The 5 Spot Nashville, TN
Contact: ernienickelsmusic@gmail.com
Web: ernienickels.com
Players: Andrew Kahl, drums; Luca Wilbur, guitar; Ernie Nickels, guitar, lead vocals; Will Harris, bass; Ayla Stone, guest vocals
There’s a benefit for any musician growing up in the jam scene. It means the individual will be immersed in a wide array of genres, causing a thick bouillabaisse of savory sounds and creative inspirations to take hold deep within the artist. That’s certainly true for Ernie Nickels, who spent his formative years amid Connecticut’s flourishing jam band culture. Living in territories as diverse as Brooklyn, Dallas, and Honolulu undoubtedly contributed further to his affinity for a wide selection of musical styles.
Take, for example, the dynamic set that took place one September night in his current base of Nashville. It launched with an acoustic cover of “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones; the number featured additional vocals from Ayla Stone, who had just served as opener. Nickels then went electric as the rest of his band joined him on stage and launched into an original song, alternative rocker “Mourning Light.” Subsequent covers included a take on Marty Robbins’ “Devil Woman,” which delivered a classy (as well as local) touch of country flair, and a version of Martha & The Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street” so funky it would have made Sly Stone proud.
All of his unique compositions are equally delightful. “Rainbow Revival” is a tasty mix of surf and grunge. “All in All” delivers a dash of Southern rock flair, while “Comfort Colors” puts prismatic strumming front and center. The evening finished with “hangin round,” a true showstopper that showcased the front man’s guitar pyrotechnics. It must also be mentioned that the rest of the group remains perfectly in sync, both with their bandleader and each other. Nickels’ weakest factor is his vocals. While perfectly admirable, he doesn’t display enough power or quirkiness to be labeled an iconic singer.
Nickels could level up by refining elements such as describing the meanings behind his songs, cracking jokes, introducing the band, etc., but the meat of what he offers, his musical oeuvre, is already pure gold. Behold, a sonic soul who’s more than capable of making audiences feel rich in spirit.
The post Live Review of Ernie Nickels first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.