Nicole Played

German jazz musician Nicole Johänntgen (*1981) is saxophonist, composer and workshop leader. She has won a total of 9 awards internationally and nationally. Among them the International Jazz Contest Monaco, the JTI Trier Jazz Award, the Seven Virtual Jazz Club Contest, the European Yamaha Saxophone Contest, the Young Soloist Contest in Fribourg. Then she received awards such as Lichtenburg Award 2023, Art Award 2022 Saarland, Sponsorship Award of Saarlandic Radio and Sparkassen Finance Group Saar and the first prize for the best composition of Jazzclub Moods in Switzerland. Nicole Johänntgen has played with stars like Daniel Powter (Bad day), Roger Cicero, Eric Harland, Aaron Parks, Nils Landgren and is on CD release tour with her band Nicole Johänntgen “Labyrinth”.

German jazz musician Nicole Johänntgen (*1981) is saxophonist, composer and workshop leader. She has won a total of 9 awards internationally and nationally. Among them the International Jazz Contest Monaco, the JTI Trier Jazz Award, the Seven Virtual Jazz Club Contest, the European Yamaha Saxophone Contest, the Young Soloist Contest in Fribourg. Then she received awards such as Lichtenburg Award 2023, Art Award 2022 Saarland, Sponsorship Award of Saarlandic Radio and Sparkassen Finance Group Saar and the first prize for the best composition of Jazzclub Moods in Switzerland. Nicole Johänntgen has played with stars like Daniel Powter (Bad day), Roger Cicero, Eric Harland, Aaron Parks, Nils Landgren and is on CD release tour with her band Nicole Johänntgen “Labyrinth”.

It's not the first time I listen to an album with pleasure, on the cover of which the name Nicole Zureitis appears. A very strong American vocalist, who is currently in the top group of jazz singers, has released a new album, which is certainly a milestone on her creative path. The fact is that for the first time, Nicole managed to work on How Love Begins with such a bright personality as Christian McBride. They have known each other for a long time and highly appreciate each other's work, but whimsical work schedules have only now given them the opportunity to meet in one project. Christian not only participated in the recording of the album as a bassist, but also co-produced the project as a whole. Of the other participants in the recording, one cannot fail to mention the very strong Israeli guitarist Gilad Gekselman, and, of course, the constant participant in all projects of Nicole, her husband, also an Israeli, drummer Dan Pugach.

On my first trip to the country of Spain and the city of Barcelona I was fortunate to play with pianist Iiannis Obiols, drummer Ramon Prats, and Los Angeles bassist Logan Kane. I had never met Iiannis and Ramon prior, and we only had one short soundcheck/rehearsal at the venue before these performances. I felt so much joy to create with this band, I felt that no idea I played ever went unlistened and that fun and connection was our number one priority. I am so grateful to Jordi and Fresh Sound New Talent for bringing me and Logan to Jamboree and to have the opportunity to connect and communicate with Ramon, Iiannis, and the incredible audience that came and listened. —Nicole McCabe

"MONTECARLO DIAMONDS" is the first album of original songs, performed by the South African singer and model Nicole Magolie, and produced by the icon of nu-jazz/lounge music, Papik. Ten tracks wrotten by the two artists in soul, jazz, dance, and R&B. With diverse listening experience the album is characterized by Nicole's captivating vocals and Papik's distinctive style.

Nicole Brady's debut album invites listeners into a cinematic tale centered around a band of musicians who once played in a long Lost Palace. Collaborating with iconic musicians, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Miles Mosley, Mark Guiliana and Lydia Ainsworth, Brady composed and produced the eight-track album in Dolby Atmos, achieving a surreal sense of immersion. The album's sonics carry on the canon of beat-making traditions and classical music, with the psychological multi-narratives reminiscent of 1960s filmmaking. At its core, the album serves as a testament to Brady's prowess in producing, composing, and performing, showcasing her keyboard skills as the foundation of this genre-defying and organically cohesive concept album.

In May 2021 Nicole Johänntgen presents her first live album „Henry III“ with Jon Ramm (trombone), Steven Glenn (sousaphone) and Paul Thibodeaux (drums). This is the third time the saxophonist has
recorded an album with her three New Orleans musicians. „Henry III“ is funky and refreshing, played simply and honestly, grooves and rumbles inspired by New Orleans jazz.

Co-produced by Christian McBride, How Love Begins is an ardent, vulnerable and relatable meditation on modern love that solidifies the GRAMMY nominated Zuraitis' stature as one of the pre-eminent songwriters of our time. Alongside Zuraitis' soaring vocals and pianistic refrains, How Love Begins features the aforementioned Christian McBride on the bass, Gilad Hekselman on guitar, Maya Kronfeld on organ, Wurlitzer and Rhodes, and Dan Pugach on drums.

Dancing in Dreams brings together French impressionism and the evocative compositions of tango composer, Astor Piazzolla. As the impressionistic style sought to capture ambiguous moods and emotions, and its composers frequently used titles that suggest this, it lends itself particularly well to depictions of dreaming.