I discovered Nicole Atkins a few months ago - she opened up for Chris Isaak at the Beacon Theatre. This may be the very first time that I went out to the lobby and bought the album IMMEDIATELY after she left the stage.
Such gorgeous music - every song she did gave me goosebumps, I really felt like I was witnessing a breakthrough performance. I also loved her stage chatter, she was quite funny. She talked about how she couldn't even afford to see a show at the Beacon, and here she was playing in it.
Have a listen to The Way It Is on her jukebox. Actually, listen to the entire album. Then go see her at the Bowery on Friday.