Nico D

This CD is very much in a West Coast Blues vein akin to what people like Rod Piazza or Paul Lamb release, but with a much fresher rendition. For a start, Nico's voice is melodious and can be very emotional when needed, but he doesn't use that in excess. What's more, Nico's harp playing is not 'systematic' but used only when it brings something to the whole sound.
The choice of material isn't very varied and it's certainly strongly anchored in the blues tradition. The interpretation though is enjoyable and the band seems to be having fun, something which isn't always obvious when listening to many albums today. Nico sings two tracks in French and the rest is in English…

This 2007 recording of J.S. Bach's Johannes Passion, featuring Concerto d'Amsterdam and the Flemish vocal ensemble La Furia, uses the 1725 version of the piece, which substitutes some movements (most noticeably the opening chorus) more staid than those of the 1724 version. That decision to go for restraint rather than passion carries over to the performance style, as well, which tends to be reserved and tastefully correct rather than stirringly dramatic. It couldn't be characterized as flaccid because there is certainly a high energy level when appropriate, but even in these sections the performers seem more concerned with brisk precision than with stirring the blood.

Formed in 2014 by founding Entombed member Lars-Göran Petrov, Entombed A.D. sees the influential Scandinavian death metal legends' punishing work published under a slightly different moniker…

I'll Be Your Mirror: A Tribute to the Velvet Underground & Nico, is a contemporary tribute to the Velvets debut, with each of the album's songs performed by one of the band's noteworthy artistic descendants. Featured artists include Kurt Vile & the Violators, Sharon Van Etten, Iggy Pop & Matt Sweeney, Michael Stipe, Matt Berninger of The National, Courtney Barnett, King Princess, Fontaines D.C. and more.

Nico - The Frozen Borderline 1968-1970 (2007) {2CD Set Rhino 8122-74885-2}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 752 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 318 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 30 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1968-70, 2007 Elektra / Reprise Records / Rhino | 8122-74885-2
Rock / Avant Rock / Art Rock / Experimental Rock

A companion to the same label's masterful reissue of John Cale's Paris 1919, The Frozen Borderline remasters the two albums that Nico recorded (with Cale in attendance) for Elektra and Reprise in 1968 and 1970, adding a heap of bonus tracks and the kind of deluxe packaging that fans – accustomed to the cheapness of other Nico repackagings – have previously only dreamed about. Spread across two discs, one per original LP, the two albums sound spectacular. Neither was exactly a production tour de force, their instrumentation dominated, of course, by harmonium, and the handful of flourishes that Cale layered on.

Nico Wayne Toussaint - one of the top harmonica-playing singers of his generation, applauded both in Europe and in North America. Nico signs his shows with his personnality : charisme and pure energy. His repertoire is mainly originals deep rooted in the 50's Chicago Blues sound with a touch of more contemporary Blues. A tight teamwork by his group and his own unique voice complete a show of blues « a la » Nico Wayne Toussaint. His latest project is a 8 piece band with which he pays tribute to his all time mentor and strongest influence : James Cotton. Fall 2017 : the band is launching its new album "Nico Wayne Toussaint plays James Cotton" on Dixiefrog Records. Professional since 1998, he has recorded 13 albums under his name on Dixiefrog Records.