Album Notes

Another Angel Watching is the debut album by 26 year old jazz piano virtuoso Nick Le Mieux. A recording of all original material featuring Jimmy Haslip and Will Kennedy (of the Yellowjackets) on bass and drums, as well as Eric Marienthal on Sax, Mike Miller playing Guitar, Joe Vannelli on Synths, Ellis Hall and Ross Vannelli, Vocals, Walt Fowler on Trumpet and Stella Castellucci playing Harp. The album features Nick on Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano, as well as Organ. Recorded and Co-Produced by master engineer Joe Vannelli, this recording has excellent sonic characteristics. Studying under Yellowjackets pianist Russ Ferrante, as well as being primarily self-taught has given Nick an infused sound decidedly his own.


FOLLOW ME - This song is based on a piano riff in a 5/4 time signature. The song starts with a double-time piano figure with the drums and bass entering and not playing the downbeat at first, then slowly introducing it. There are solos by Mike Miller on Electric Guitar and an Acoustic Piano solo by Nick. The song then enters a nice breakdown as it leads us back to the beginning riff.

SITTIN’ – This tune is a relaxed Blues/Gospel over a pedal point with a break in the bridge. It features a great solo on Acoustic Fretless Bass by Jimmy Haslip, as well as great riffs by Mike Miller. There is also a solo by Nick on Acoustic Piano and some nice Organ work.

AFRO COAST – Afro Coast starts with a very unusual bass figure in 6/8, then the drums enter with a very signature Will Kennedy groove to make things even more elastic. This tune has Flugal Horn and Tenor Sax playing a melody that is also offset, creating a nice flow. Nick takes a solo on Acoustic Piano as well as Electric Piano.

ANOTHER ANGEL WATCHING – This song was written for Nick's Grandfather's funeral service. This Gospel features a stirring vocal performance by Ellis Hall, as well as great guitar work by Mike Miller.

THE CHANGES – A rhythm changes tune that is played at quite possibly the fastest tempo humanly possible! Great Drumming and Bass work by Will and Jimmy!

SHE MOVES ME – A ballad based on a nice figure that has movement in the intro then becomes grounded by a pedal point. Jimmy Haslip plays some beautiful Fretless Bass, and Eric Marienthal’s Soprano Sax and Nicks Piano speak well together in this piece.

ACROSS THE LAND – A slightly offset bass line and driving drums guide this tune through some twists and turns in and out off 4/4 and 3/4 time signatures. An amazing Drum solo by Will Kennedy and great playing all the way around on this one! Smokin’!

ANOTHER ANGEL WATCHING (reprise) – The album closes out with an ethereal tribute to Nick's late grandfather. This rendition features a stunning String arrangement by Joe Vannelli and heartfelt playing by Stella Castellucci on Harp and Nick on Acoustic Piano, as well as a haunting vocal performance by Ross Vannelli. This arrangement takes a simple tune and gives it a complex beauty that transcends words.