For the first time as a solo artist, Shannon Nicole, put her vocal stylings on display in Los Angeles at the Roxy, March 3, 2011.  Also on the bill were Kidd Robin, Cicero, Almost Honest and headliner Ryan Michaels Band.

The Sunset Strip crowd stirred in anticipation of hearing the now independent Shannon; after shedding her label and the constraints that go along with being under corporate control to forge her own path both musically and personally.  From the rise of the curtain, Shannon appeared composed and controlled, although in speaking to her after the show, she was anything but…internally.  There is no denying the beauty and strength of her voice when she opens her mouth and allows her pipes to sooth your soul.

Just as important, in playing before an L.A. crowd, as your music is your stage performance.  Shannon was beautiful in her appearance and her interaction with the crowd between songs was not what you would expect for what was once a self-described “bubble gum” pop star.  To calm her nerves she did a shot of tequila on stage and interacted with the crowd with personality and charm as only Shannon Nicole can.

As she worked through her set, each song was delivered with heart, soul and personal feeling, which is exactly her goal when she shed her label.  Her songs all come from personal experience and with that, comes passion.  She kicked off her 6 song set with “Better” and immediately her voice drew the crowd closer to the stage.  She also performed the moving “Never Gonna Cry for You” that was written by Ms. Nicole along with Slim Gambill of Lady Antebellum and closed with “You Can’t Live Without Me” written by Waymon Boone of Splendor, intertwined with those collaborations were Shannon’s originals that were all delivered with a touch of personality and always with the heart rendering power of Shannon’s voice.

Backed by a talented ensemble manifested from MI (Musicians Institute), all the songs were beautifully packaged.  It would be remissed if credit was not given to the band collectively and individually for helping Shannon break out in her L.A. debut.

Guitars: Axel Spring, Gil Beckers

Keyboards: Yuhong Ng

Bass:  Krishnan Swaminathan

Drums:  Seth Henry

Background Vox: The lovely Royce Nelson

It was quite a show for Shannon, that was very well received.  A Thursday night on Sunset isn’t always an easy draw, but there was an early line outside The Roxy and an excellent and supportive crowd on hand.  Hollywood Music is a strong supporter of Ms. Nicole’s talents and we were honored to be a part of what is sure to be a shiny memory as she forges on in her career.  Congratulations Shannon for a smash debut!!

http://www.reverbnation.com/shannonnicole