hero with taught rhythm guitar. He steps into the spotlight with powerful blues playing on "For You My Love." Tenor saxophonist Rob Chaseman stamps his presence all over the record. "Rob's Sax Solo" starts on a low flame, builds in intensity only to end in the smoldering fumes that introduce "Summertime." The rhythm section cuts like a brand new knife. Whether playing blues, jazz, funk, or rock, Mr. Lambeth and Mr. Soule lock in and lay it down. Armed with rhythm guitar, they provide the perfect launch pad for vocals and solos. But in the end, the "Mistress of Ceremony" takes the crowd into her expressive little hands and provides the good time they so richly deserve. "Respect Yourself." Want a musical night that lifts you up, tears you down, and then reassembles you better than ever? Catch Nikki Armstrong & Whole Lotta Blues "Turnin & Burnin" on any given evening! Roger-Z

www.nikkiarmstrong.com

Nikki Armstrong at Mexicali Blues Cafe, Teaneck, New Jersey

In the hot bright stage lights, a tight­as­a­tick blues band laid down a rolling groove. Tenor sax player Rob Chaseman finished a chorus and pulled his mike up to chin level. "Okay, everybody, let's give a warm Mexicali welcome to a lady with a lot of class, you all know her, Nikki Armstrong!"

Out into the lights stepped a slender, good looking woman, bright eyes and a quick smile, long red hair flowing over her shoulders, a leopard skin jacket, long black gloves up to the elbow, and below a black miniskirt, long shapely legs and black high heels. As the applause settled down, Nikki fell into the band's dancing groove and took her mike from the stand.

"I don't want to you to be no slave, I don't want you to work all day," Nikki sang, her eyes taking in everybody in the house. Guitarist Mike Torres slipped in a bluesy bottleneck cry. 'I just wanna make love to you."

As the choruses rolled on, Nikki cast off her jacket, peeled off her gloves, and let fall a cobweb shawl of bangle­beads until she was dancing and singing in a sexy little black dress. "I don't want you to be sad and blue, I just wanna make love to you!"

The Mexicali crowd cheered as Nikki and the band brought the old Muddy Waters tune to a close. They know the blues at the Mexicali and they know that with Nikki Armstrong and the Whole Lotta Blues band­­guitarist Terry Lee, bassist Keith Lambeth, and drummer Kenny Soule with Chaseman and Torres­­they had the real blues in the house. Before the applause fell to silence, the band rocked out and Nikki took charge again: "I'm a woman, I spell it W­O­M­A­N." Nikki Armstrong, who has been singing in and around New York for a decade and more, is a hardworking artist always digging deeper into her craft. Nikki loves music, studies music, and teaches music too. She knows how to put a good band together, and because she's fun to work with, she gets the best cats in the business. She loves to perform for the people and gives her all in every show. "Nikki is the most generous gal I've met on the blues scene," said one regular at the Mexicali bar. "You feel the love coming from her on stage, and off­stage she's always encouraging young singers, introducing a guitarist new in town to everybody. Nikki's always thinking of the other guy."

From "W­O­M­A­N" Nikki counted off a taut four­four, and the band jumped into "Hipshake"­­"You don't move your lip, you just shake your hip"­­and on to a soulfully sincere "Respect Your Self." The blues as Nikki sings them come mixed with jazz, pop, and folk rock­­"Love the One You're With" was one of her best numbers that night at the Mexicali­­and they come with dancing, Nikki, a big grin on her face, tossing her mane of hair and moving and grooving with the guys in the band as they take their solos.

Nikki has a warm, rich contralto voice that she colors over a wide spectrum from intimate growls and passionate whispers to long haunting, ballad lines. A sparkling sense of fun comes through Nikki's voice too: in the middle of a lyric, without losing a note, she can tell the audience to get off their butts and start dancing or say hello to a pal at the bar. She's also a singer who listens to her band, and half the fun of watching Nikki perform is seeing and hearing her react to drummer Soule's ferocious backbeat, Lambeth's rotund but agile bass, and Lee's driving rhythm guitar.

As the show rolled on, a few up­tempo tunes, more steady grooves, Nikki and Whole Lotta Blues held the crowd in the palm of their hands, and we were glad to be there. Outside was cold dark December, inside were warmth, lights, and a first class blues singer with her band laying the music on us like hot buttered rum. Nikki's smile, her shouts of pain and joy, and her blues songs old and new had drawn us all in to a circle of good times and affection none of us wanted to leave.

“Every day, every day," Nikki sang, "Every day I have the blues." Sing it, sister, ain't it the truth!

By – Michael Lydon

Founding Editor of ‘Rolling Stone’ Magazine and Author of “Ray Charles : Man and his Music”

www.nikkiarmstrong.com

The Nikki Armstrong Trio at the River Bank Cornwall on Hudson, NY

By Thomas M. Kitts ​

The River Bank Restaurant & Bar is better known for its fine dining than for its music. But this past fall the management designated every second Friday of the month as Jazz Night. So on Friday, December 8, after entrees of roasted duck, sesame encrusted tuna, and filet mignon in bourbon sauce were happily consumed, and after tables were cleared, Dan Gormley on a Gibson hollow body and Lee Marvin on upright bass warmed the audience with a couple of instrumentals. Before long, featured performer Nikki Armstrong took the stage and opened the first of two dynamic sets with a sparkling rendition of Billy Holiday’s “All of Me.” Over two hours later Armstrong closed the evening with a spirited take of “Bye Bye Blackbird,” exiting the stage to rousing applause from the crowded main room. Armstrong, who generally performs and records with a larger band, hit stride immediately with Gormley and Marvin. Comfortable from the outset, the trio took the audience on a journey through the American songbook with visits to a wide range of composers and performers, including Fats Waller, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer, Willie Dixon, Elvis Presley, and Queen Latifah. Always energetic and adventurous, Armstrong riffed with Gormley and Marvin and gave her accompanists space for solos. Gormley played an especially steamy slide on “I Just Want to Make Love to You” and Marvin rumbled through “Take the A Train.” The trio seemed to delight and surprise each other as much as they did the crowd. Armstrong’s wonderfully expressive vocals and her contagious enthusiasm were well suited to the intimate atmosphere of the River Bank. Nikki belted out “I’m a Woman,” groaned and growled through “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” turned sultrily playful on “It Ain’t the Meat (It’s the Motion),” pure bluesy on “Lover Man,” buoyant on “Fly Me to the Moon,” and absolutely soulful on “Mercy Mercy Mercy.” Each set even featured a Christmas song: “Santa Baby” and “Blue Christmas.” It seems as if highlight followed highlight in both sets. Through years of performances, Armstrong has developed the confidence, craft, and versatility to play to the room she’s in and the audience before her without compromising the integrity of the music or the musicians she leads. She can always be counted on for a solid evening of artful entertainment. Seeing her in one of her all too rare performances with the Nikki Armstrong Trio in the friendly environs of the River Bank Restaurant, with its truly outstanding cuisine, was a delightful holiday treat.

Thomas M. Kitts, Author & Professor of English at St. John’s University, NY.