Have you ever been so mesmerized by a musician that time stands still the moment they open their mouth? It seems like they are channeling something bigger than themselves and they can't help but create something magical right there right then. You feel you are witnessing something special that could only possibly happen once in a lifetime. Nigel Hall does just that at every single show and that magic comes across in his new album entitled "Ladies & Gentleman...Nigel Hall." I am a huge fan of Nigel and felt called to share his awesome with you all right here right now.
Photo by Jay Sansone
Here's a little about Nigel Hall if you don't know who he is yet. He grew up in a musical family and his fingers first touched the keys before he hit kindergarten age, and his ears were wide open. "I grew up with records," he said. "That's why I'm obsessed. My father had a vast collection. I'd be in third grade with my Walkman and everyone's listening to Ace of Bass, and I'm listening to "Return to Forever," Chick Corea's fusion project with Stanley Clarke.
Nigel Hall is also a relatively new resident of one of America's most sonically significant cities, a place that has always respected the power of history. Since relocating to New Orleans in late 2013, Nigel Hall has been embraced by its world-renowned music community. In early 2014, a feature in its premier music-focused magazine, Offbeat, enthusiastically welcomed Hall as "a perfect fit" for the vibrant city and its singular culture. The Times-Picayune's review of his solo debut at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival the same year crowned him with a comparison to Southern funk godfather Art Neville.
Now that you know a little about Nigel, let's talk to him.
Taraleigh: Why do you do what you do?
Nigel: I was born to. I don't feel that I have another choice in the matter.
Taraleigh: Sounds to me that you are living in your zone of awesome. When you are in that zone you are not only the best at what you do, but you could do it all day everyday. Many people are afraid to go for whatever that thing is for them so I honor you for doing it! And we are grateful that you are because your music makes the world a better place. What are you grateful for right now?
Nigel: I'm grateful to have met my fiancé. I'm not sure I would have accomplished so much without her by my side. I'm grateful for the privilege of getting to play music for a living and also for the amazing people I'm surrounded by.
Taraleigh: All of those people are simply a mirror of you so you must be doing something right. You have so much to be grateful for! An attitude of gratitude excites me greatly. What are you most excited about right now and why?
Photo by Jay Sansone
Nigel: I'm excited to give this record (Ladies & Gentlemen...Nigel Hall) to the people, because its been a long time coming, and it's finally here.
Taraleigh: It's like you are giving birth to something. You've had the months of growing the project until it's ready. Then you labor it out into the world and now it's here! I'm looking forward to meeting your album baby. Speaking of your album baby, if you could compare it to an animal, which animal would it be and why?
Nigel: Oh lord, I guess a skunk. Not because it stinks, but because it's FUNKY.
Taraleigh: If it's anything like everything else I've heard from you, I have no doubt that's true. Since you were brought up in a musical family and many of your friends are musicians also, what was the best piece of advice you were ever given by a fellow musician?
Nigel: Always make funky decisions!
Taraleigh: What other kinds of decisions are there? Haha. What advice would you give to someone who is following a big dream?
Nigel: If they want it bad enough, never give up on it. It will happen.
Taraleigh: Just like your new album. You wanted it, put in the work to bring it to life and it happened. Tell us the top reason someone should get your new album.
Nigel: The reason you should buy the album is that it will take you on an emotional journey.
Taraleigh: I have no doubt about that! Your live show does it to me every time.
Here's a little about his new album "Ladies & Gentlemen...Nigel Hall"
Photo by Jay Sansone
"Ladies & Gentlemen... Nigel Hall," due out in digital format November 13th and vinyl November 27 (with the digital album pre-order starting October 16th), captures the spirit of the songs that made Hall a musician. It was produced by Eric Krasno, guitarist and producer of a dizzying array of artists including Norah Jones, Justin Timberlake, Talib Kweli, Aaron Neville and Matisyahu. Hall's original compositions, from the blissful, sunny '60s-style soul grooves of lead single "Gimme A Sign" and "Never Gonna Let You Go" to the teasing, R&B kiss of downtempo cuts like "Too Sweet" and "Call On Me" show off a record collector's pitch-perfect knowledge and a lifelong fan's passion for gritty, muscular rhythm and blues, funky dancefloor rave-ups and sultry bedroom serenades. The album is a proper introduction to Nigel Hall for fans of Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Charles Bradley, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, The O'Jays, and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.
Thank you for hanging out with me and Nigel for a hot minute.
The awesome in me sees and bows to the awesome in you,
Taraleigh
PS I asked Nigel what his favorite healthy snack and he said, "Healthy, hahaha. I live in New Orleans where everything is made with 2 sticks of butter and/or deep fried! But really, I do love a homemade smoothie."
Me too! For some of Nigel's favorite smoothie recipes go >>>here.