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Farrell & Nicolls

Artist Bio

FARRELL & NICOLLS

The upright bass and piano duo Farrell & Nicolls celebrate songs from the American Popular Songbook including classic favorites such as "Autumn Leaves", "All The Things You Are", "Someday My Prince Will Come", "Take the A-Train" and expand their repertoire into traditional songs with flavorful rhythms from Latin America such as "Blue Bossa", "Black Orpheus" and "Wave". The duo performs elegant interpretations of the songs with a solid rhythmic sensibility and foot tapping is encouraged! The elegance, mood, wit and beautiful melodies of some of the numbers will conjure up images of a simpler time and bring back memories of the swing era during its heyday.

These two musicians have been performing for audiences, events and customers with discerning tastes for over 25 years and are known for their ability to carefully create the perfect musical accompaniment for any occasion. As time passed, listeners began requesting copies of their program to take home with them only to be told that none existed. This was the moment they knew they were onto something special and memorable. A light bulb went off and the decision was made. Their career was about to change once again.

Peter Farrell (piano) and Patrick Nicolls (bass) released their first record "Penny in my shoes" featuring tunes such as "Autumn Leaves", "Blue Bossa", "Stardust" and an assortment of favorites from the real book. Audiences received the record with enthusiasm and the album sold out quickly. In October, the duo began working on their second release, which featured latin flavored interpretations of classic standards such as "Angel Eyes", "A-Train", "A Shadow of Your Smile", as well as, a lovely rendition of the Christmas favorite "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman". The album was mastered by Sony and picked up for distribution by Sony/BMG. An aggressive ad campaign is scheduled for the late fall through '06 and records are expected to be in stores around the country in November. Additionally, plans are already in the works for a 2006 Christmas Album release based on early reactions to the bonus track on "Angel Eyes".

Alone together with a grand piano and an upright bass Farrell & Nicolls will entertain you with a touch of class and the beauty of simplicity. The group is also available as a vocal/duo for most events and the show can be expanded to include drums and guitar for dancing. Big Band formats are also available with horn sections on request.

BIOGRAPHIES

Peter Farrell - Piano

Farrell brings an international sensibility to his music having been born in Puerto-Rico, raised in Tokyo (11 years) and schooled at traditional boarding schools in the UK. As a multi-instrumentalist; French horn, saxophone, bass, guitar and vocalist he has performed for over 20 years in a variety of exciting groups around the world. His family returned to the US in the mid '80's where Peter quickly became a member of the renowned Mercer County Symphonic Orchestra and the Youth Of America, which toured extensively throughout Europe. Ever the experimentalist, Peter has worked with many up & coming bands, one of which became finalists to Music Magazine's "Best Unsigned Band" contest sponsored by Atlantic Records. During this time his group shared the stage with such groups as Blues Travelers, the Spin Doctors, Little Feet and a host of other artists traveling the US National Concert circuit. In addition to performing, Peter has operated his own music business recording, engineering and producing a variety of artists, as well as, making film & commercial music and sound design. Peter loves recording records and in addition to over a dozen original releases, he has also been a guest recording artist and his work has been featured on over 30 nationally produced records. Farrell's first love however is the Piano and his musical approach is influenced by many of the Jazz greats such as; Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, Kenny Kurtland, Herbie Hancock and Oscar Peterson.


Patrick Nicolls - Bass

From New York to Tokyo Patrick is a true ambassador of the jazz world with over 35 years of performances under his belt. His passion for music began at an early age of 5 playing "That's Amore" to an old woman who lived a few doors down the street for a quarter. Life in the Nicolls household was full of music and Patrick fell in love with jazz listening to tunes like "Misty" and "When I Fall in Love", but jazz wouldn't surface in his playing just yet. This was the time of Rock and Sergio Mendes Brazil 1966 and Patrick quickly found his niche playing rock in bands during his school years. Unlike his peers who went to college, Patrick instead chose the road and the life of a national touring musician to be his alma mater. The first of what would become over 100 recordings on his credit list was an old 45 that was cut out at Dogwood Studios in Mobile Alabama.

Over the years Patrick's playing has led him to the world famous Carnegie Hall where he performed in both a jazz and classical line-up and other reputable venues in Atlantic City such as Borghato, Trumps and in Las Vegas at The Bellagio, The Venetian, MGM Grand and The Stardust. He has been in fine company too having had the chance to play with Dennis Winge (Guitar for the Rummies), maestro William Masselli, Lou Massano (Sinatra Nelson Riddle Reprise), Bill Jacobs (Naji) and Howie Grate (Miles & Marcus Miller). Patrick was also fortunate enough to have studied with Sy Raider, Alquam,
the legendary Pete Chively who recorded with Stan Kenton (West Side Story), Lou Massano and the great Johnny Ray.

Patrick is the first to say that he has been influenced by many great bassists from Ray Brown, Peter Washington to Christian McBride and continues to be inspired by the many talented musicians he comes into contact with every day of his life. As a host of a weekly jam session known for its high caliber players as well as its openness to young aspiring players, Patrick never forgets his roots and the importance of bringing together musicians from all walks of life regardless of their level of experience.

The careers of Farrell & Nicolls finally collided in 2000 when both began recording and performing with a NYC based group. Interestingly the record made in 2002 will be released for the first time in 2006 under the name The Black Tails featuring a modern day combination of jazz swing, blues meets Santana. The record will feature a combination of original and cover music performed by the group.

Reviews and Quotes

Farrell & Nicolls have been described by record execs as being hypnotic, smooth and melodic. The duo of award winning recording artist pianist Peter Farrell and upright jazz bassist Patrick Jazzkat Nicolls are 'HEADLINERS' and play only to private events, parties, corporate functions, and fundraisers.

Some feedback from Jazz Improv Magazine- "Angel Eyes" single from the album "Angel Eyes, A Midnight Obsession"

First of all....I LOVE the cut! I can't wait to hear the rest of the album....this is sooooooooooooo up my alley. Great work!--Jamie Cosnowsky/Jazz Improv Magazine-October 2005


Bassist Patrick Nicolls and Pianist Peter Farrell have a reputation for bringing empathy and positive vibes to their fellow musicians along with a solid, rhythmic bottom that's also irresistibly melodic. The sessions that produced "Penny in My Shoes" started out as a gigs demo, but after a day in the studio they realized something special was in the air and produced a whole record. Listen to this luminous recording then find more here......Think of it as the olive in your martini .--MP3 Weekly

The charismatic charm of Peter Farrell and Patrick Nicolls really took my event to a new level. There are many duo's out there but none like this. The casual style and hip way of approaching standards really delighted my clients and colleagues. Days after the party I found myself humming melodies from the special moments of the evening. How can you put a price on such fine talented musicians ...
--Steven Levy, Universal Underwriters Inc.
New York City, New York
3/2/2005

Specialties

Jazz Duo or Group

Genre

jazz instrumental american popular standards

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