Singer-Songwriter Nancy G Releases New CD ‘Ariadne’s Lullaby’ at New York’s 55 Bar

As the people slowly trickled into 55 Bar, most were met with a large smile and a hug from the guitarist setting up onstage. Between chromatic scale warm-ups, Nancy Goudinaki was sure to
acknowledge the presence of her guests. Nancy G, as she is referred to, fit right in at this intimate New York City jazz staple. It was at 15 years old when she first heard and fell in love with “The First Lady of Song,” Ella Fitzgerald. Pictures of Billie Holliday, Charlie Parker, and other jazz legends sparingly line the walls of the venue. Jazz and Blues greats have been playing here since 1919. Now, it’s Nancy G’s turn.

Hailing from Greece, Nancy G lives and performs in the greater New York City area. At a young age, Nancy knew that she wanted to pursue music, and learned how to play classical guitar. She would eventually study with master classical guitarist, Costas Cotsiolis and receive her degree in Musicology, with honors. Nancy’s career as a vocalist began when Lakis Tzimkas, an accomplished Greek bassist, discovered her silky voice and chose her as a featured vocalist in his new band. While in Greece, Nancy G would go on to perform as a vocalist in several jazz venues. After receiving her B.A. in Music/Fine Arts in 2007 from Aristotle University, she would move to New York and dive right into its jazz scene.

The crowd waited in anticipation for the music to start. After some unexpected technical issues,  55 Bar was ready to receive the guitarist. The set began with a few songs performed solo, each one displaying her gifted dexterity. The crowd was locked in. She would proceed to play several compositions from her debut album, “I Wanna Be Your Star.” Other musicians would join Nancy on stage, including renowned trumpeter, Kenyatta Beasley for some wonderful duets. Her guests added nice transitions to the evening, but this was Nancy’s night. Her new single, Ariadne’s Lullaby captivated the audience to such a degree that you could hear a pin drop when it was over. The crowded room would then erupt into thunderous applause and nods of approval. Ella surely would have been proud.

Nancy G live at the 55 Bar in New York. With special guests: Kenyatta Beasley (Trumpet) Adi Meyerson (Bass) Video/Photography by Jose Soto

For further information on Nancy G, please visit her website, Twitter and Instagram pages.

About Author

Mark Vodery

Mark Vodery was a Managing Editor of Occhi Magazine. A member of the National Association of Black Journalists, he studied Mass Communications at West Chester University. As an experienced session vocalist, he has toured the world and had several original works featured in film and television. Mark has been involved with several New York City projects including Feel the Music! and Make Music New York. An avid music lover, he takes pride in his extensive vinyl collection and spends his free time helping to facilitate service projects that benefit at-risk youth, through artistic philanthropy. Mark is based in New York and resides in New Jersey with his lovely wife and two daughters.

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