Long Way Down

A few weeks ago, I introduced you to the lead singer of “Three Lions”, and raved about his new solo record!  this week, I humbly give you the latest conversation I’ve had with this humble British Talent:

Bruce: When I received this assignment, Nigel, I must tell you I was simply amazed that a solo effort was coming our way from you, what with the Three Lions bursting on the scene and all; you must be just chalk full of music!

Nigel: Thanks very much! It’s a passion I have had for many years, my whole life revolves around music, playing, writing or listening.

Q: Please take us through the events that steered you to make this decision in releasing music on the Solo plateau…

A: This album was recorded before I was introduced to Vinny and Greg. I had been signed to Frontiers as a solo artist and then met the Lions and things have gone from there.

Q: Upon first listen, “Long Way Down” is different than the Three Lions release; although both run in similar musical rivers…are the songs on this record more personal?

A: A little I guess because these were the first songs I got to record, but I don’t really write from personal experience although that sometimes plays a part and gives me an idea to elaborate on. I have a vivid imagination when it comes to lyrics. There are obviously similarities to the Three Lions record but still quite different as the songs on Long Way Down were written with no collaboration with other musicians.

Q: Whom did you enlist to help on this?

A: I recorded the Vocals, Bass and Guitars.  Mario Percudani plays guitar on the record and Alessandro Mori plays drums. Ale (Del Vecchio) put the Keyboards down and also sang some BV’s. I’m very lucky to have had such great musicians and nice guys on the album.

Q: In my opinion your Talent absolutely shines here… Sort of what was promised on the group’s debut is fully realised here…So did you work with a little more freedom?

A: With Long Way Down and Three Lions, we were allowed to write the music we love, there was no agenda or instructions. Both albums are exactly how I wanted them to turn out and I’m very proud of them.

Q: What was it like working with Mr. Del Vecchio! He seems to be everywhere these days!

A: He’s a Legend! Not only is he a fantastic producer, vocalist, and keyboard player but he is one of the nicest guys in the world. It’s a pleasure to work with him.

Q: What are your hopes, Nigel, for “Long Way Down”?

A: I hope people like it, naturally. I think it has some great songs, great musicianship and I hope that the listener gets the feeling of passion and energy that was put into making it.

Q: I know I keep going back to the Three Lions, however, the group is so powerful and your debut on the scene the same; so now with just as powerful a solo debut, are you going out by yourself with live gigs, or would you incorporate some of this material in the Three Lions’ set?

A: Yes, I have a sold out live show to launch the album in December in my hometown of Bradford and am honoured to have been asked to play with Bailey at the Frontiers Rock Festival again in April next year. I hope to have some more live dates for next year also for both Bailey and Three Lions. I’m sure there will be some cross overs on the live shows. At my launch party I’m very pleased that Vinny and Greg, plus the Mancubs have agreed to join me for a couple of tunes and Vinny is playing guitar on the solo stuff too.

Q: I notice that there is another Bailey on this record, is this a family member?

A: Yes, that’s my brother Andy, he is part of the Bailey live line up and also the Three Lions. It’s great to have him on there and live our voices work so well together, he has an amazing voice.

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Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

The Blue Gator:   Papa Wheely:   Dec. 5^th & 6^th  Hank Stallion:  Dec. 11^th    Non Prophet Society:  Dec. 12^th

Doc Willoughby’s Downtown Pub:   Wild Son:   Dec. 6^th

Dream Café:   Black Umfolosi:   Dec. 5^th   Jack Semple:   Dec. 6^th   Black Umfolosi:   Dec. 8^th

Flashback’s Nite Club:  Elliott Brood:  Feb. 12^th

Longhorn Pub (Vernon):  Sunday Night Jam—all musicians welcome!—Hosted by-Rick Zip & The Wheelhouse Band:  

Minstrel Café:  Poppa Dawg Blues Band:   Dec. 5^th & 6^th   The Kinga Heming Trio:  Dec. 9^th

O'Flannigan's Pub:   (Live Music every Tuesday with Riaz and Friends)  Hank Stallion:  Dec. 5^th & 6^th   Chuck Norris Band:  Dec. 12^th  Papa Wheely:   Dec. 19^th & 20^th

Whiski-jack’s Pub:  Jimmy LeGuilloux Band:  Dec. 5^th & 6^th

Notable Concerts:      Cleland Community Theatre (Penticton):  Rann Berry’s The One Hit Wonders Show!! (Last show of 2014)  Dec. 6^th @ 7:30pm

Prospera  Place:   Bryan Adams:  January 15^th  2015   The Tragically Hip:  Feb. 7^th 2015

Kal Tire Place (Vernon):  Blackjack Billy/Doc Walker/The Road Hammers:   Dec. 13^th

Kelowna Community Theatre:   Black Label Society:  Dec. 30^th   

South Okanagan Events Centre:  Celtic Thunder:  March 13^th-2015

 

   …if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  [email protected]  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!.....

 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.