I love the Nicki Sutherlands CD Precious Things.She has a beautiful voice. The lyrics of the songs tell stories about life that I can relate to and the music adds another dimension to these stories.

CD REVIEW- Laura Vess "Reaching Out", Volume 2, Issue 1 Nicki Sutherland, the Columbus based girl behind Precious Things, is definitely this reviewer's new flavor of the month. Graced with a voice reminiscent of a young Wendy Bucklew and an unconfined passionate style uniquely her own, Sutherland already has tongues wagging in her adopted home town. It's no wonder her CD, Precious Things, is blessed with both beautiful music and good production, a rare find for a first recording. The stand out percussion on "Stop the World", "Hand to Mouth", and the untitled track 11 are one of the most obvious signs Sutherland has something different to offer Atlanta audiences. And though track 11 might be treading a little close to a Tori Amos sound, the bare bones, percussion only arrangement is a great vehicle for Sutherland's impassioned lyrics and ample vocal ability. In fact, Sutherland's voice is what really drives this CD and gives her a distinctive edge. Her unusual accent and husky, breathless tone propels her above the sea of aspiring female musicians choking Atlanta's open mic nights. Nicki Sutherland, quite simply sounds fresh. Women musicians in the local scene too often want to be the next Michelle Malone or Indigo Girl instead of taking he time to find their own style and expression. Sutherland hasn't been around that long, but she already knows who she wants to be, and it isn't a clone of somebody else already out there. Sutherland only learned how to play the guitar and started performing a few years ago, but if this is the kind of music she can put out with only a couple years of experience under her belt, this girl is going to kick some major ass in the future. One of the best aspects of Precious Things is the way it manages to interweave a variety of musical styles into an exotic and tasty tapestry with ease. The album is primarily a juicy blend of pop, folk and rock, but Sutherland also manages to add a touch of jazz and world music to some of the melodies. The songs also cover a wide range of emotions and experiences, both intensely personas and intimately accessible. Though this twenty-three year old still projects the underlying optimism and unbroken spirit of her age, she also shows a hard wisdom and maturity far beyond her youth. Most anyone will find something to relate to in Sutherland's music, whether you prefer kicking yourself in the teeth over your latest relationship, "Haunted", or trying to reconcile the injustices of your childhood, "Not the Daughter". If you are looking for just another chick CD to pop in your card stereo for long road trips, search else. But if you want to get the lowdown on what may be the next hot women musician to conquer Atlanta, Precious Things should be your next stop. [This message has been edited by nicki sutherland (edited August 23, 1999).] [This message has been edited by nicki sutherland (edited August 25, 1999).]