NRGized By the Blues
BY BREUSE HICKMAN • FLORIDA TODAY • April 4, 2008
Singer Nicole Hart is gaining a Southeast buzz for her contemporary mix of blues, soul and funk with the NRG Band. But she credits two epiphanies for putting her on her current career course.
The first occurred while she was working as a professional singer-for-hire and was attempting to lay down tracks "for a song I just couldn't get behind, some disco tune," she says by phone.
"At that moment, I made a decision to keep a certain level of integrity. I find I've always been drawn to blues and soulful music. And that's what I intended to make."
Her second eureka moment occurred a few years ago when she felt so ill she came close to canceling a nearly sold-out gig.
But just before the show, "I had a total paradigm shift," she says. "I suddenly got a grasp on the big picture and realized that it's not all about me. It's about my audience.
"You can't feel good every night. But you know? By the end of every show, I know I'm going to feel great."
The group is performing several dates in Florida, including this weekend's Sebastian Beach Inn gig. But perhaps the biggest stop is the Springing the Blues Fest tonight in Jacksonville Beach.
It's a three day-event, and I'm the only female headline (act) there," she said.
Inspired by soulful belters Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Bonnie Raitt, as well as Stevie Wonder and the late Donnie Hathaway, Hart grew up singing in church choirs and learning her craft while singing a cappella as part of madrigal singing groups. She studied classical music in college but, "during the first six months, I realized it wasn't for me," she said. "I love opera, but I don't get down with it."
Now free to explore within the bluesey goalposts she and her band have set up, she says she always gives her audience an original sound -- even when performing covers.
"We like to get funky," she said. The band recently released a CD of original tunes, "Live NRG."
"I've heard there is a buzz about us, and I'm pleased I keep hearing about it," she said. "Every room we've played on the tour has been filled to capacity.
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PANAMA CITY NEWS HERALD ~ Thursday, March 27, 2008
By Brady Calhoun, Staff Writer
Nicole Hart & The NRG Band playing PineappleWilly's
Nicole Hart & The NRG Band will bring their blues, soul, funk to Pineapple Willy's this Sunday. Their album, "Live NRG," showcases Hart's strong vocals and the band's dexterity. And any album that covers an Allman Brother's song automatically gets extra points.
Hart said she and the band picked Hot'lanta because she was born there and because it gives the band an excuse for long improvised jams. Hart's smokin' music should translate well to the stage. In an interview last week, Hart said she always has "the audience in mind." "My primary goal when I perform is to be as musical as possible, as entertaining as possible and communicate with my audience as much as possible," Hart said. "This is a band that really likes to jam out and play together. We never do the same thing twice."
Although Hart was born in Atlanta she grew up in Jacksonville and the Pineapple Willy's show is part of a tour through Florida. "I'm really looking forward to spending time in Florida again," Hart said. Hart lived for a while in New York City but ultimately fled to New Jersey. "I just missed the trees," Hart said. Her home in north New Jersey is "just beautiful, lush and green and lots of trees."
Hart's influences are reflected in her soul filled singing. R & B singer Chaka Kahn, jazz great Ella Fitzgerald and the reigning queen of soul Aretha Franklin are particularly strong influences, she said. Fitzgerald's "Ella in Rome" album "just knocks me out," Hart said. Another important album to Hart is "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis. "Every time I hear that music I hear something new," Hart said.
Hart and her band hope to bring the same sorts of surprises when they play live, she said. "Every one of them is an outstanding soloist," Hart said of her band. "The thing I bear in mind is if the audience is loving it … just let it go."
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Sunday, March 09, 2008
Blues Festival Guide Article & Albert Castiglia’s New CD,
Category: Music
Sunday seems to be the day of the week when I catch my breath and look back at recent events...this past week the Blues Festival Guide ran a very nice article about our signing to Blues Boys & Divas Talent:
BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE - NICOLE HART ON TOUR
As the result of this article we have already received reaches from other talent buyers and festivals interested in bringing us to their events and venues. Our agent is pretty happy!
In other news, one warm sunny day last year I got an urgent phone call from a good friend of mine, Rick Lusher, letting me know that Albert Castiglia was in town recording for his new CD. Could I drop everything and get over there to lend a hand with vocals? It seems after Albert finished recording the track, he said he wished he had background vocals for his cover of the great Ray Charles classic, "Night Time is the Right Time." Well, Rick pounced on that idea and bright and early the next day he picked up the phone to call me and another dear friend of ours, Ms. Sweet Suzi Smith (who also just released a CD -www.myspace.com/sweetsuzi) to ask would we be willing to come for the session? Suzi & her manager, Suzanne Foschino (www.myspace.com/suzannephotography1) dropped everything and drove 3 hours out to the studio in Jersey. I had slept in and was just getting our messages....I had a show myself that night in a completely different direction, but I knew recording for Albert was a very worthy cause! So, Lance and I packed up the wheels for the gig later that evening & headed off to the studio in Central Jersey with plans to "hit it & quit it", as James Brown says! Ben Elliott's Showplace Studio was beautiful and sounded great. Grammy winning producer, Jack Kreisberg, was at the helm and made the session go 1, 2, 3. Suzi and I were fooling around at the end of the track & Suzi let out a riff. The next take, at the end of the track, I let out a gospel riff of my own, thinking that she would, too, and that we'd get that soul sista thang happening at the end...But she didn't jump in! I was surprised and asked Jack, "Is that what you wanted?" Well, they laughed out loud and, as it turns out, they kept my riff AND my question at the end of the track for the finished master. Funny stuff...I still wish Suzi and I had done the thing together...it would've sounded great, but I'm happy they kept the riff.
Albert's guitar playing is legendary; he used to play for Junior Wells. What you may not know is that Albert's voice is AMAZING! Not many people could pull off a Ray Charles cover, but boy does he. In fact, his vocals on the entire CD are just great. I think this record will put him on the map as not only a great guitarist but also, a great singer. His previous CD, "A Stone's Throw" was number one on XM Satellite & Music Choice, & 2 Most Played on Sirius Radio. I'm sure this one will do that and more. Albert's CD is scheduled for worldwide release on April 1st, but is already receiving airplay. Make sure you check it out.
K, more news on the way, with another formal announcement. Keep an eye out
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Sunday, January 20, 2008
TOUR & AIRPLAY
Current mood: blessed
Category: Music
Writing here the morning after three great shows...I feel so very blessed to perform and make music for & with everyone who comes to see us: we have really wonderful fans & friends. And I just LOVE that so many of our musician friends stop by & sit in. What a party!!! Everybody wins! Love it. After taking a month off, it was so good to see you all and make the hang. I just love spending time with each of you. With all that singing & talking, I’m exhausted but very happy. I know I have to pace myself coming up as we have a ton of shows booked. After taking a month off over the Holidays, I forgot what it feels like the next day (a little bit sore all over - if you’ve seen one of our shows, you know why!)
ANYWAY, so what’s going on: we’re doing some nice regional shows in Feb & then gearing up to hit the road the last week of March to tour down South. I just found out we got a primo spot at Springing the Blues, a great annual festival in Jacksonville, Florida. We’re very pleased and honored. I have to say that our agent, Harty Wiedemann, is doing a fabulous job looking out for us. Check out the schedule; it’s lining up beautifully, and we are really looking forward to bringing our show to you all, to meeting new people and, God willing, making new fans.
Speaking of making new fans, we’ve been receiving airplay from around 300 Blues shows nationwide since this time last year, and we’re still getting adds. Amazing! There are so many generous DJs out there willing to give new artists a chance &, if they like what they hear, they put it out there. I’m counting my lucky stars, believe me.
So, we’re preparing for the road: there’s a lot to do, not the least of which is bringing the touring band together. We are fortunate to use some of the absolute finest players in the region, as you know. OK folks, that’s all for now. Thank you for all the love you are showing us. I’m shining it right back to you!
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Monday, December 03, 2007
NATIONAL AGENT
Current mood: jubilant
I'm pleased to announce that we are now being represented by Blues Boys And Divas Talent Agency for festival appearances & club dates in the United States. I'm honored to be on the roster along with legends "Eddie Kirkland" and "Alberta Adams", as well as up and coming artists such as "Motor City Josh" & "Eric Culberson".
Blues Boys & Divas was created by in 1996 by Harty Wiedemann, who saw a real need for musical Artists to be well represented and have their business concerns addressed. Now, almost 12 years later, the Roster includes some of the most exciting acts in the Blues & Blues-Rock genres, consistently delivering first class entertainment.
"Having worked with many great Artists and also as an Artist myself, I understand how important it is to help each Artist build his or her name by working with them on PR, their image as an Artist, and by placing them into Venues which are best suited to enhance their career. Last but not least, negotiating the very best performance contracts possible for them is my primary goal." ~ Harty Wiedemann
I'm excited for this opportunity and am now booking for Summer 2008. Please check out Blues Boys And Divas on The Web:
http://bluesboys.com/home/
http://bluesboys.com/home/nicole-hart-the-nrg-band/
http://www.myspace.com/bluesboysbooking
Thank ALL of you so much for your support! We have come this far because of YOU!!!
Nicole Hart
Nicole Hart & The NRG Band
Myspace.com/nrgband
Artist Representation: Blues Boys & Divas
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Tuesday, November 27, 2007
WRFG IN STUDIO RADIO INTERVIEW, HOT’LANTA, GA
Current mood: giddy
Category: Music
Hi, Ya'll! Please excuse my sudden Southern drawl which, by the way, is really not so sudden: I was born in Atlanta, GA. This past week I had the extreme privelege of being interviewed by Lee Henzel, WRFG FM radio jock, whose show, "Blues Therapy" is part of "Good Morning Blues" programming for this very respected radio station. It was somewhat of a homecoming for me in that it's pretty thrilling to be interviewed on-air in your hometown. Lance Ong accompanied me to the studio and, after some repeated encouragement from both Lee & myself, put on the headphones to be included in the interview.
While we were there, we had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Beverly "Guitar" Watkins & Mr. Albert White, both mainstays of the Georgia blues scene & road warriors in Europe where blues is very highly appreciated (just ask our friend, Bernard Allison, who travels to Europe on a regular basis where he is loved and revered. )
We have been enjoying airplay on this great station with Djs Lee, Blackjack Ketchum & UK Bob. I will tell you, all three of them are just delightful & generous, but our interview with Lee set the tone for the whole stay in Atlanta: what a positively cool & beautiful spirit he is!
Later that evening Lance & I performed at Darwin's, another blues mainstay & important room when touring the National circuit. This last sentence dovetails nicely with our next bit of news....we have signed with a National booking agency, & will make the formal announcment soon!
Check out this pic...click the link below!
Sittin' at the feet of the blues...Bev "Guitar" Watkins & Albert White ~ Nicole's on-air interview at WRFG, Atlanta (that's Lee Henzel delivering "Blues Therapy" in the background.
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Saturday, November 17, 2007
REVIEW OF OUR STAGE SHOW & CD BY WDVR HOST, JIM HYNES
Current mood: thankful
Category: Music
Just received this lovely review of our stage show & CD by Jim Hynes, WDVR-FM. Jim interviewed me for his show after he saw us perform outside Madison Square Garden in September, & has kept us in the NJ Roots Report for radio play ever since. THANK YOU, JIM!
"What a stage presence! Gorgeous Nicole Hart sings with power, passion, and incredible range and her interplay with her funky band-mates sustains consistent, pulsating energy throughout the show. The NRG band delivers a most contemporary mix of blues, jazz, R&B, and soul. Catch them live - it's a real treat for both your eyes and ears!"
"From the first cut, you hear Nicole Hart's BIG voice that's both smooth and rough. She hits all the right notes, demonstrating an amazing range but it's the emotion in her voice that really grabs you. The NRG band, led by the multi-talented Lance Ong on keys, romps through funk and blues tunes and plays tenderly on the ballads, allowing this frontwoman to wail, croon, and shout. "Live NRG" leaves you wanting even more. These guys have it all down. I"m really looking forward to their first full studio effort."
Jim Hynes, Blues Director and Host of "Blue Monday" - WDVR-FM
www.wdvrfm.org
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aturday, November 03, 2007
INTERVIEW PUBLISHED IN ALL ABOUT JAZZ, WRITTEN BY DAVE KING
Current mood: working
Category: Music
Hi, Folks: On November 1 an article regarding an interview I gave was published to All About Jazz. Dave King of Cross Harp Chronicles was the interviewer/writer and, I must say, I have never been asked more in depth questions in my career thus far. I really enjoyed answering his questions: he brought out a viewpoint from me that I rarely share with the world.
Here's the link to the article:
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=27316
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Bobby Bland, Ann Peebles, and the Malaco Records sound also come to mind with the soul-blues of the sixth track "Think About Love." The final track is a nod to Hart's homeland of Georgia and the Allman Brothers, demonstrating Lance Ong's virtuousity and the band's in-the-pocket rhythm section on the instrumental "Hot 'Lanta."
The virtuosity and command of all players in this band leaves one wondering why and when this band will break into the national attention that it most certainly deserves."
~ BEN COX, R&B BLUES HOUR, WEAI, JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS
"Coming to us from northern New Jersey, "The NRG Band" is one impressive group of musicians. This young band delivers the sound that usually comes from many years of touring together. It's hard to believe that they have been performing for months rather than years. Nicole Hart leads the band with an incredible voice similar to that of Susan Tedeschi, but with a sound very much all her own. Surrounding herself with musicians that compliment each other, it's no surprise that their 1st CD release is such a solid debut. "NRG Live" is a well produced CD with the kind of clarity you don't always get with a live recording. Each cut on the CD was hand chosen by the band from past performances through out the year. Included are well done covers of "It Hurt So Bad", and Koko Taylor's "Voodoo Woman", along with originals "I Heard", and a true story put in song by Nicole Hart and Lance Ong entitled "(That Woman's Trash is This Woman's )Treasure". If this is just the beginning for The NRG Band, then with out a doubt it will be the listeners who benefit on into the future."
~ AL LUNDY, 89.3 FM, KZUM, LINCOLN, NE
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Thursday, August 30, 2007
AIRPLAY, NEW REVIEWS & INTERVIEWS
Current mood: happy
Category: Music
Hi, Everyone: In the last month we have received help from our friend, Rick Lusher (who is also a close friend and supporter of Albert Castiglia's) in compiling airplay summaries from around the world &, so far, we have counted over 200 radio stations nationally & internationally that are spinning our CD, "LIVE NRG!" Additionally, I have been approached by different radio shows & magazines for interviews. I have enjoyed giving these interviews so much. I'll let you know when the magazine interviews go to print, & will be posting audio files of the radio interviews to our website at: www.TheNRGband.com.
In the meantime, here are reviews from two DJ's who have been giving our CD generous airplay: Ben Cox, WEAI & Al Lundy, KZUM!
"This band's first effort, though recorded live, is mixed like it just came out of the studio. Save for some opening applause at the beginning of the first track, you wouldn't believe this was a live recording! Lead singer/songwriter Nicole Hart has plenty of great credits under her belt as far as knowing the blues/R&B/soul world, living it, and being a part of it. (Hart is the only Caucasian singer to ever be a part of the classic R&B girl group The Shirelles, as she was chosen by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Shirley Alston to fill the slot after an audition). Lance Ong, the band's leader/arranger/producer, also has arranged and written for more famous folks than I care to type, and then there is guest guitarist Gil Parris who was nominated for a Grammy and is one of only a few artists to have 4 major label albums on the market in 4 different genres.
With that said, let's talk about this seven-track gift to the ears! The band's opener is the funky blues-progressed, world wise, "I Heard", that demonstrates both the intelligence of writer Lance Ong and the control of the sensual, smoky, and smooth vocals Hart portrays throughout the course of the disc. Ong's keys float over and around and between the spaces as Stanley Behrens presents some less-is-more-for-the-better harmonica leads and rhythms. Parris turns in some Albert King-inspired licks to further accentuate this groove. The band does a complete turnaround on the Koko Taylor classic a la Susan Tedeschi-inspired "Voodoo Woman." Hart's usually rather smooth, sultry vocals takes on the brash confidence and gravel of a woman empowered. The attitude typifies the fast-growing appeal of the band's sharp-paced, high energy performances. Hart demonstrates her songwriting abilities on "Treasure," turning in a passionate and heartfelt R&B groove that tells a great story to any woman who has ever found their man kicked to the curb by another. "Every Night of the Week" is as classic blues as it gets, but not stale by any means. This slinking blues shuffle adds a dose of jazz and sexuality around the dynamics of Hart's well-controlled and defined vocals. Rich Cohen, the other guest guitarist on the disc, produces work on this cut that stands next to the more reknowned Parris equally.
THE REAL REACH-DOWN-AND-GET-'EM TRACK comes from another staple out of the fellow Northeastern native Susan Tedeschi songbook. Originally penned by Tom Hambridge, "It Hurt So Bad" would grab the attention of any classic R&B/soul fan for its yearning lyrics and howling vocals. Hart gives it a new spin by adding spacing in the lyrics calling up hints of Bobby Bland and Aretha Franklin on the way. The space that she provides in the phrasing demonstrates both her command and the band's precise movements throughout the disc. Cohen, again, gives some wonderful reverb drenched solo work, adding to the classic R&B/soul feel that seems to pull from Hart's origins and the band's core.
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NICOLE HART / Blog
FLORIDA TODAY • April 4, 2008
NRGized By the Blues BY BREUSE HICKMAN • FLORIDA TODAY • April 4, 2008 Singer Nicole Hart is gaining a Southeast buzz for her contemporary mix of blues, soul and funk with the NRG Band. But she credits two epiphanies for putting her on her current career course. The first occurred while she was working as a professional singer-for-hire and was attempting to lay down tracks "for a song I just couldn't get behind, some disco tune," she says by phone. "At that moment, I made a decision to keep a certain level of integrity. I find I've always been drawn to blues and soulful music. And that's what I intended to make." Her second eureka moment occurred a few years ago when she felt so ill she came close to canceling a nearly sold-out gig. But just before the show, "I had a total paradigm shift," she says. "I suddenly got a grasp on the big picture and realized that it's not all about me. It's about my audience. "You can't feel good every night. But you know? By the end of every show, I know I'm going to feel great." The group is performing several dates in Florida, including this weekend's Sebastian Beach Inn gig. But perhaps the biggest stop is the Springing the Blues Fest tonight in Jacksonville Beach. It's a three day-event, and I'm the only female headline (act) there," she said. Inspired by soulful belters Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Bonnie Raitt, as well as Stevie Wonder and the late Donnie Hathaway, Hart grew up singing in church choirs and learning her craft while singing a cappella as part of madrigal singing groups. She studied classical music in college but, "during the first six months, I realized it wasn't for me," she said. "I love opera, but I don't get down with it." Now free to explore within the bluesey goalposts she and her band have set up, she says she always gives her audience an original sound -- even when performing covers. "We like to get funky," she said. The band recently released a CD of original tunes, "Live NRG." "I've heard there is a buzz about us, and I'm pleased I keep hearing about it," she said. "Every room we've played on the tour has been filled to capacity.
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PANAMA CITY NEWS HERALD ~ Thursday, March 27, 2008
PANAMA CITY NEWS HERALD ~ Thursday, March 27, 2008 By Brady Calhoun, Staff Writer Nicole Hart & The NRG Band playing PineappleWilly's Nicole Hart & The NRG Band will bring their blues, soul, funk to Pineapple Willy's this Sunday. Their album, "Live NRG," showcases Hart's strong vocals and the band's dexterity. And any album that covers an Allman Brother's song automatically gets extra points. Hart said she and the band picked Hot'lanta because she was born there and because it gives the band an excuse for long improvised jams. Hart's smokin' music should translate well to the stage. In an interview last week, Hart said she always has "the audience in mind." "My primary goal when I perform is to be as musical as possible, as entertaining as possible and communicate with my audience as much as possible," Hart said. "This is a band that really likes to jam out and play together. We never do the same thing twice." Although Hart was born in Atlanta she grew up in Jacksonville and the Pineapple Willy's show is part of a tour through Florida. "I'm really looking forward to spending time in Florida again," Hart said. Hart lived for a while in New York City but ultimately fled to New Jersey. "I just missed the trees," Hart said. Her home in north New Jersey is "just beautiful, lush and green and lots of trees." Hart's influences are reflected in her soul filled singing. R & B singer Chaka Kahn, jazz great Ella Fitzgerald and the reigning queen of soul Aretha Franklin are particularly strong influences, she said. Fitzgerald's "Ella in Rome" album "just knocks me out," Hart said. Another important album to Hart is "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis. "Every time I hear that music I hear something new," Hart said. Hart and her band hope to bring the same sorts of surprises when they play live, she said. "Every one of them is an outstanding soloist," Hart said of her band. "The thing I bear in mind is if the audience is loving it … just let it go."
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Blues Festival Guide Article Sunday, March 09, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008 Blues Festival Guide Article & Albert Castiglia’s New CD, Category: Music Sunday seems to be the day of the week when I catch my breath and look back at recent events...this past week the Blues Festival Guide ran a very nice article about our signing to Blues Boys & Divas Talent: BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE - NICOLE HART ON TOUR As the result of this article we have already received reaches from other talent buyers and festivals interested in bringing us to their events and venues. Our agent is pretty happy! In other news, one warm sunny day last year I got an urgent phone call from a good friend of mine, Rick Lusher, letting me know that Albert Castiglia was in town recording for his new CD. Could I drop everything and get over there to lend a hand with vocals? It seems after Albert finished recording the track, he said he wished he had background vocals for his cover of the great Ray Charles classic, "Night Time is the Right Time." Well, Rick pounced on that idea and bright and early the next day he picked up the phone to call me and another dear friend of ours, Ms. Sweet Suzi Smith (who also just released a CD -www.myspace.com/sweetsuzi) to ask would we be willing to come for the session? Suzi & her manager, Suzanne Foschino (www.myspace.com/suzannephotography1) dropped everything and drove 3 hours out to the studio in Jersey. I had slept in and was just getting our messages....I had a show myself that night in a completely different direction, but I knew recording for Albert was a very worthy cause! So, Lance and I packed up the wheels for the gig later that evening & headed off to the studio in Central Jersey with plans to "hit it & quit it", as James Brown says! Ben Elliott's Showplace Studio was beautiful and sounded great. Grammy winning producer, Jack Kreisberg, was at the helm and made the session go 1, 2, 3. Suzi and I were fooling around at the end of the track & Suzi let out a riff. The next take, at the end of the track, I let out a gospel riff of my own, thinking that she would, too, and that we'd get that soul sista thang happening at the end...But she didn't jump in! I was surprised and asked Jack, "Is that what you wanted?" Well, they laughed out loud and, as it turns out, they kept my riff AND my question at the end of the track for the finished master. Funny stuff...I still wish Suzi and I had done the thing together...it would've sounded great, but I'm happy they kept the riff. Albert's guitar playing is legendary; he used to play for Junior Wells. What you may not know is that Albert's voice is AMAZING! Not many people could pull off a Ray Charles cover, but boy does he. In fact, his vocals on the entire CD are just great. I think this record will put him on the map as not only a great guitarist but also, a great singer. His previous CD, "A Stone's Throw" was number one on XM Satellite & Music Choice, & 2 Most Played on Sirius Radio. I'm sure this one will do that and more. Albert's CD is scheduled for worldwide release on April 1st, but is already receiving airplay. Make sure you check it out. K, more news on the way, with another formal announcement. Keep an eye out
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TOUR & AIRPLAY Sunday, January 20, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008 TOUR & AIRPLAY Current mood: blessed Category: Music Writing here the morning after three great shows...I feel so very blessed to perform and make music for & with everyone who comes to see us: we have really wonderful fans & friends. And I just LOVE that so many of our musician friends stop by & sit in. What a party!!! Everybody wins! Love it. After taking a month off, it was so good to see you all and make the hang. I just love spending time with each of you. With all that singing & talking, I’m exhausted but very happy. I know I have to pace myself coming up as we have a ton of shows booked. After taking a month off over the Holidays, I forgot what it feels like the next day (a little bit sore all over - if you’ve seen one of our shows, you know why!) ANYWAY, so what’s going on: we’re doing some nice regional shows in Feb & then gearing up to hit the road the last week of March to tour down South. I just found out we got a primo spot at Springing the Blues, a great annual festival in Jacksonville, Florida. We’re very pleased and honored. I have to say that our agent, Harty Wiedemann, is doing a fabulous job looking out for us. Check out the schedule; it’s lining up beautifully, and we are really looking forward to bringing our show to you all, to meeting new people and, God willing, making new fans. Speaking of making new fans, we’ve been receiving airplay from around 300 Blues shows nationwide since this time last year, and we’re still getting adds. Amazing! There are so many generous DJs out there willing to give new artists a chance &, if they like what they hear, they put it out there. I’m counting my lucky stars, believe me. So, we’re preparing for the road: there’s a lot to do, not the least of which is bringing the touring band together. We are fortunate to use some of the absolute finest players in the region, as you know. OK folks, that’s all for now. Thank you for all the love you are showing us. I’m shining it right back to you!
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NATIONAL AGENT Monday, December 03, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007 NATIONAL AGENT Current mood: jubilant I'm pleased to announce that we are now being represented by Blues Boys And Divas Talent Agency for festival appearances & club dates in the United States. I'm honored to be on the roster along with legends "Eddie Kirkland" and "Alberta Adams", as well as up and coming artists such as "Motor City Josh" & "Eric Culberson". Blues Boys & Divas was created by in 1996 by Harty Wiedemann, who saw a real need for musical Artists to be well represented and have their business concerns addressed. Now, almost 12 years later, the Roster includes some of the most exciting acts in the Blues & Blues-Rock genres, consistently delivering first class entertainment. "Having worked with many great Artists and also as an Artist myself, I understand how important it is to help each Artist build his or her name by working with them on PR, their image as an Artist, and by placing them into Venues which are best suited to enhance their career. Last but not least, negotiating the very best performance contracts possible for them is my primary goal." ~ Harty Wiedemann I'm excited for this opportunity and am now booking for Summer 2008. Please check out Blues Boys And Divas on The Web: http://bluesboys.com/home/ http://bluesboys.com/home/nicole-hart-the-nrg-band/ http://www.myspace.com/bluesboysbooking Thank ALL of you so much for your support! We have come this far because of YOU!!! Nicole Hart Nicole Hart & The NRG Band Myspace.com/nrgband Artist Representation: Blues Boys & Divas
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WRFG IN STUDIO RADIO INTERVIEW November 27, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 WRFG IN STUDIO RADIO INTERVIEW, HOT’LANTA, GA Current mood: giddy Category: Music Hi, Ya'll! Please excuse my sudden Southern drawl which, by the way, is really not so sudden: I was born in Atlanta, GA. This past week I had the extreme privelege of being interviewed by Lee Henzel, WRFG FM radio jock, whose show, "Blues Therapy" is part of "Good Morning Blues" programming for this very respected radio station. It was somewhat of a homecoming for me in that it's pretty thrilling to be interviewed on-air in your hometown. Lance Ong accompanied me to the studio and, after some repeated encouragement from both Lee & myself, put on the headphones to be included in the interview. While we were there, we had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Beverly "Guitar" Watkins & Mr. Albert White, both mainstays of the Georgia blues scene & road warriors in Europe where blues is very highly appreciated (just ask our friend, Bernard Allison, who travels to Europe on a regular basis where he is loved and revered. ) We have been enjoying airplay on this great station with Djs Lee, Blackjack Ketchum & UK Bob. I will tell you, all three of them are just delightful & generous, but our interview with Lee set the tone for the whole stay in Atlanta: what a positively cool & beautiful spirit he is! Later that evening Lance & I performed at Darwin's, another blues mainstay & important room when touring the National circuit. This last sentence dovetails nicely with our next bit of news....we have signed with a National booking agency, & will make the formal announcment soon! Check out this pic...click the link below! Sittin' at the feet of the blues...Bev "Guitar" Watkins & Albert White ~ Nicole's on-air interview at WRFG, Atlanta (that's Lee Henzel delivering "Blues Therapy" in the background.
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REVIEW OF OUR STAGE SHOW Saturday, November 17, 20
Saturday, November 17, 2007 REVIEW OF OUR STAGE SHOW & CD BY WDVR HOST, JIM HYNES Current mood: thankful Category: Music Just received this lovely review of our stage show & CD by Jim Hynes, WDVR-FM. Jim interviewed me for his show after he saw us perform outside Madison Square Garden in September, & has kept us in the NJ Roots Report for radio play ever since. THANK YOU, JIM! "What a stage presence! Gorgeous Nicole Hart sings with power, passion, and incredible range and her interplay with her funky band-mates sustains consistent, pulsating energy throughout the show. The NRG band delivers a most contemporary mix of blues, jazz, R&B, and soul. Catch them live - it's a real treat for both your eyes and ears!" "From the first cut, you hear Nicole Hart's BIG voice that's both smooth and rough. She hits all the right notes, demonstrating an amazing range but it's the emotion in her voice that really grabs you. The NRG band, led by the multi-talented Lance Ong on keys, romps through funk and blues tunes and plays tenderly on the ballads, allowing this frontwoman to wail, croon, and shout. "Live NRG" leaves you wanting even more. These guys have it all down. I"m really looking forward to their first full studio effort." Jim Hynes, Blues Director and Host of "Blue Monday" - WDVR-FM www.wdvrfm.org
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INTERVIEW PUBLISHED IN ALL ABOUT JAZZ
aturday, November 03, 2007 INTERVIEW PUBLISHED IN ALL ABOUT JAZZ, WRITTEN BY DAVE KING Current mood: working Category: Music Hi, Folks: On November 1 an article regarding an interview I gave was published to All About Jazz. Dave King of Cross Harp Chronicles was the interviewer/writer and, I must say, I have never been asked more in depth questions in my career thus far. I really enjoyed answering his questions: he brought out a viewpoint from me that I rarely share with the world. Here's the link to the article: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=27316
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AIRPLAY, NEW REVIEWS & INTERVIEWS Part Two
Bobby Bland, Ann Peebles, and the Malaco Records sound also come to mind with the soul-blues of the sixth track "Think About Love." The final track is a nod to Hart's homeland of Georgia and the Allman Brothers, demonstrating Lance Ong's virtuousity and the band's in-the-pocket rhythm section on the instrumental "Hot 'Lanta." The virtuosity and command of all players in this band leaves one wondering why and when this band will break into the national attention that it most certainly deserves." ~ BEN COX, R&B BLUES HOUR, WEAI, JACKSONVILLE, ILLINOIS "Coming to us from northern New Jersey, "The NRG Band" is one impressive group of musicians. This young band delivers the sound that usually comes from many years of touring together. It's hard to believe that they have been performing for months rather than years. Nicole Hart leads the band with an incredible voice similar to that of Susan Tedeschi, but with a sound very much all her own. Surrounding herself with musicians that compliment each other, it's no surprise that their 1st CD release is such a solid debut. "NRG Live" is a well produced CD with the kind of clarity you don't always get with a live recording. Each cut on the CD was hand chosen by the band from past performances through out the year. Included are well done covers of "It Hurt So Bad", and Koko Taylor's "Voodoo Woman", along with originals "I Heard", and a true story put in song by Nicole Hart and Lance Ong entitled "(That Woman's Trash is This Woman's )Treasure". If this is just the beginning for The NRG Band, then with out a doubt it will be the listeners who benefit on into the future." ~ AL LUNDY, 89.3 FM, KZUM, LINCOLN, NE
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AIRPLAY, NEW REVIEWS & INTERVIEWS Thursday, August 30, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007 AIRPLAY, NEW REVIEWS & INTERVIEWS Current mood: happy Category: Music Hi, Everyone: In the last month we have received help from our friend, Rick Lusher (who is also a close friend and supporter of Albert Castiglia's) in compiling airplay summaries from around the world &, so far, we have counted over 200 radio stations nationally & internationally that are spinning our CD, "LIVE NRG!" Additionally, I have been approached by different radio shows & magazines for interviews. I have enjoyed giving these interviews so much. I'll let you know when the magazine interviews go to print, & will be posting audio files of the radio interviews to our website at: www.TheNRGband.com. In the meantime, here are reviews from two DJ's who have been giving our CD generous airplay: Ben Cox, WEAI & Al Lundy, KZUM! "This band's first effort, though recorded live, is mixed like it just came out of the studio. Save for some opening applause at the beginning of the first track, you wouldn't believe this was a live recording! Lead singer/songwriter Nicole Hart has plenty of great credits under her belt as far as knowing the blues/R&B/soul world, living it, and being a part of it. (Hart is the only Caucasian singer to ever be a part of the classic R&B girl group The Shirelles, as she was chosen by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Shirley Alston to fill the slot after an audition). Lance Ong, the band's leader/arranger/producer, also has arranged and written for more famous folks than I care to type, and then there is guest guitarist Gil Parris who was nominated for a Grammy and is one of only a few artists to have 4 major label albums on the market in 4 different genres. With that said, let's talk about this seven-track gift to the ears! The band's opener is the funky blues-progressed, world wise, "I Heard", that demonstrates both the intelligence of writer Lance Ong and the control of the sensual, smoky, and smooth vocals Hart portrays throughout the course of the disc. Ong's keys float over and around and between the spaces as Stanley Behrens presents some less-is-more-for-the-better harmonica leads and rhythms. Parris turns in some Albert King-inspired licks to further accentuate this groove. The band does a complete turnaround on the Koko Taylor classic a la Susan Tedeschi-inspired "Voodoo Woman." Hart's usually rather smooth, sultry vocals takes on the brash confidence and gravel of a woman empowered. The attitude typifies the fast-growing appeal of the band's sharp-paced, high energy performances. Hart demonstrates her songwriting abilities on "Treasure," turning in a passionate and heartfelt R&B groove that tells a great story to any woman who has ever found their man kicked to the curb by another. "Every Night of the Week" is as classic blues as it gets, but not stale by any means. This slinking blues shuffle adds a dose of jazz and sexuality around the dynamics of Hart's well-controlled and defined vocals. Rich Cohen, the other guest guitarist on the disc, produces work on this cut that stands next to the more reknowned Parris equally. THE REAL REACH-DOWN-AND-GET-'EM TRACK comes from another staple out of the fellow Northeastern native Susan Tedeschi songbook. Originally penned by Tom Hambridge, "It Hurt So Bad" would grab the attention of any classic R&B/soul fan for its yearning lyrics and howling vocals. Hart gives it a new spin by adding spacing in the lyrics calling up hints of Bobby Bland and Aretha Franklin on the way. The space that she provides in the phrasing demonstrates both her command and the band's precise movements throughout the disc. Cohen, again, gives some wonderful reverb drenched solo work, adding to the classic R&B/soul feel that seems to pull from Hart's origins and the band's core.
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