Nicole Fournier began playing guitar at the age of 13; in her early twenties she discovered the blues and her fate was sealed, as she explains, “I found what I wanted to do with my life.” This discovery was a fortunate one for Seattle and Tacoma area blues fans.  The woman can hold her own with the best of them (and in fact she has), as I happily discovered at The Manette in Bremerton last Saturday night.

Fournier and her band (Rickey Wyatt on drums and Bobby Smith on bass) put on the kind of seamless, high energy blues show that only true devotees can pull off. The crowd was inspired to fill the dance floor throughout the evening thanks to Rickey Wyatt’s dynamic chops, Bobby Smith played killer bass, and Fournier stole the show with three full sets of searing, unending riffs and rich vocals. Her energy and focus was clear and consistent; she maintained a dazzling level of playing while belting her heart out. Her commanding stage presence and skill level will certainly keep fans coming back for more.

Nicole’s debut CD was released in 1998, and she is currently at work on another. Her original repertoire ranges from the socially conscious “Not Forgotten” (which will be on her next CD) to the lighthearted “Damn This Guitar.” Her sets on Saturday showcased a preview of what we can look forward to on the next CD, including “Self-Respecting Woman,” “Tick Tock” and “Forbidden Fruit,” all songs that speak to her evolution as a songwriter.

Nicole’s list of accolades is impressive and growing; in 1992 she was nominated for “Best Female Vocalist” for the Bay Area Blues Awards; in 1996, she won the Summy Award for "Tacoma Blueswoman of the Year." She has been nominated by the Washington Blues Society for “Best Female Vocalist” and “Best Electric Guitar.” If you’re in the mood for some great blues and a guaranteed good time, check out Nicole and her band. Bring your dancing shoes.