Rising singer-songwriter and alto saxophonist Nikki Giron successfully showcases her promise, and her ‘oldies’ influence on her EP, ‘Heart Behind Bars.’

“To me, Heart Behind Bars is a representation of me starting to come into my sound and who I am as a musician… I can only grow from here and come more into my sound and exactly what direction I want to go musically.”  Those words, ladies and gentlemen, come directly out of the mouth of the musician at hand, Nikki Giron, regarding her latest EP, Heart Behind Bars.  The Denver, Colorado singer/songwriter and saxophonist, who is currently a music business student at the University of Colorado Denver, shows incredible potential throughout this seven-track project.  One of the main reasons that Heart Behind Bars is so successful is the degree of musicianship exhibited by Giron, as well as her supporting musicians.  She already impressed us once with her single “Granted”, and she does so again on Heart Behind Bars.

“Feel the Same” 

Heart Behind Bars commences pleasantly with “Feel the Same.”  Nikki Giron flaunts her beautiful vocals, singing with incredible ease, yet also delivering a well-rounded, nuanced performance.  She never overindulges or over-sings. Here, Giron is backed by a pop backdrop, highlighted by piano and rhythmic guitar. Perhaps “Feel” could’ve been trimmed ever so slightly, but all in all, it’s a solid opener. ✓ “Better Days” is even more electrifying, finding Nikki showing off her sick, jazzy chops.  Arguably she shines even brighter vocally. The accompaniment is simple – guitar, bass, and percussion – allowing her to be the focal point. She caps the record off fittingly by scatting.

“Time Goes By”

“Time Goes By (Interlude)” does its job successfully, foreshadowing ✓ “Time Goes By.” The interlude, which clocks in at under a minute, features a beautiful tenor saxophone solo performed by Giron.  The warm sax carries over into to “Time Goes By,” joined by lush electric piano, rhythmic guitar, bass, and drums.  Furthermore, Giron continues to bring the heat with her exuberant vocals. The title track, ✓ “Heart Behind Bars” follows in all of its glory.  Like the preceding songs, Giron delivers a compelling performance idiomatic of the vocal jazz of old.  Even so, Giron maintains relevancy in 2019, sounding like a truly refreshing presence.

Penultimate record “The Grind” is a slight change of pace.  It embraces a bit more of a R&B sensibility without stepping away from jazz.  The record is simple – voice and guitar.  That’s sufficient.  The EP concludes with an instrumental, “Better Days – Instrumental.”  Like the version with vocals, it’s a fantastic listening experience.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Nikki Giron delivers an enjoyable, well-rounded EP with Heart Behind Bars.  Throughout its seven tracks and 23-minute duration, Giron serves up some truly refined, nuanced vocal performances. Her performances are idiomatic of vocal jazz, with a little pop and soul thrown in. Furthermore, her backing band does a fine job of fueling her fire, while staying true to the classicism and sanctity of jazz themselves.  It’s refreshing to hear a project with ‘oldies’ influence like Heart Behind Bars in 2019.  The future should be bright for Nikki.

✓ Gems: “Better Days,” “Time Goes By” & “Heart Behind Bars” 

Nikki Giron’s Socials: Soundcloud • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • Website • Spotify

Nikki Giron • Heart Behind Bars (EP) • Giron • Release: 3.1.19

Photo Credit: Giron