Thursday, May 01, 2008

Performer Mag Loves My Fiance'

Today, Nick received an amazing review of his latest blues-rock CD (online release only) "Live in 2007." It's a compilation of live performances while he was on tour last year including an on-air performance on WUGA in Athens. Performer Magazine LOVED HIM! I am so excited for him that I just have to post the review here to share the news.

Athens music native Nick Edelstein takes the listeners on a terrific ride through the world of blues with an online release of live recordings held in venues throughout the Southeast.

A record chocked full of strong blues material, including classic blues standards such as “Crossroads,” “Stormy Monday” and “Hound Dog,” the artist’s handywork on lead guitar is impeccably precise, as each live song spills with fervent balance, delivering
punchy lead solos galore.

Edelstein also shows his intimate and personal side with soft-spoken material, on endearing works such as originals, “Sign from Above,” flawlessly recorded at Athens radio station, WUGA-FM, and “Ripple,” recorded at a bar in Charlotte, N.C.Although much of the live recordings are very murky and muddy, what is most important is Edelstein’s craftsmanship on blues guitar. “Crossroads” churns the album from the start, launching the album’s fiery energy and tenacity from the get-go.

Edelstein is sloppy in some places on his lead guitar improvisation, yet only true guitarists know, and not the audience. Certainly a highlight displaying his most superior guitar work falls in the intro and throughout “Red House,” a dazzling, mesmerizing statement of guitar-driven blues-rock.

Much of the record has some breathtaking guitar work, and his voice suits the blues man, with performances of liquid gold, compared to the swift speed of a dozen horses at Churchhill Downs, as notes flourish like a roaring freight train.

Though he has much room to grow and improve, his potential is boundless. He even throws in some great riffs and chops that speak of his influences, possibly reminiscing Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Santana’s artistry comes to fruition in a frighteningly well-spoken version of “Europa.”

It’s good to hear much of Edelstein’s background through short bits of interviews on WUGA-FM, as he dwells into his work, and his further studies in comparative literature. (NESS Records) www.nickedelstein.com


-Shawn M. Haney, www.performermag.com

How cool is that!? I swear he didn't pay for that! :) Performer Magazine is one of the industry's top trade magazines so it's huge that they love him that much.

Check him out at his website - www.nickedelstein.com - (photos complements of yours truly) or download the CD at www.discrevolt.com. His CD is featured this week on the home page of the site, so you can't miss it.