Rather than a maiden voyage, In the Indigo sails more like a luxury cruise ship, sometimes floating gently in tropical currents, sometimes churning through turbulent waters, but always on course. Guided more by intuition than by the paths of her elders, her muses, or others’ expectations, Nancy offers a mix of standards, less familiar covers, original lyrics and arrangements, a bold outing for this small-town Minnesota native. Even her standards (like “Bye Bye Blackbird” and “Blue Skies”) soar above “standard” treatment as Nancy changes the pace, the space, the rhythm, mood—maybe slower, more sultry, more pensive. Regardless of origin, these songs belong to Nancy Harms alone, a set that exudes a sweet confidence that comes from self appraisal and commitment to both art and craft. 

So who is Nancy Harms? From Clara City, MN where she sang in school and church choirs, to the classical music program and jazz bands at Concordia College in Moorhead, Nancy was always singing. After graduation, she taught elementary music in Milaca, MN, before making the move to the Twin Cities a few years ago. Soon she formed the Nancy Harms Trio and was booking gigs at such area venues as Rossi’s, The Times, Fine Line, and Dakota, building an enthusiastic following across the metro, catching the ear of such area luminaries as Arne Fogel, who noted that “She is a remarkably instinctive musician. She has never been afraid to ask questions, to harvest the experience and lessons imparted by the people who came before her. Yet, despite her eagerness to learn from others and apply the lessons, she also has a very well-defined sense of 'self' and how she wants to express her personality, her music, her appearance, etc. It's a very harmonic balance between the 'eager student' and the self-determined artist who has definite ideas about where she wants to go...Nancy's going to be a big presence on the jazz scene."

That presence has continued to grow as Nancy has moved farther and farther away from the Great American Songbook and into her own songbook, one that as easily encompasses John Mayer as Irving Berlin. In the Indigo not only highlights Nancy’s personal approach to time and phrasing (suggesting influences as diverse as Billie Holiday, Kurt Elling and Gretchen Parlato), but also her skill in bringing just the right artistic partners to her work, such as her collaborations with guitarist Robert Bell and vocalist Arne Fogel on the lyrics to the title track, and with bassist Michael O’Brien on “Surprised by the Morning.” A particular delight throughout this recording is Nancy’s pairing with former Twin Cities trumpeter Kelly Rossum, a singular talent seldom heard with a vocalist but a perfect counterweight here, his muted journeys mirroring the singer’s moods and colors.  

In the Indigo might be a debut release, but it holds all the trademarks of a veteran’s accomplishment – just enough music that will be familiar, yet offered with fresh interpretations; covers that deserve more attention, particularly when presented with such care and passion; new material that intrigues; supporting musicians and arrangements that honor and enhance the focal point—a voice that delivers with subtle power and insight, a voice that promises an exciting journey in the years ahead. Says Nancy, “To me, the “Indigo” means the infinite, vast open sky...the place where we experience our greatest joy and sense of adventure, and the sense that we can live our fullest lives... the boldness to believe in ourselves.” 

“Nancy Harms vocally paints standards such as ‘Bye Bye Blackbird,’ draws a contemporary picture with John Mayer’s ‘Great Indoors,’ and beautifully colors her composition ‘In the Indigo’ with lovely hues from her own distinctive palette.” ―Maryann Sullivan, Corner Jazz (KBEM FM) 

The Dakota Jazz Club is located at 1010 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis; for reservations ($5 cover), call 612-332-1010 or visit www.dakotacooks.com. The Jungle Theater is located at 2951 Lyndale Av South; tickets ($8) at the door. CDs available at the shows, at the Electric Fetus, on CD Baby, or from www.nancyharms.com. This article adapted  and expanded from Nancy Harms’ press release, written by Andrea Canter.