What inspired you to first start making music? And how did you come to be in your current incarnation? Or if you prefer, a brief bio about you.
My older brother first inspired me to play guitar when we were very young. He also inspired me to draw. He was a better guitar player and I was a better draftsman, so I became an artist and he became a classical guitarist. I never stopped playing music, and finally wanted to make a statement about the blues.
Provide us with some info about your latest release…
This record was made in my art studio in Berlin. Thomas and I recorded everything there except Dark Was The Night for which we got permission to record on the Silbermann organ in Freiberg. We wanted to make a record inspired by the old library of congress field recordings. The idea was to use a minimalist approach and bring a fresh interpretation to each song.
Which ones would you consider your main influences both music-wise & non-music-wise?
For music it’s mainly in this case about the old country blues singers and players, Robert Johnson, Skip James, Willie Mctell, Lightning Hopkins…the list is long. Then of course from the classical perspective Bach and the great guitar composers, Villa Lobos, Albeniz, Sor, for instance. And of course Rick Rubin’s approach to the Johnny Cash American recordings. Non music inspiration: Rembrandt, Shakespeare, a long long list of poets and painters.
In what way does your sound differ from the rest genre-related artists/bands and why should we listen to your music? In other words, how would you describe your sound?
I think the music is different mainly because of the player’s interpretations. We worked primarily with classical and jazz players as we tried to avoid simply covering a song. The sound I would call interstellar blues infusion!
Please name your 3 desert islands albums, movies & books…
Led Zeppelin physical graffiti (if I can only have one record!)
Glenn Gould Bach’s Goldberg Variations- the complete recordings.
Maybe some Gregorian Chant would be needed if I really can’t get off the island!
Books: the complete Shakespeare will more than suffice…
Movies…I guess The Godfather is one of the few movies that I can always rewatch.
Casablanca
Orson Wells Chimes At Midnight
Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?
Studio…for now
Is there any funny-unique story you would like to share with us, always in relation to your music ‘career’?
Sure there was that time a young woman pissed in my guitar case…!!!
Which track of your own would you point out as the most unique and why?
I think Dark Was The Night is unique because I don’t think it’s been lately recorded by a player as brilliant as Brian or on such a magnificent instrument. And then Iris brought such a glorious voice to the song. There were 6 takes, each different, each perfect. It was overwhelming to be present for that session. It was magical.
Would you like to share with our readers your future plans?
We are about to release an ep recorded during lockdown, 4 songs, 2 short pieces.
We are planning a record release performance/exhibition. A classical guitar record featuring my brother. And we are working on an opera with composer Gene Pritsker.
Free question!!! (Ask yourself a question) you wish to answer and haven’t been given the opportunity…
Who is my favorite guitar player?
Willie Nelson !
Curated by: Christos Doukakis
Recommended listening:
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Connect with Some Nicholson:
@somenicholsonmusic