Who said all reviews had to be about current releases? Nakia (pronounced with 2 schwas), is a powerful, soulful vocalist who croons Motown, gospel, and Southern blues on Water to Wine, which debuted in early 2009. This Alabama native set up shop in Austin, Texas and has garnered a groundswell of fans and accolades ever since.

“Choose Your Poison” kicks things off in a moderate third gear, and you’ll find yourself singing the line “Momma hit me with your whippin’ stick” long after you’ve put your iPod away. The standout on the album is the title track, penned by the singer himself. Every writer has his/her version of the “Sorry, baby, I gotta keep movin’ on” theme, but this just may be the banner song for the genre. Listening to “Water to Wine” reminds you of breaking up with your first girlfriend (if only I’d chosen these words to do it, I would have spared myself five hours on her doorstep).

Still, it’s Nakia’s voice that carries the album. He has major league pipes that can both gently pull and painfully rip passion from his gut. Still not sure what Nakia is about? Think of Joe Cocker mixed with the Southern touch of The Black Crowes. He’s been touted as one of Austin’s best vocalists, but even Austin can’t hold back a Texas-sized talent like Nakia for too much longer.

— Phil Pyle

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