Nigel Hall – A Man of Funk ‘n Soul

One listen to Nigel Hall’s debut release, Ladies & Gentlemen…Nigel Hall, and it becomes obvious that the keyboardist and vocalist is way hip to the inner workings of soul and funk. The Washington, D.C. native and New Orleans resident since 2013, who performs at Tipitina’s on Wednesday, December 3, brings his knowledge and love of the genres to his original material as well as his choice of well-executed cover tunes.

“You’re going to love it because I love,” declares Hall, a passionate artist and record collector, of the gig at Tip’s. He’ll be joined by some great, like-minded musicians – his “working band” – including guitarist/vocalist Derwin “Big D” Perkins, drummer/vocalist Jamison Ross, guitarist Andrew Block, bassist Eric Vogel, trumpeter Eric “Benny” Bloom and saxophonist Chris Royal. Hall has worked with all of these guys in different configurations, notably with Big D as an “honorary” member of pianist/vocalist Jon Cleary’s Monster Gentlemen and Bloom in the group Lettuce.

When asked if Ross, who is equally talented behind the trap set and at the microphone, was going to sing, Hall was quick to answer. “Jamison will sing background. He’s not gonna steal my show,” he replied with a laugh. “We do totally different things but we have such an agreement on music and life. That’s my ace.”

At Wednesday’s record release party, the night will naturally be full of the material – plus a “Message to the Meters” segment — on the disc. And it’s a killer album from the top with Hall’s self-penned, soulful, dance-ready gem, “Gimme a Sign,” to the softer, dreamy original “Call on Me” on which Hall skillfully employs his falsetto.

Though these songs, as well as others of Hall’s composition like “Never Let You Go” are brand new, they immediately feel like old friends.

“It’s familiar, it’s like a warm hug,” Hall explains of this instant connection. “That’s what music is supposed to do. If it (a composition) doesn’t give me goose bumps by the time I’m done with it then I can’t f**k with it and I won’t let you hear it,” Hall says. “All the records I that have in my collection do that to me. At some point in the record, it gives me goose bumps. I need that feeling to be inspired.”

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The Vinyl District Recommends: Nigel Hall Record Release Show at Tipitina's 12/2

Kick off the last month of 2015 in fine style with a mid-week set at Tipitina’s. Nigel Hall has been blowing up since moving to New Orleans two years ago. He seems to pop up everywhere, with everyone, but tonight he gets the full spotlight as he celebrates the release of his first solo record, Ladies and Gentlemen… Nigel Hall.

Hall plays keyboards and sings like an old soul. He famously has said that he doesn’t listen to any music made since the early 1980s even though he was born in 1981. Some of his touch points include the Isley Brothers, Latimore, and the Crusaders, especially the keyboard work of George Duke.

His New Orleans band features some serious young talent including drummer Jamison Ross, bassist Eric Vogel, and guitarist Andrew Block. The ringers in the group, besides the leader, are trumpeter Eric “Benny” Bloom who is also a recent transplant to New Orleans, saxophonist Khris Royal, and guitarist “Big D” Perkins of Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen.

These cats are the next generation of local talent. You probably have seen them in various combinations around town including the recent Crusaders Tribute at Chickie Wah Wah, which featured Bloom and Hall.

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Offbeat Magazine Reviews Ladies & Gentlemen… Nigel Hall

Soul and funk have long been kissin’ cousins. On his debut recording, Ladies & Gentlemen… Nigel Hall, the Washington D.C. native—and New Orleans resident since 2013—vigorously celebrates their close relationship. The keyboardist and vocalist also makes a case for why soul music has seemingly—and rightfully—seen a rise in its popularity on today’s music scene.

Hall, who gained a solid reputation for his work with Lettuce and Soulive and is heard on pianist/vocalist Jon Cleary’s latest CD, GoGo Juice, goes for pure soul on the disc’s kicking opener, his and guitarist Eric Krasno’s “Gimme a Sign.” With Hall on a big B3 and Wurlitzer, it’s got everything one might want and expect from a soul tune from the 1960s and ’70s—Hall’s screamin’ vocals, back-up singers—freshened with Lettuce’s guitarist Krasno and drummer Adam Deitch. It’s a get up and dance number for sure.

“Gimme a Sign” and Hall’s “Never Gonna Let You Go” immediately feel like old friends. Before long, it’s easy to find oneself singing along to their catchy refrains. The originals are in musically like-minded company alongside tunes like Ann Peebles’ “I Can’t Stand the Rain” and vibraphonist Roy Ayers’ funk-edgy “Try, Try, Try.”

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