An American jazz artist, Niles Thomas is an extraordinary artist lacing melodic vocal sensitivity with hook-filled chorus' into a unique synthesis of jazz and blues. Niles earned the moniker "The Velvet Voice" from a French magazine write-up describing that "Niles Thomas, the Velvet Voice, weaves a spell so seductive and hypnotic, that the listener loses themselves while being wrapped in the warmth of his sound." After a 6 year contract under the EMI Music umbrella, Niles took a 4 year sabbatical and now returns with a compelling original collection of 5 new compositions entitled "A Jazz Noir" under the independent label, Cappello Records. We now get to hear the first new fruits of his labor, from the beautifully haunting tracks of “Miss Nina Simone” and “The Stranger”, to the unique transformation of Brubeck’s “Take Five” into his own “Take Five (Shades of Love)”, into the delicate dark sonnet of “Lovers Trance”, through to the swingin’ gypsy jazz groove of “Mad Affair”. A Jazz Noir includes a cast of key musical collaborators and special guests including trumpeter Bijon Watson (Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Diana Krall, Michael Bublé, Natalie Cole), producer and pianist Thomas Johansen, trombonist Juliane Gralle (Diana Krall, Kurt Elling, Clayton-Hamilton, Metropole Orchestra), upright bassist Jonathan Ahrens (Christina Aguilera, Dave Liebman, Jewel, Jason Mraz) and drummer George Dum. “It was important for me to surround myself with my friends whom I trust and have a true understanding of my musical vision”, Niles explains. “I wanted this record to be honest, raw, and a bit under-produced, including the occasional de-tuned horn to simple human mistakes while playing. As Miles Davis stated... 'Do not fear mistakes. There are none'.