Posts Tagged ‘ Nils ’

Nils – Caught In The Groove

LA based jazz guitarist Nils belongs to the first guard of top guitarists of the smooth jazz genre with albums like Blue Planet (1998), Pacific Coast Highway (2005), Ready To Play (2007), Up Close And Personal (2009), What The Funk (2010), City Groove (2012),  Alley Cat (2015), and Play (2018). His new album Caught In The Groove (2020) meets an audience in difficult times.

Nils plays on the album guitars, synths, Rhodes and programming. He is supported on selected tracks by Oliver C. Brown (percussion), Johnny Britt (organ, vocals and horns), Mitch Forman (piano), Derrick Dmar Martin, Tony Moore, Gorden Cambell (drums), Darryl Williams, Reggie McBride, Darryl Jones, Carsten Schmelzer (bass), Clydene Jackson (Rhodes), and Dov and the LoveStar Strings (live string section).

The album is started by the title track, a dynamic rollover in soft rock infused style of the 80’s pushing you to the next level of groove. Mitch Forman on piano and Johnny Britt on horns add some special glam up to the sonic hit train. The uplifting Good Times are Better brings back the Pacific Coast feeling, which makes smooth jazz so great.

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2020
03/30
CATEGORY
CD Reviews
Smooth Jazz
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Nils – Caught in the Groove

The cool, crafty title of Nils’ latest BAJA/TSR album says it all about his studio and onstage state of mind. A decade and a half after riding his #1 hit “Pacific Coast Highway” into contemporary jazz history as Billboard’s Song of the Decade 2001-2010, the relentlessly prolific composer, guitarist and producer remains joyfully Caught in the Groove, creating instantly infectious, sonically adventurous tracks for himself and numerous artists eager to vibe with the energy of his Midas touch.

As smooth jazz radio – where he’s scored over 15 Top 20 hits, including “Let’s Bounce,” “Georgy Porgy,” “Ready to Play,” “Catnap” and 2011 Song of the Year “Jumpstart” – gears up for the impact of Caught in the Groove’s funky, high octane lead single “Good Times Are Better,” Nils is enjoying ongoing success on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Songs chart as producer and co-writer of pianist Lisa Addeo’s “Listen to This,” the first new title to reach the pole position in 2020.

Another collaboration, “It’s A Party” with fellow guitarist Keith Andrew, is currently rising on the independent jazz charts. He recently played at L.A.’s famed Troubadour with Ayline Artin, an emerging indie rock singer he is producing, and has had his hand in successful releases in recent years by independent instrumental artists Reza Khan, Alvin Pope, Reggie Codrington, Catch the Groove, Brian Simpson, Nate Harasim, and Tony Saunders. Nils is also very active on social media, with over 7,000 followers on his Facebook artists page and some 2,000 subscribers to his YouTube channel; his clips for “Pacific Coast Highway” has more than half a million views to date. This spring and summer, he will be on the road performing assorted festival dates with Steve Oliver and Tim Bowman as part of the all-star collective Guitar G-Force.

The secrets of Nils’ unparalleled success? It starts with a keen ear for hooks, a colorful spirit of experimentation with sounds and grooves, and a trademark vibe rooted in his mastery of the Custom Valley Arts guitar, the trusty musical companion he bought shortly after moving to Los Angeles from his native Munich in the mid-80’s. Beyond that, it’s all about the incredible team of mostly L.A. based musicians he calls in each time to help him not only realize his musical vision, but take it over the top. Continue reading →

2020
03/23
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Nils – Christmas Everyday

Christmas comes closer. Like every year a plethora of musicians are offering Christmas Music. Among those is guitarist Nils with his new album Christmas Everyday featuring Erin Stevenson, Ken Stacey, Clydene Jackson, Johnny Britt, and Diana Tash.

Nils prefers the traditional approach, where modern elements flow in here and there. The tunes are mostly vocals with some rare instrumentals.

Get the album on Amazon.com.

2018
11/12
CATEGORY
Holiday Jazz
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Nils – Play

German-born jazz guitarist Nils has found the way to the hearts of the smooth jazz audience with albums like Pacific Coast Highway (2005), Ready To Play (2007), Up Close And Personal(2009), What The Funk (2010), City Groove (2012), and Alley Cat (2015). His new album Play (2018) is the next stunning bringer of the groove.

Besides his longtime core band of Clydene Jackson (keyboards, vocals), percussionist Oliver C. Brown and bassist Darryl Williams are joining this project drummers Gorden Campbell, Tony Moore and Eric Valentine, pianists Gail Jhonson and Mitchel Forman, bassist Roberto Vally, keyboardists Philippe Saisse and Nate Harasim and saxophonists Steve Cole (solo), Brandon Willis (solo), Charley Langer (horn section) and Mike Parlett (horn section). Finally, Johnny Britt adds vocals, keys, Rhodes, trumpet, and horns to selected tracks.

The starting Coast To Coast conjures up the fantastic mood of a ride along the coast with its multitude of vivid impressions reflected in Nile’s guitar riffs. The song We Got Love was released in 2015 by Babyface as part of his album Return of the Tender Lover titled in reference to his second solo album Tender Lover. Nils perfectly captures in his rendition the rollicking vibes of the original.

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2018
03/07
CATEGORY
CD Reviews
Smooth Jazz
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Nils – Play

Nils’new album entitled Play is a perfect metaphor for his easy-going, effortless ability to produce, compose, perform and engineer a 12 track collection of amazing hits. The endless studio hours spent have resulted in a unique yet very commercial sound that crosses into multiple formats. From the opening track ‘Coast to Coast’ to the sure to be radio single ‘Straight Down the Line’ and the soulful remake of the George Michael classic hit, ‘Careless Whispers’, Nils has delivered a collection of evergreen hits to be added to his stellar song catalog.

Calling on his musician friends and others to lend an ear and help with the many elements of the production, Nils’ chosen lineup has created an album of excellent sound quality and first class musicianship featuring Steve Cole, lead sax and sax solo; Daryl Williams, bass; Oliver C. Brown, percussion; Johnny Britt, keys, trumpet swells and trumpet solo; Jay-Jam, horns; Dov and the Love Star Strings, string section; Gail Johnson, piano; Eddie Brown, vocals; Tony Moore, drums; Roberto Vally, bass; Phillippe Saisse, keyboards; Mike Parlett, saxes; Mitch Foreman, piano; Clydene Jackson, vocals, Rhodes keyboard; Nate Harrison, keys; Charley Langer, saxes; Eric Valentine, drums; Brandon Willis, sax; Simon Phillips, drums.

Pre-order Play at Amazon.com.

 

 

2018
02/15
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Nils – Alley Cat

German born guitarist Nils has impressed the audience with smooth jazz albums like Pacific Coast Highway (2005), Ready To Play (2007), Up Close And Personal (2009) and City Groove (2012). After one year in the making he is now releasing his new project Alley Cat.

On his new CD he is joined by late Ricky Lawson (drums), Darryl Williams, Reggie McBride and Carsten Schmelzer (bass), Clydene Jackson and Nate Harasim (keys), Oliver Brown (percussion), Johnny Britt (keyboards, trumpet and flugelhorn), Eddie Brown and Kathryn Bostic (vocals), Reggie Codrington, Eric Marienthal (sax), DOV (strings, violas), Malcom Pearson (cello) and more. Many of his established companions.

With Two of a Kind Nils starts a fresh and uplifting guitar tune, a captivating burner with a straight melody. Alley Cat is a song like a full-bodied wine, topped off with strings and a horn arrangement. Don’t Hold Back shines with Nils’ typical hooking guitar play, one can hear on all of his previous albums. Johnny Britt and The JayBeez Hornz deliver some icing on the top with an easy going horn arrangement.

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2015
08/23
CATEGORY
CD Reviews
Smooth Jazz
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Nils – Alley Cat

Alley CatNils new album Alley Cat has been a year in the making, not that Nils isn’t very prolific and can write, produce, arrange and perform radio friendly hits at the drop of a guitar pick. It’s just that he has been a man demand. Keeping busy with writing and performing on the current chart hit ‘Harmony Park’ by Nate Harrison which features Nils & Dave Koz or being featured on Brian Simpson’s latest album or having produced three upcoming albums for various new artists. All this plus the release of his ‘Best of Nils’ album and numerous club and festival performances yet he has still managed to produce what should be another chart topper, Alley Cat.

The album will be released August 21, 2015. Pre-order it now at Amazon.com.

2015
07/10
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Nils – Jazz Gems – The Best of Nils

JG_cover_350 Jazz Gems – The Best of Nils, could easily be titled “The Best of Contemporary Jazz” and it’s pure joy and exhilaration reliving these masterfully composed and produced Hits” – Jonathan Widran

Nils has been one of the most successful artists in the Contemporary Jazz genre. With 3 number 1 Hits in the Billboard Smooth Jazz charts, including the Song of the Decade 2001-2010 “Pacific Coast Highway” and Song of the Year 2011 ” Jump Start”, he stands out amongst his peers.

So click the order button and get instant access to Nils’ latest album, “Jazz Gems – The Best of Nils”. Enjoy 15 top 20 Hits on this incredible collection.

2014
10/23
CATEGORY
Smooth Jazz
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Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg 2012

Promoter and event manager Christian Bößner has fulfilled his lifelong dream. If he wants to hear and see a great musician, he invites him to his Smooth Jazz Festival. His festivals in Bregenz, Munich, Austria, Mallorca and Augsburg are legend.

Musicians like Peter White, Rick Braun, Brian Simpson, Nick Colionne, Dave Koz, Jessy J, Paul Brown, Rocco Ventrella, Jonathan Fritzén, Gerald Albright, Martin Ehlers Trio, David Benoit, Walter “Chepe” Blanco, John Odio, Paul “Shilts” Weimar, Chuck Loeb, Joyce Cooling, Steve Oliver, Michael Lington, Club des Belugas, Marcus Johnson, Richard Elliot, Gabin, Chieli Minucci, Alex Bugnon, Marion Meadows, De Phazz, Praful, Pat Appleton, Jaared, Candy Dulfer, Eric Darius, Jeff Lorber, Marc Antoine, Warren Hill, UNÉ and Adani & Wolf followed his invitation.

His events are varied. He surprises the audience constantly with new programs. As he always opens up new places and venues, it is also not boring for the audience concerning this aspect. But apparently is his hometown Augsburg the constant in his career as promoter. Thus, the Smooth Jazz Festival in Augsburg is meanwhile tradition and institution. Evidently provides the Kurhaus Göggingen all the elements for a successful festival.

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2012
10/19
CATEGORY
Concert Reviews
Smooth Jazz
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Nils – City Groove

The fact that Nils was born in Germany, is based more on a pure coincidence. Long ago he has made his own American way of life. His music is full of inspirations for his American musical colleagues. Highlights of his solo career are the smooth jazz albums Pacific Coast Highway (2005), Ready To Play (2007) and Up Close And Personal (2009).

In September Nils will be one of the headliners of the Smooth Jazz Festival Augsburg 2012. Just in time he releases his new album City Groove on September 18, 2012. According to the liner notes of his upcoming CD he is joined by Ricky Lawson and Simon Phillips (drums), Darryl Jones, Reggie McBride and Alex Al (bass), Clydene Jackson and Mitch Forman (keys), Oliver Brown (percussion), Johnny Britt (trumpet), Dov (live strings), Eddie Brown (vocals), Jeff Golub (guitar).

The introducing title song presents trumpet player Johnny Britt, who delivers jazzy overtones to Nils’ earth bounded guitar loops. Casablanca is Morocco’s door to Europe. However don’t await Arabian sounds. This song crystallizes Nils’ typical guitar play with melodious chords on a pattern with wah-wah effects.

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2012
08/09
CATEGORY
CD Reviews
Smooth Jazz
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