We Got By by Ray Greene and Michael Nickolas

24 Jun

Written by Donna Kimura
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Two longtime collaborators in the Boston music scene have released their first CD as a duo.

"We Got By" is an intimate musical affair, featuring only Ray Greene’s soulful singing and Michael Nickolas’ tasteful guitar playing.

The two worked together in High Function, a horn-driven R&B ensemble. They then formed Universal Language, another popular Boston-area band. This time, they left the big sound of a group behind for a more low-key project.

Greene, who has worked with Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole, has a warm, expressive voice. Nickolas’ playing is always palatable. They combine their talents on an eclectic mix of songs, ranging from Gershwin to Fleetwood Mac, from Van Heusen to Dylan. Their maturity and longtime experience are evident as they gracefully handle the diverse material.

They work especially well on Ronald Miller’s "Heaven Help Us All." Greene and Nickolas find such a nice, easy rhythm together that the addition of other musicians would have spoiled the moment. They also do a solid job on Fleetwood Mac’s "Landslide," which will surely bring back memories for a whole generation of listeners who grew up with the song.

If you are looking for something off the beaten path, try "We Got By."