Nicole Zuraitis: ‘The Devil I Knew’

Produced by Nicole Zuraitis and the legendary Larry Klein, the singer’s latest album ‘The Devil I Knew’ is gorgeous, romantic and wonderfully profound.

Nicole is a fabulous pianist, vocalist and performer, as I discovered in July 2024 when Nigel Williams introduced her on stage at The Pheasantry in London. Ever since, I have been a little obsessed with the singer’s journey and this latest, hugely personal album is a wonderful example of her voice, her songwriting and her production skills.

Zuraitis writes, arranges, sings and plays piano and a touch of Rhodes on The Devil I Knew. Alongside her are an array of talented musicians who dip in wherever appropriate. A constant is Dan Pugach (drums), with contributions across the album from: Donny McCaslin (sax), Jon Cowherd (organ), Larry Klein (bass and Wurlitzer), Christian McBride (bass), Sam Weber (bass), Larry Goldings (organ), Idan Morim (guitar), Gilad Hekselman (guitar), Scott Sherrard (guitar), Dean Parks (guitar) and David Cook (piano). Each one makes a specific contribution to this ensemble album.

The fabulous horn arrangements were by Jerry Hey, performed by: Rashawn Ross (trumpet), Lori Stuntz (trombone), Larry Williams (tenor sax), Brandon Fields (baritone sax). When Zuraitis’s voice needs some backing, there’s subtle contributions from Sirintip and Vivienne Aerts. A deeply spiritual and personal collection of tunes, there’s healing bowls from Andromeda Turre and poetry spoken by: Susan Bloomberg, Johanna Telander, Jeanette Zuraitis, Jessica DeShong, Christina Giocona, Priya Darshini, Janet Robin, Angela Benson, Meka Nism and Dee Lee Dubé.

As soon as the opening McBride bass line of Won’t Make it Out Alive and later on He’s a Demon, He’s a Devil, He’s a Dog bursts into your ears and your chest, you know this is going to be a groove that sticks with you. And the fabulous Larry Goldings organ seems the perfect foil to Zuraitis’s voice on the former track. Each musician selected to perform on different tracks is specific, such as on Two Steps Back (The Overlap) featuring the evocative sax of Donny McCaslin.

Turning to a standard like the Hoagy Carmichael classic I Get Along Without You Very Well, is a nice touch, but Zuraitis knows how to write and sing about love, as evidenced on the soulful ballad Call My Name (I Dare You) and also on the deeply moving Wish I Could Love You. Across the whole album, there’s a sense of the writer’s connection to her own and our emotional life - all delivered perfectly by the vocalist.

‘The Devil I Knew’ from Nicole Zuraitis is out now on La Reserve Records