Ladies & Gentlemen...Nigel Hall is a remarkable introduction for any number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that with this auspicious solo debut, longtime Soulive and Lettuce collaborator Nigel Hall emerges fully formed—a committed soul man, with the skills and chops to immediately qualify him as a legitimate R&B contender. It’s not enough that he possess the vocal chops and keyboard skills needed to meet the standard, but the fact that he’s so adept at such a vintage sound makes one wonder if he’s been hiding or hibernating for 40 years. Hall chooses his material carefully; apart from his astute originals, he sources the Isley Brothers, Benny Latimore and fusion funksters Stanley Clarke and Roy Ayers to supply his covers. Either way, he’s convincing, and on songs such as “Lay Away,” “Gimme a Sign” and “I Just Want to Love You,” he conveys such an infectious sound that it’s all but impossible not to be moved by his dynamic and drive. Even the oft-covered “I Can’t Stand the Rain” sounds spirited and inspired, courtesy of an unusually upbeat interpretation. Hall brings the prerequisite vitalityand a fresh enthusiasm to his stirring archetypical sound, delivering an immediate appeal that’s both ageless and inviting.
Nigel Hall Brings The Funk On Solo Debut (Glide Magazine Review)
There aren’t too many artists genuinely committed to old school soul these days, what with the proliferation of rap, hip-hop and various mutations that deviate from the form. That makes Ladies & Gentlemen… Nigel Hall an auspicious debut for any number of reasons, not the least of which is found in the fact that Hall himself emerges fully formed, a talented singer with the skills and chops that attest to his clear commitment to form. It’s not enough that he possesses the vocal chops and keyboard skills needed to meet the standard, but the fact that he’s so adept at such a vintage sound makes one wonder if he ‘s perhaps been hibernating for 40 years, ready to take up Otis Redding’s mantle when called upon to do so.
Still, the album wouldn’t be as effective if this New Orleans singer hadn’t chosen his material so carefully. Indeed, apart from some savvy songs of his own, he wisely chooses the Isley Brothers, Benny Latimore and fusion funksters Stanley Clarke and Roy Ayers as cover sources.
Continue Reading at GlideMagazine.com
Ladies & Gentlemen... Nigel Hall
You Can't Go Wrong With Music, It's A Gift That Keeps On Giving
Last week, kudos were given to the local musicians who earned Grammy nominations for albums released in 2015. Naturally, all of those are worth considering when looking for a gift for music loving family members and friends. There are, however, many other New Orleans artists who didn’t get the nod from the Recording Academy whose work excelled last year. Supporting New Orleans musicians by purchasing their discs and/or downloads is also a way of sharing, great, homegrown music. Here, in alphabetical order, are some of the year’s “other” best recordings.
Nigel Hall — Ladies & Gentlemen… Nigel Hall. The funk ‘n soul keyboardist and vocalist makes his originals like “Gimme a Sign” and “Never Gonna Let You Go” feel like old friends. They hang around easily with the cover tunes such as the Isley Brothers’ “Lay Away” with guests organist Ivan Neville and drum master ?uestlove.
Continue reading at LouisianaWeekly.com
Ladies & Gentlemen... Nigel Hall is out now on iTunes and Amazon