SUMMER TOUR NEWS & THE BIG DAY ANNOUNCEMENT

(This post is from Nicole's myspace blog)

Current mood: Excited!

Hey, Everyone!  We are writing to you here from the beautiful panhandle of Sunny Florida, smack dab in the middle of our Summer Tour.  It is our joy to report that this road band is totally kicking butt!   We are receiving a lot of press, and we’ll gather all that up and post it, plus all the photos, once we get back.  In the meantime, we still have 7 more shows before we end off & head back to New York (see below.) 

It is our pleasure to include you, our faithful friend & fan base, in the announcement of our big day:  Lance Ong & I will be married on August 8th, 2008 (8-8-08) at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii at 8am. 

Many of you thought we were already married!    Well, if so, it is because Lance and I have been a team right from the beginning, and we are now making it “official!”   Here is an article in an Hawaiian newspaper regarding the nuptials:  Honolulu Gannett News.  We hope you all will hold us in your thoughts and prayers & wish us a long, healthy, &  prosperous union together.  

And now, BACK TO THE MUSIC!

Thanks for all your love and support!  It means so much to us!

JOURNAL NEWS INTERVIEW

(This post is from Nicole's myspace blog)

Current mood: grateful

June 24, 2008 Tasty takeout: Nicole Hart, NRG kick off concert series Tim McNulty, Reporter The Journal News, Westchester County, NY Nicole Hart and the NRG Band aren't featured on iTunes (so far) or played on stations like 107.1 The Peak (just yet). But they've been hard to miss around the scene. And this week they'll be hard to miss around Westchester. Hart and her band, who play a soulful mix of blues, funk and rock, have appeared almost monthly for over a year at Pete's Saloon & Restaurant in Elmsford. According to the owner, Pete Riekstins, they're one of the biggest draws. "She fills up the house," he says. Now Hart and NRG are playing three local shows in a row as they pass through on their first lengthy tour, which started in April and runs through July. Their first performance is at noon Thursday at Renaissance Square in White Plains as part of a free summer concert series Hart and the band have played for several years. It's followed by a Friday night show at Senasqua Waterfront Park in Croton-on-Hudson, which they played last year as well. Saturday night is the biggest show, according to Hart, at the band's home away from home, Pete's Saloon. "We do expect a really big turnout that night," she says. "There are some people who show up at every single show." On Sunday they'll head across the river to play at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley, as part of the shopping center's summerlong outdoor music series at its gazebo. Presence and skill are a major part of Hart's appeal, Pete's Saloon owner Riekstins says. "No. 1 is her voice; it's one of the best female voices I've heard around here for a while." It's not uncommon, he says, to see other players come in after their own gigs to jam with her and the band. In addition to regular band members Vonnie Hudson on bass, Joe Piteo on drums and Lance Ong ..boards, one of the band's most frequent players is Grammy-nominated guitarist and local music staple Gil Parris. Parris splits time between his own acclaimed jazz and blues projects and the NRG Band, playing a majority of their shows. Hart's no rookie herself. A Georgia native now living in New York City, she's been a working musician in the New York area for over a decade, building a reputation through constant gigging with local groups, including former band The Shades, and cutting her teeth as a backup singer for Billy Joel, Michael Bolton, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Shirley Alston Reeves, the former frontwoman of the Shirelles. Her songwriting partner, keyboardist and NRG Band musical director Ong, has paid dues in the studio and on the road with with Erykah Badu, David Sanborn, Grand Funk Railroad and the Pointer Sisters. Bassist Hudson and drummer Piteo have also logged many road-hours in recent years with Hart and others around the area. After years on the grind, it seems that Hart and her band are on the verge of greater success. This year the group picked up a national booking agent and new management, and it's slated to record a new studio album in the fall, Hart says. There's also a possible record deal, though Hart says that won't be made public until it's set in stone. "It's been a real whirlwind year for us in a great way," she says. Live performance is still the band's forte though, which is partly the reason for releasing a debut drawn from concert recordings in 2006. Hart calls performance her vocation: "I don't care what happens, you've got to bring it every show - I think that's what defines a professional." On the album, "Live! NRG," recorded in Connecticut, Hart's vocals are front and center, rooted in classic soul and peppered with bluesy inflections. The album features several original songs by Hart and Ong, as well as tunes by the Allman Brothers and Koko Taylor. The album also reflects the band's focus on musicianship and improvisation, with frequent solos and only one song under five minutes. "I would say we're bordering on a jam band in that regard," Hart says. The focus on a good live show is ever-present, something that comes partly from working with Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, Hart says. "I probably got a lot of showmanship tips from Chuck Berry - I think that opened my eyes to what I could really do onstage." Paying equal attention to business and craft is paying off for Hart and the band, with bigger tours, larger venues and recording prospects. Hart remains focused on the present, though, sticking to the attitude that got her where she is today. "I've always just put one foot in front of the other," she says. "Every opportunity that presents itself, I say, 'yes.' "

Sunday, June 22, 2008

LACONIA BIG THREE MOTORCYCLE WEEK (This post is from Nicole's myspace blog) Current mood: accomplished People, I am writing to you from our RV situated next to the Roadhouse at the Lobster Pound in Laconia, New Hampshire.  We have been here since Friday the 13th (portentous is a good way!) and have been performing 3 sets a day, at all different times of day, for 7 days with one day off (praise the lord.)  I'll admit humbly I was concerned about that schedule when I signed on, but as this is the largest venue for all of Bike Week with a 40 x 40 foot stage, I was assured it was a first class operation.  I was assured correctly.   The sound crew here for this event is one of the finest I have had the privilege to work with.  As a musician, a sound crew can definitely "make or break you" but, as a vocalist, they can bury you and put you in an early grave if they are not on top of their game.  Phew!  I am counting my lucky stars as these guys made my life this week relatively easy…day 7 and I am still not hoarse!  Not only that, but after our show last night I hung out for the big jam with Motor City Josh for another 3 hours and I could do it all over again today if I had to.  Sorry if this is boring to you, but any singer reading this will understand why I'm so effusive about the team.  Also, the MC for the event, Russ Holliday, made everything run very smoothly with musicians transitioning from time slot to time slot, and keeping the crowd interested in between (excellent music on that iPod of yours, Russ!)  I took a gazillion photos of the event and more are coming in from other photographers and fans & I will be continually updating that photo album here on MySpace as the pics roll in.   It rained nearly every day while we were here:  but not a steady rain, just enough to cool things off, and keep some moisture in the air, which actually was a godsend as the stage faced the sun all day….last night during our 6pm time slot it was BLAZING…thank god for good sun block!  I was told by one of the staff here that "it's not a good bike week if it doesn't rain" and that for their best bike weeks it rains every day.  So the question followed, "has this been a good bike week?", and his answer:  "It's been a GREAT bike week!"  The vendors all made money, they even made some from me as I had to get my token souvenirs as I do for every tour:  this time I got a girly baseball cap that reads, "Laconia 2008."  I haven't been wearing that here, of course, as that's just too corny, even for me, but I'll be sporting it in July on bad hair days as we drive between shows.  So, that is my one requisite tacky souvenir, but what I also bought was a slammin' pair of knee high boots with boot chains that I wore onstage on Friday night.  They are SO comfortable and, I'm told, pretty sexy!  I also got the coolest little leather knapsack that unzips into a backpack for hands free – but the best part is the Harley Davidson patch that was sewn onto it.  Yeah, I know, CORNY! But, hey, that's me sometimes, and it made me happy. Lance and I took a helicopter ride over the lake on a clear day and it was the best $20 investment for 2.5 minutes I ever made!  Photos are in the album.  The crowds at the Roadhouse stage have been off the hook, all day, every day, but especially these last two days (Friday and Saturday.)  They were absolutely full to capacity, and the joint was totally rocking!  Everyone was cool and the place just partied like crazy.  Of course, there were armed security guards everywhere, but I'm happy to report that I saw no incidents of bad behavior. Which leads me to talking about the staff:  you guys might think I'm being a kissass, but I have to say there is more heart and professionalism here than I have ever had the pleasure to work with (except for the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Society – theirs was a bit smaller event, but run with so much heart it really touched me, and all by volunteers!!!)  Many of the staff here are repeaters, meaning that they clear their schedules to make sure they are onboard for this event every year.  I can see why.  Everyone is treated with respect, and everyone just does their job extremely well.  And man, are they fun!  And I need to make a special mention of Rich who mans the lot where the RV's are stationed, and handles the parking for the roadhouse compound as well.  He and his family came to our shows every day after they got off work, and were right back at it early in the morning the next day, routing bikers and other vehicles in and out of the parking lot like a well oiled machine.  Such a great group of people who made us feel very welcome and totally appreciated.  Now let's talk about the show.  We have a new band for this tour, and this week was definitely a trial by fire for them but, for the most part, they all rose to the occasion beautifully.  Alvin, our bassman, builds his own basses…I'm going to include a photo in the album as you won't believe it until you see it.  Jared had a blast every night partying with all the other bands, playing softball and hanging out.  Ian stepped to the plate in a big way:  this kid (I say kid because he literally just graduated SUNY Purchase a few weeks ago) played his ass off.  We love this guy.  As many of you know, my man Lance is a talented, I would even say gifted, keyboardist.  Well, he developed a new segment of the show where he improvises an amazing "key-tar" solo to open our rendition of "Higher Ground."  People went crazy screaming for that, so that is definitely a keeper in the show!  The best part was when the sound team hit the fog machine during his solo and the lights hit it…it was practically cosmic!  (A special shout out to drummer Justin Headley, who jumped on stage with us during several of our shows and played at the same time with Ian, so that we had the dual drummer thing going on!  Just a totally fun and positive cat, not to mention,  a great drummer!) While I was here I gave two interviews by phone:  one to the Journal News of Westchester County, NY, and the other to the Roanoke Times in Virginia, to promote our upcoming shows in those respective areas.  I have to say it was pretty interesting trying to answer their questions with the roar of motorcycles 10 feet from my ear (our RV is right on the main road.)  Believe it or not, I learned to sleep right through this sound.  It's actually kinda comforting in some weird way.  As I think of other things, I may add to this blog but, really, the photo album says it all.  I just want to end off here and say that this experience has been amazing, and we've had a really, really good time.  Really good people & LOTS OF FUN.  As always, I am grateful with all my heart to make music and get paid for it.  I  feel blessed!!!  Thanks for reading this blog, and hope you guys all have a fantastic summer! P.S.  I just want to say my condolences to our friend, Roger Z, who lost his mother this week.  Our hearts and prayers are with you, Roger.

  JAMMING IN JOURNAL SQUARE

Hart and soul band ready to take the square by storm today

by Jeffrey Theodore, Staff Arts Writer

Nicole Hart isn't a music snob. Blues, funk, jazz, opera and any extensions of those genres can feel right at home in her repertoire.

"I'm an amalgamation, baby!" she says, with a laugh.

This summer, Hart and the NRG band are traipsing up and down the East Coast, creating a stir with a style inspired by the music industry's greats -- and a measure of their own ingenuity. Hart and her band are making two stops to perform in the summer concert series in Journal Square, one at noon today and again on June 6.

"We did the Journal Square series last year and it's nice that they're having us back," Hart said recently while traveling to a gig in Washington, D.C. "It's a nice series that I think will help revive that part of town. Using music is an excellent way to bring a community together."

Hart, an Atlanta native who grew up in Jacksonville, Fla., said she's never given any thought to doing much else other than music.

"I've been singing since the doctor spanked me as a baby to check out my lungs," she said. "I sing from my heart."

Her affinity for music comes naturally from a father who once sang opera.

"That was his love and he turned me on to it," she said.

That is, until the day she fell in love with a velvet-sounding voice over the radio. At that point, she says, everything changed.

"I was immersed in the classical music until I got turned on to Aretha (Franklin)," Hart said. "Her voice just resonated right through me. The inflection, everything, just moved me."

Hart, who lives in Bergen County, has worked through the years with artists such as Michael Bolton, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and opened concerts for iconic folk musicians like Odetta and Richie Havens. She holds the distinction of being the only white singer to be a member of rhythm and blues girl group The Shirelles. She landed the Shirelles gig after answering an ad in The Village Voice.

"The ad said they were looking for two black female voices," she said. "I called up and told the guys what my qualifications were and they were like 'come on down.' I sang for (Shirelles lead singer) Shirley Alston Reeves and she said, 'I want that girl'. She was very motherly to me and started calling me her 'pink baby."'

In 2005, Hart connected with keyboardist Lance Ong, who has worked with artists such as Erykah Badu and the Pointer Sisters, to create the group NRG.

"Lance is an excellent songwriter," she said. "We write songs together and independently. The goal is to write songs that the fans relate to."

Another goal, she said, is to never disappoint fans at concerts. That's a lesson she learned after one particular performance when she felt ill.

"I remember feeling so sick at this highly promoted gig, and there was a packed house," she said. "I didn't know how I would get through the evening. Within the first five minutes of going on stage, I looked into the audience and saw all these people. They were all dressed up and had paid the door and paid for gas to put in their cars to get there. That's when I realized it's not about me. It's all about the show."

That outlook has helped her deal with bouts of stage fright, too.

"I put the audience in mind at all times, and that's pretty much my formula for success," she said.

Friday, May 09, 2008:

Endorsement Deal with EM Acoustics, UK (This post is from Nicole's myspace blog) Current mood: impressed We are pleased to announce we have received an endorsement deal from the pro-touring company, EM Acoustics, UK!  The deal was negotiated by our management team, FM Management International LLC.   THANK YOU, MARK!  We received a pro touring package to enable us to travel with a light, powerful PA.  We have used this system in some of the finest venues on the Eastern Seaboard, some with professional "house systems" worth into the $100,000 range.  When we chose to use our system instead, across board every talent buyer has come to us asking us what the heck we are using, because it sounds so good.  Well, part of it is the band , but this system just sounds beautiful. "Designed with the professional sound engineer in mind, EM Acoustics loudspeaker systems combine precision engineering with robust build quality to deliver top-class performance on demand. Backed up by one-to-one customer support, the growing range of EM Acoustics loudspeakers will redefine your expectations." We are absolutely thrilled with our EM Acoustics system, and very highly recommend it to any touring musician who is considering purchasing a new PA.  We could not be happier with it. Here is the link to the EM Acoustics site announcing the endorsement: http://www.emacoustics.co.uk/general/nicole-hart-the-nrg-band-funk-it-up-with-em-acoustics.html   Nicole Hart & The NRG Band Funk it Up with EM Acoustics Wednesday, 07 May 2008  New York based five-piece Nicole Hart & The NRG Band are currently touring across the East coast of America as well as venues all across the country, reinforced by a physically miniscule yet sonically massive system from EM Acoustics. Fronted by Nicole Hart, The NRG Band comprises bass, keyboards, drums and guitar.  The band's sound is described as a mixture of blues, funk, R&B & soul, and has played to rave reviews by fans and critics alike. The system, supplied from EM Acoustics US, LLC comprised a pair of EMS-81 8" x 1" passive enclosures, and a single i-8 quad 8" subwoofer.  The band required modest reinforcement, yet the system was still put through its paces by dealing with the dynamics of a complete band, sometimes in very large spaces.   The band's musical director and keyboard player, Lance Ong, comments:   "In a word – incredible!  We played a mix of rooms, some with PA systems and some without.  It ended up that even in rooms with large first class systems, we ended up using the EM system because it just plain sounded better!   Both club owners and musicians in the audience alike all came up to me and had to know what in the world we were running for a PA because it sounded so clear, clean and punchy, without sounding "Loud"… and we used it in a couple of very large rooms…one that could seat about 1000 people.  I am so impressed with the system."     EM Acoustics' Mike Wheeler adds: "This kind of use is exactly what the EMS Series of products were designed for – compact systems that are easy to transport and use, yet with a lot of output power when required.  The addition of an i-8 underneath the EMS-81 enclosures allows even kick drums to be amplified to a reasonable degree – absolutely perfect for gigs like this.  Add to that the lack of controller requirement, and you have arguably the simplest and most effective option available to bands and rental companies alike.

Press From the Tour

(This post is from Nicole's myspace blog)

April 28th:

Our first tour was, thankfully, very successful, with crowded venues, phenomenal audiences & wonderful, generous people.  The highlight was Springing the Blues, where I was honored to be the featured female performer.  The festival, in its 18th year, draws 150,000 avid blues music lovers across three days.  Downbeat Magazine reports this festival as being within their Top 50 Worldwide.  Other performers over the weekend included Tinsley Ellis, Michael Burks, Eric Lindell, L'il Ed & The Imperials, Nick Moss & The Flop Tops, Jason Ricci, and Smokin' Joe Kubek.  I finally got to meet Pete "the Blewzman" Lauro and his lovely wife, Rose, who took and contributed photos from the fest (go to the pics page.)  I've known of Pete for years through his blues website Mary4music.com, and as a contributing writer to Blues Revue & Blues Wax.  Pete had reviewed our music in the past to my delight, and I was thrilled to meet him at last. 

We had many wonderful, wild experiences while on the road.  We're getting ready to do it again but, in the meantime, here are some articles which were published promoting our appearances.  We are so grateful for all the fans, press, positivity and, mostly, for the privilege to perform our music for a living.  Life is good. 

UPDATE:  THIS JUST IN, ARTICLE ONLINE & ALSO IN THE BERGEN RECORD NEWSPAPER, Tuesday, April 29th, 2008

                                         TUESDAY, APRIL 29TH , 2008

                     Alternative NRG

BY ROBERT BIESELIN

STAFF WRITER

                   Imagine Margo Timmins of Cowboy Junkies swinging to a Bonnie Raitt groove.

                                 That's Nicole Hart (here with NRG bassist Vonnie Hudson).

Soul, Blues, Jazz? You can count on all three -- and then some -- when Nicole Hart and the NRG Band visit Blend Bar in Ridgewood Wednesday night.

If you play your cards right you might even get a singing lesson, too.

TELL ME MORE: The origins of Hart’s career are ironically unusual considering her reputation as an honest performer of soul and jazz standards and originals. It started with a little deception.

When first moving to Maywood after a childhood in Atlanta, the classically- trained soprano responded to an ad in the Village Voice looking for a black singer to perform with Rock- and- Roll Hall of Famers the Shirelles. According to the blonde, Hart says she listed her qualifications over the by phone and scheduled an audition, at which point then she finally informed the band’s musical director that she's white.

He told her to audition anyway, and upon hearing her sing, Shirley Alston herself picked Hart to be a member of the band.

After touring with the Shirelles for a year, Hart continued her enterprising act, going on to play with Billy Joel, Harry Belafonte and Michael Bolton, before eventually forming her own energetic soul/blues band aptly named The NRG Band, which recently released its first  album of live takes.

When she’s not entertaining in North Jersey with her impressive range, the songstress also lends her services to those wishing to develop a voice of their own. Operating out of a Bergen County studio, Hart gives professional vocal and performance lessons, touching on everything from pitch and ear training to etiquette and stage presence.

QUOTE: “Honestly, I have been singing since the doctors took me out of my mama and spanked me for air… that was my first high note.” – Nicole Hart, “All About Jazz”

DETAILS: Blend Bar, 17 Chestnut St., Ridgewood, Wednesday, April 30 (and again on Wednesday, May 28)  Show starts at 8.

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TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT, Friday, March 28, 2008

Have a Hart

Get energized with Nicole Hart and the NRG Band on Saturday at the Bradfordville Blues Club when they make their first appearance at the club. Hart is a classically trained coloratura soprano, but she belts out everything from a raucous blues croon to a Joplin-esque growl with equal ease. The NRG quartet keeps things quick and tight as her talented rhythm section. Hart and the band can be heard online at www.tallahassee.com. They'll take the stage at 9:30 p.m. at 7152 Moses Lane. Advance tickets are $13, and day-of-show tickets are $15. Students and members of any blues organization get in for $13 on the day of show. Call 906-0766 or visit www.bradfordvilleblues.com.

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BREVARD COUNTY NEWS

Blues Band to Boogie Beaches

By Tammy Roberts, Staff writer

Heads turn when blonde belle Nicole Hart steps on stage.

But it's the strong, soulful voice of this Atlanta native who commands a second look.

Brevardians and beyond are invited to jam with blues singer Nicole Hart and The NRG Band at the Sebastian Beach Inn in Melbourne Beach April 5.

Formed in October 2005, the five-member group isn't your average blues band.

Boasting an eclectic blend of blues, R&B, soul and funk, members said they strive for an enticing, yet distinct sound in their music.

That's due in part to lead singer Ms. Hart, who has dabbled in almost every genre of music, from country to classical, and who has taught herself all elements of the music industry, from touring to recording.

"Nicole is hands-on when it comes to radio, press, venues, touring and almost every aspect of her music," said publicist Doug Deutsch, who has known Ms. Hart for the past three years. "She's unlike any other performer I've ever worked with."

If it wasn't for her strong involvement and willingness to learn, Ms. Hart said she would never be where she is today - with an agent, management team and an album under her belt.

"I felt it was crucial to do all of the necessary research in the industry that I could do," Ms. Hart said. "In the beginning, I was really doing it all - booking gigs, developing a Web site, making contacts. It became a real grassroots effort between me and Lance."

Keyboardist and singer Lance Ong is one of the original members of Ms. Hart's band, as well as the group's current music director.

Before teaming up with NRG Band, Mr. Ong was part of a team that produced, wrote and arranged more than 700 songs and worked with artists such as Andre Crouch, David Sanborn and The Pointer Sisters.

Ms. Hart and Mr. Ong are the primary songwriters on the group's first album, "Live NRG," which was released in 2006.

On the album, the group brings seven high "NRG" tracks, each showcasing a different element of Ms. Hart's powerful voice and unique style.

"Believe it or not, my dad was an opera singer," Ms. Hart said. "I started out the same way - immersed in classical music. As much as I loved it, I realized it wasn't for me. I really just like to get down and boogie. This is my niche."

Ms. Hart's favorite tracks on the album are "I Heard," because of its subtle lyrics and beat, "Think About Love," the group's most popular track, and "Treasure," which she wrote based on a true life experience.

In October, the group plans to head back to the studio to record another album.

Beginning this week, the band will take off on a Southeast trip, performing in Georgia, Alabama and North Florida before making a stop in Brevard County.

A former Jacksonville resident, Ms. Hart said she's looking forward to returning to Florida and meeting new fans along the way.

"It's the audience that drives me and keeps me doing what I do," Ms. Hart said. "When you feel that connection once, you strive to feel it again."

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NRGized by the blues
BY BREUSE HICKMAN • FLORIDA TODAY • April 4, 2008


Singer Nicole Hart is gaining a Southeast buzz for her contemporary mix of blues, soul and funk with the NRG Band. But she credits two epiphanies for putting her on her current career course.

The first occurred while she was working as a professional singer-for-hire and was attempting to lay down tracks "for a song I just couldn't get behind, some disco tune," she says by phone.

"At that moment, I made a decision to keep a certain level of integrity. I find I've always been drawn to blues and soulful music. And that's what I intended to make."

Her second eureka moment occurred a few years ago when she felt so ill she came close to canceling a nearly sold-out gig.

But just before the show, "I had a total paradigm shift," she says. "I suddenly got a grasp on the big picture and realized that it's not all about me. It's about my audience.

"You can't feel good every night. But you know? By the end of every show, I know I'm going to feel great."

The group is performing several dates in Florida, including this weekend's Sebastian Beach Inn gig. But perhaps the biggest stop is the Springing the Blues Fest tonight in Jacksonville Beach.

"It's a three day-event, and I'm the only female headline (act) there," she said.

Inspired by soulful belters Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Bonnie Raitt, as well as Stevie Wonder and the late Donnie Hathaway, Hart grew up singing in church choirs and learning her craft while singing a cappella as part of madrigal singing groups. She studied classical music in college but, "during the first six months, I realized it wasn't for me," she said. "I love opera, but I don't get down with it."

Now free to explore within the bluesey goalposts she and her band have set up, she says she always gives her audience an original sound -- even when performing covers.

"We like to get funky," she said.

The band recently released a CD of original tunes, "Live NRG."

"I've heard there is a buzz about us, and I'm pleased I keep hearing about it," she said. "Every room we've played on the tour has been filled to capacity."

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PANAMA CITY NEWS HERALD~  Thursday, March 27, 2008

By Brady Calhoun, Staff Writer                            

Nicole Hart & The NRG Band playing PineappleWilly's

Nicole Hart & The NRG Band will bring their blues, soul, funk to Pineapple Willy's this Sunday. Their album, "Live NRG," showcases Hart's strong vocals and the band's dexterity.  And any album that covers an Allman Brother's song automatically gets extra points.

Hart said she and the band picked Hot'lanta because she was born there and because it gives the band an excuse for long improvised jams. Hart's smokin' music should translate well to the stage. In an interview last week, Hart said she always has "the audience in mind." "My primary goal when I perform is to be as musical as possible, as entertaining as possible and communicate with my audience as much as possible," Hart said. "This is a band that really likes to jam out and play together. We never do the same thing twice."

Although Hart was born in Atlanta she grew up in Jacksonville and the Pineapple Willy's show is part of a tour through Florida. "I'm really looking forward to spending time in Florida again," Hart said. Hart lived for a while in New York City but ultimately fled to New Jersey. "I just missed the trees," Hart said. Her home in north New Jersey is "just beautiful, lush and green and lots of trees."

Hart's influences are reflected in her soul filled singing. R & B singer Chaka Kahn, jazz great Ella Fitzgerald and the reigning queen of soul Aretha Franklin are particularly strong influences, she said. Fitzgerald's "Ella in Rome" album "just knocks me out," Hart said. Another important album to Hart is "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis. "Every time I hear that music I hear something new," Hart said.

Hart and her band hope to bring the same sorts of surprises when they play live, she said.  "Every one of them is an outstanding soloist," Hart said of her band. "The thing I bear in mind is if the audience is loving it … just let it go."

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Blues Festival Guide Article & Albert Castiglia’s New CD,
"These Are the Days" Due Out April 1, 2008

(This post is from Nicole's myspace blog)

March 9th:

Sunday seems to be the day of the week when I catch my breath and look back at recent events...this past week the Blues Festival Guide ran a very nice article about our signing to Blues Boys & Divas Talent:

click here:  BLUES FESTIVAL GUIDE - NICOLE HART ON TOUR

As the result of this article we have already received reaches from new talent buyers and festivals interested in bringing us to their events and venues. Our agent is pretty happy!

In other news, one warm sunny day last year I got an urgent phone call from a good friend of mine, Rick Lusher, letting me know that Albert Castiglia was in town recording for his new CD. Could I drop everything and get over there to lend a hand with vocals? It seems after Albert finished recording the track, he said  he wished he had background vocals for his cover of the great Ray Charles classic, "Night Time is the Right Time." Well, Rick pounced on that idea and bright and early the next day he picked up the phone to call me and another dear friend of ours, Ms. Sweet Suzi Smith (who also just released a CD - www.myspace.com/sweetsuzi) to ask would we be willing to come for the session? Suzi & her manager, Suzanne Foschino (www.myspace.com/suzannephotography1) dropped everything and drove 3 hours out to the studio in Jersey. I had slept in and was just getting my messages....I had a show myself that night in a completely different direction, but I knew recording for Albert was a very worthy cause! So, Lance and I packed up the wheels for the gig later that evening & headed off to the studio in Central Jersey with plans to "hit it & quit it", as James Brown says! Ben Elliott's ShowPlace Studio was beautiful and sounded great. Grammy winning producer, Jack Kreisberg, was at the helm and made the session go 1, 2, 3. Suzi and I were fooling around at the end of the track & Suzi let out a riff. The next take, at the end of the track I let out a gospel riff of my own, thinking that she would, too, and that we'd get that soul sista thang happening at the end...But she didn't jump in! I was surprised and asked Jack, "Is that what you wanted?" Well, they laughed out loud and, as it turns out, they kept my riff AND my question at the end of the track for the finished master. Funny stuff...I still wish Suzi and I had done the thing together...it would've sounded great, but I'm very happy they kept the riff. 

Albert's guitar playing is legendary; he used to play for Junior Wells. What you may not know is that Albert's voice is AMAZING! Not many people could pull off a Ray Charles cover, but boy does he. In fact, his vocals on the entire CD are just great. I think this record will put him on the map as not only a great guitarist but also, a great singer. His previous CD, "A Stone's Throw" was number one on XM Satellite & Music Choice, & #2 most played on Sirius Radio. I'm sure this one will do that and more. Albert's CD is scheduled for worldwide release on April 1st, but is already receiving airplay. Make sure you check it out.

K, more news on the way, with another formal announcement soon. Keep an eye out!

TOUR & AIRPLAY
Current mood: blessed

(This post is from Nicole's myspace blog)

January 20th:

Writing here the morning after three great shows - I feel so very blessed to perform and make music for & with everyone who comes to see us: we have really wonderful fans & friends. And I just LOVE that so many of our musician friends stop by & sit in. What a party!!! Everybody wins! Love it. After taking a month off, it was good to see you all and make the hang. I love spending time with each of you. With all that singing & talking, I'm exhausted but very happy. I know I have to pace myself coming up as we have a ton of shows booked. After taking a month off over the Holidays, I forgot what it feels like the next day (a little bit sore all over - if you've seen one of our shows, you know why!)

ANYWAY, so what's going on: we're doing some nice regional shows in Feb & then gearing up to hit the road the last week of March to tour down South. I just found out we got a primo spot at Springing the Blues, a great annual festival in Jacksonville, Florida. We're very pleased and honored. I have to say that our agent, Harty Wiedemann, is doing a fabulous job looking out for us. Check out the schedule; it's lining up beautifully, and we are really looking forward to bringing our show to you all, to meeting new people and, God willing, making new fans.

Speaking of making new fans, we've been receiving airplay from around 300 Blues shows nationwide since this time last year, and we're still getting adds. Amazing! There are so many generous DJs out there willing to give new artists a chance &, if they like what they hear, they put it out there. I'm counting my lucky stars, believe me.

So, we're preparing for the road: there's a lot to do, not the least of which is bringing the touring band together. We are fortunate to use some of the absolute finest players in the region, as you know.   This tour is no exception!

OK folks, that's all for now. Thank you for all the love you are showing us. I'm shining it right back to you!

NATIONAL AGENT
Current mood: Jubilant

(This post is from Nicole's myspace blog)

December 3rd :

I'm pleased to announce that we are now being represented by Blues Boys And Divas Talent Agency for festival appearances & club dates in the United States.  I'm honored to be on the roster along with legends "Eddie Kirkland" and "Alberta Adams", as well as up and coming artists such as "Motor City Josh" & "Eric Culberson."

Blues Boys & Divas was created by in 1996 by Harty Wiedemann, who saw a real need for musical Artists to be well represented and have their business concerns addressed. Now, almost 12 years later, the Roster includes some of the most exciting acts in the Blues & Blues-Rock genres, consistently delivering first class entertainment.

"Having worked with many great Artists and also as an Artist myself, I understand how important it is to help each Artist build his or her name by working with them on PR, their image as an Artist, and by placing them into Venues which are best suited to enhance their career. Last but not least, negotiating the very best performance contracts possible for them is my primary goal." ~ Harty Wiedemann

We are excited for this opportunity and are now booking for Summer 2008. Please check out Blues Boys And Divas on The Web: 

http://bluesboys.com/home

http://bluesboys.com/home/nicole-hart-the-nrg-band 

http://www.myspace.com/bluesboysbooking  

Thank ALL of you so much for your support!  We have come this far because of YOU!!! 

WRFG IN STUDIO RADIO INTERVIEW, HOT’LANTA, GA
Current mood: giddy

(This post is from Nicole's myspace blog)

November 27th:

Hi, Ya'll!  Please excuse my sudden Southern drawl which, by the way, is really not so sudden:  I was born in Atlanta, GA.  This past week I had the extreme privelege of being interviewed by Lee Henzel, WRFG FM radio jock, whose show, "Blues Therapy" is part of  "Good Morning Blues" programming for this very respected radio station. It was somewhat of a homecoming for me in that it's pretty thrilling to be interviewed on-air in your hometown.  Lance Ong accompanied me to the studio and, after some repeated encouragement from both Lee & myself, put on the headphones to be included in the interview. 

While we were there, we had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Beverly "Guitar" Watkins & Mr. Albert White, both mainstays of the Georgia blues scene & road warriors in Europe where blues is very highly appreciated (just ask our friend, Bernard Allison, who travels to Europe on a regular basis where he is loved and revered. )

We have been enjoying airplay on this great station with Lee, Blackjack Ketchum & UK Bob.  I will tell you, all three of them are just delightful & generous, but our interview with Lee set the tone for the whole stay in Atlanta: what a positively cool & beautiful spirit he is!

Later that evening Lance & I performed at Darwin's, another blues mainstay & important room when touring the National circuit.  This last sentence dovetails nicely with our next bit of news....we have signed with a National booking agency, & will make the formal announcment soon!

WRFG-FM

REVIEW OF OUR STAGE SHOW & CD BY WDVR HOST, JIM HYNES
Current mood: Thankful

(This post is from Nicole's myspace blog)

November 17th:

Just received this lovely review of our stage show & CD by Jim Hynes, WDVR-FM.  Jim interviewed me for his show after he saw us perform outside Madison Square Garden in September, & has kept us in the NJ Roots Report for radio play ever since.  THANK YOU, JIM!

"What a stage presence! Gorgeous Nicole Hart sings with power, passion, and incredible range and her interplay with her funky band-mates sustains consistent, pulsating energy throughout the show. The NRG band delivers  a most contemporary mix of blues, jazz, R&B, and soul.  Catch them live - it's a real treat for both your eyes and ears!"

"From the first cut, you hear Nicole Hart's BIG voice that's both smooth and rough.   She hits all the right notes, demonstrating an amazing range but it's the emotion in her voice that really grabs you. The NRG band, led by the multi-talented Lance Ong on keys, romps through funk and blues tunes and plays tenderly on the ballads, allowing this frontwoman to wail, croon, and shout.  "Live NRG"  leaves you wanting even more.  These guys have it all down. I"m really looking forward to their first full studio effort."

Jim Hynes, Blues Director and Host of "Blue Monday" - WDVR-FM

www.wdvrfm.org

LADIES OF THE BLUES:  RIVERHEAD BLUES FESTIVAL

UPDATE, June 14th, 2007:  This CD is now in wide circulation across the US, Canada & Europe thanks to the help of our friends and supporters (thank you especially Rick Lusher!)

Last year the Riverhead Blues Festival featured more female lead performers than ever before in its eight year history. To commemorate the occasion a compendium entitled “Ladies of the Blues: 2006 Riverhead Blues Festival” featured tracks from 6 of the performing divas & sold more copies than any other CD at the festival!  Our own Diva (shhh, she hates that word), Nicole Hart, contributed two new tracks & represented the band proudly, along with Sweet Suzi, Franny Mae, Pamela Betti, Lex Grey & Leslie Zmei. 

ANNUAL RED BANK JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL  

AFTERPARTY!

June 3rd , 2007:  We were proud to help celebrate the volunteers at this year's RED BANK JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL sponsored by CD 101.9 by providing entertainment for the ensuing wild and crazy afterparty.  Our guest on guitar was our good friend, 2007 Blues Foundation Nominee for Best New Artist, Dave Gross.  Dave, Vonnie, Joe & Lance stepped to the plate to back Nicole & help everybody relax & unwind by getting down after the fest.  Harpman Sandy Mack lent his incredible talent on harmonica, as did Tom Cucchiara on drums & vocalists Chelsea Palmero, Jennifer Wright, & Andy Bernstein of the VooDudes.

Look for Nicole Hart & The NRG Band to perform the 2008 Red Bank Jazz & Blues Festival.  Visit The Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation for more information &, as always, please support your local blues organizations. 

WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND! 
We were honored to perform two FANTASTIC Blues events!

(this post is from Nicole's myspace blog: www.myspace.com/nrgband)

May 1, 2007:  On Saturday, April 28th, Nicole Hart & The NRG Band participated in the BOTANY "BLUES CRAWL" FESTIVAL, sponsored by Clifton's Historic Botany Village, United Jersey Blues Network, & WFDU-FM.  The event featured four bands performing simultaneoulsy. Over 400 people turned out to enjoy the music as patrons "crawled" back & forth from venue to venue.  We are so appreciative of the efforts of of UJBN, CHBC, & WFDU (got to love those acronyms!) to promote and support live music in Northern New Jersey.

On Sunday, April 29th, Nicole was a featured performer in the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation's Annual Harpin Help.  This is an event which takes place every year featuring some of the finest harmonica players in the nation to support a local charity in the Jersey Shore region & help to raise funds to support JSJBF.  Nicole brought Lance & Joe to blow the roof off the room, and recruited Dave Gross on guitar, Brendan O'Grady on bass & Mikey Junior on harmonica for a knock out show.  The chemistry was so fine, Nicole is bringing this configuration with her for the Annual Red Bank Festival Afterparty on June 3rd! 

We were thrilled to share the stage with Stringbean & the Stalkers, Deak Harp, Woodfish with Sandy Mack, Jason Ricci, & a reunion of The Blackberry Booze Band.  What an honor to be included with this stellar line up of great musicians.   Don't miss Harpin' Help next year if you can help it!

Wow, do we have a great year of festivals lined up:  May 26th we open the Journal Square Concert Series in Jersey City, NJ, & Memorial Day, May 28th, we return as the "house band" for Woodbury Common's Summer Concert Series.  We will be returning every week while we are in town to enjoy this beautiful outdoor venue in upstate NY.  June 2nd we perform Cornwall-on-the-Hudson's RiverFest on the shores of the river, & Sunday, June 3rd, we return to the the Jersey Shore for the Annual Red Bank Fe