DWIGHT & NICOLE: Dwight & Nicole

Dwight & Nicole

Dwight & Nicole

© 2006 WestWalk Publishing (634479486937)

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A uniquely original mix of soul, country, blues, rock, and gospel.

notes

"Dwight & Nicole are truly great" -Dr John

"RIVITING!" -Boston Globe

"A combustible musical reaction" - Berkshire Eagle

With a uniquely original mix of soul, country, blues, rock, and gospel, Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson transcend the old and new with a timeless sound that belies their years. Featuring their warm voices in tight harmony- all under a stripped down beat of guitar, tambourine, hand claps, and hollers- Dwight and Nicole deliver American music for the ages.

Ritcher and Nelson met one another on the first fall of 2000, in Boston, Massachusetts . Both fresh out of college and new to the area, they frequented each others shows, crossing paths at blues jams and local night clubs. Working during the day in office jobs and on constructions sites, Dwight and Nicole burned at night- ever hustling trying to get their voices heard over the noise of crowded bars and other local bands. Over the next few years, their groups would quickly become two of New England's most sought after Roots acts. Even with all the momentum each was gaining individually, there were glimpses of what was ahead for them. Dwight might sit in for a slow blues while at one of Nicole's shows at the Regattabar- or Nicole would be called up to the stage on Dwight's "Move Right" at the original House of Blues. Their undeniable chemistry and powerful vocals captivated audiences and critics alike.

The local awards and sold out shows continued, but the two found themselves at artistic crossroads. They were both looking for something new, a different approach, and New York City, with it's rich history in developing young artists and birthing new musical genres, became the obvious move for both of them. Dwight packed up and moved to Brooklyn in September 2004, followed, as if by fate by Nicole in November.

In the first few months in New York, the two began playing solo shows at such NYC's hot spots as the Living Room and the Knitting Factory. Often sharing bills on the same night, they again found themselves looking out at one another in the audience and inviting each other up to play on tunes. This time though, there was no band- just the two voices, one or two guitars and lots of space to play with. The resulting sound was even more powerful, sultry and inviting than before. Immediately New York fans began asking about a CD with the two of them together- wanting to see them play a show together live.

And so the Dwight & Nicole Duo was born. With a new live studio EP recorded in just one afternoon at Club 39 in Sudbury MA in Spring 2006, their unique sound has been captured. Backed up beautifully by legendary Boston rhythm section Andy Plaisted on drums and Lou Ulrich on bass, Ritcher and Nelson have created an eclectic mix of original tunes which display their great range of genre and style. At once intimate, honest, and raw, This simple recording has been garnering them comparisons to classic Dylan and Bonnie Raitt.

For the discerning fan, todays popular music has lost much of it's sparkle. Harkening back to a time when art equalled passion and reflected a sense of urgency, these two are a breath of fresh air.

reviews

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  • Dwight & Nicole Rock
    author: Laura

    I love this album!

  • We want more from Dwight & Nicole!
    author: Rob

    Spinning this CD will make you feel better. Great tunes with rich, rich vocals and harmonies that blend like coffee & cream. Nice guitar work. More, more, more please!

  • The music of Dwight Richter and Nicole Nelson is unpredictable and beautiful in
    author: Jonathan Swartz for Interference.com

    The music of Dwight Richter and Nicole Nelson is unpredictable and beautiful in scope, while incorporating varied musical styles suited to their strengths. Nelson is a blues singer in the tradition of Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole, while Richter is more country than blues, but incorporates several styles into his singing and songwriting. Richter and Nelson, who both live in Brooklyn, New York, have collaborated on a previous CD collection, Nelson’s 2005 CD “Live at Club Helsinki,” a music club in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. While the previous collaboration featured many of Nelson’s original recordings, their newest collaboration “Dwight and Nicole” features something for everyone, mixing Richter’s country, folk style with Nelson’s rhythm and blues, and even though the collection is brief (only five tracks on the CD), it works, and is a heartwarming CD to listen to. The first track, “Makes Me Lonely,” combines the techniques described above with a unique beat. It’s the kind of song innately perfect for a long drive either to work or around the country, with its smooth active rhythm. Nelson and Richter, unlike many duet recordings I am familiar with, share equal time in the song, and take turns singing lyrics together. “Round in Love” is a standout track. It is mainly a showcase for Nelson’s beautiful, unique singing voice, and while very brief, captures her talents in a beautiful way that is reminiscent of other rhythm and blues singers of the period. “Johnny Gets High,” is a harrowing portrayal of drug and alcohol abuse. Although beautiful, it brings the effects of tragedy back home, all the while featuring an exotic rhythm. Rather than romanticize, it educates listeners about the effects of drug and alcohol abuse and suggests that there is a solution to the problem. The fourth track, “Everywhere I Go,” is a country ballad at heart, but combines elements of gospel music as well. This song illustrates Nelson and Richter’s striking, unique talents, as well as being a tale of romance and lost love. Combining Richter’s guitar with Nelson’s tambourine music, it suggests that many types of music—country, gospel, rhythm and blues—can be effectively combined together into one cohesive and beautiful melody. The final track in the collection is “Move Right,” which is mainly a showcase of Richter’s talents. It is a melancholy, but lovely song that demonstrates what happens when two different styles are showcased with such a poetic tone that it leaves the listener wanting more. Though brief, it is worth listening to, especially in the evening driving home from work, or as a way to pass the time. The talents and resulting collaboration of Richter and Nelson are as unique as music itself. I have seen them live several times now, and even though the compilation of songs on the CD is stunning, it only represents a sample of their exceptional talents. Richter usually plays the guitar and Nelson the tambourine. However, their act and instruments can vary from show to show, and generally only perform in small clubs in the Northeastern United States, but are worth seeing live if you can find them. The CD is a showcase of their talents, and demonstrates that they are an act to watch for many years to come. Let’s hope the masses do as well.

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