Well Well...the reviews are in!

As you may have noticed, 'Well Well' is well and truly OUT NOW on download, CD and heavyweight vinyl. 

I want to start by saying a big THANK YOU to everyone who's bought or listened to the album or who came to the launch party, or even just liked or shared a post.  Every little bit of support helps and it means a great deal to me. I'm grateful.

Some of 2019

REVIEWS

The reviews have been glowing, here's a selection with a link to the full review:

'A rhythmic, stylistic trophy full of catchy lyrics and relatable themes. A creative outlet of writing and music embodied in an album called well well. I am indeed talking about Nigel Thomas and his incredible new piece of work.'
The Arts of Indie

'‘Well Well’ is a hugely enjoyable album, packed with energy and enthusiasm.'
Right Chord Music

'Well Well is another strong album from Nigel Thomas..its upbeat and catchy, the mix of crisp production, jazz and Beatles-like vibes work really well.'
KBPS

'Nigel is one of those rare talents that not only continuously grow musically, but is not afraid to grow.'
Jammerzine

'...it is to Nigel Thomas’s credit that he has made the effort to do the old school thing and make an album filled to the gunnels with musical goodness.'
Bluesbunny

'There’s no doubting that Thomas is an incredible writer, fusing together the late sixties and Brit-pop, something many people couldn’t pull off.'
Neon Music

'Beneath the layer of the music, which is both uplifting and pleasing to the ear, lies the lyrics, which take on political undertones and criticism of today’s self-absorbed “millennial” world. But like most of Thomas’ works, the meaning of each song lies in the listener’s personal  interpretation, as each stirs emotion and deeper thought.'
Rock at Night

'That sense of joy in the craft, of placing quality and veracity at the heart of things, lies at the core of everything that makes Thomas someone worth listening to.'
The Mild Mannered Army

In case you've not heard it yet, here are the links:

CD/Vinyl/download
Spotify
iTunes
Amazon
Soundcloud

RADIO 

Radio play has been steadily increasing, (with supporters including the BBC's very own Janice Long) and my last single, 'I've Seen Forever' was the second most played track on UK Independent Radio at the end of last year, which as an independent musician is something I’m really proud of. 

I can't wait to see how the next single, 'Your Fire' performs!


MUSIC VIDEOS

I'm hoping to have music videos for every track on the album - here's the crackers so far. 


The video to 'I've Been Thinking' was based on the front cover and title track of 'The Nightfly' by Donald Fagen. Filmed at Soho Radio, London (an independent station) by Infinite Film.

 

A reminder of my time busking on the London Underground, 'I've Seen Forever' was written for a very special friend going through a tough time. Another great video by Infinite Film.

This music video for 'Well Well' was filmed on the streets of central London and Streatham Hill in 2019 by John Clay, check out more of his work here. 

Lots more new music videos coming up soon including 'Your Fire', ‘Smiling and Laughing‘ which stars Ewen MacIntosh (from 'The Office') and ‘Stepping Up’, an animated clay stop-motion video by my brother Terry.

Much love, 

Nigel.

P.S. do have a read of my God Is In The TV interview. 'Nigel Thomas, man of mystery, once again balancing light and foisting dark into unsuspecting passengers aboard his latest long play voyage.' 
P.P.S. This was the day Prime Minister Boris Johnson got to meet my Mum at my parents card shop in Wells. 

WELL WELL - THE NEW ALBUM!

I'm excited to announce that my new album, 'Well Well', will be released by Keo Records on 13th September 2019 on download, heavy weight vinyl and because I'm old fashioned, compact disc (standard and special edition). Pre-sales information will be announced soon.

It was recorded at Hightown Studios, Southampton by Tali Trow and mixed and mastered by Sam Williams. 

The cover features original artwork painted especially for the album by Eddie Argos of the band Art Brut. In his own words...

WHAT'S THE ALBUM LIKE? THE FIRST REVIEW

Good writing is rare and important these days and I was so impressed with Paul from the music blog 'The Mild Mannered Army' whom I met in Edinburgh when playing with Mark Morriss earlier this year, that I asked if he'd write the very first review for 'Well Well' - hoping he'd like it. 

He did:


'A piano plays in an empty room. 

Shimmering shadows. 

Then a mass, a mess, of drums and harmonica. Delta blues from the Home Counties. 

Southern comforts. 

This is the opening to "Well Well", the new album from Nigel Thomas who sings and writes songs; like Gerry Cinnamon or Ed Sheeran but, you know, good.   

The opening track "Rita" is so far removed from the sort of faux sincerity of some singer-songwriters, so far away from the phoney romance of certain stars, so distant from being concerned with being of the moment that it sounds like it has arrived from some parallel universe where people care more about talent, ability and honesty than they do about haircuts and swagger. 

We can but dream. 

That sense of joy in the craft, of placing quality and veracity at the heart of things, lies at the core of everything that makes Thomas someone worth listening to. 

From the giddy rush of "Stepping Up" to the slightly more tender thrills of "I've Seen Forever" Thomas works hard to make songs so delightful, clever, layered and beautiful sound improvised and simple...they sound intimate.  "Sometimes life can only offer you cruelty" he sings on "I've Seen Forever" and it sounds like your best friend whispering in your ear on one of those days. 

There are other moments where the music sounds like the score to the haziest half-dreams of imagined summers days.  "Well Well" is exactly that.  It sounds like the California sun as it starts to set on July 17th 1978...or something.  Like an old song...like a song from a lost classic album that has been rediscovered in a thrift store and given the chance to find an audience it didn't manage at the time by some hip record producer. 

That seventies feel and the feel of West Coast America runs right across the album but, thankfully, Thomas never strays in Starsailor territory...there are no "freeways" and fake American tones here.  This is very much a record from an English musician...the best sort of English songwriter, the sort who is looking further than the Rhododendrons at the end of his immaculate lawn, cherry picking and looking with magpie eyes for inspiration. 

This is also a very English record in places, most memorably on "Smiling and Laughing" where the ghost of George Formby looms large.  Yes, really.  If you think that is anything other than a good thing then I'm not sure you and I can every really be friends.  The likes of Formby and Gracie Fields and Noel Coward are as important to the evolution of British pop music as that Liverpool band and the Droning Bones are.  Arguably more so. 

Thomas has produced an album that places the song front and centre, this is a record where it really is, as Pete Postlethwaite argued in "Brassed Off", music what matters.  There are enough catchy tunes, clever lines, heart breaking rhymes and beautiful tones to make any day feel better. 

Music to soothe. 

Music to cherish. 

Music that matters.'


JUST ONE MORE THING: APPLE STORE GIG

I had a great time playing at The Apple Store on Regent Street back in March. Thanks to Carrie and everyone at Apple (and of course, the talented musicians who joined me: Jon, Pat and Alex) You can see footage of the gig below.  

More news to come. Naturally. 

Nigel. X

P.S. I had a great time playing at grand venue, The Ned, earlier this month. Very lovely review from Neon Music:   'There’s no doubting that Thomas is an incredible writer'.


'If you do not breathe through writing, if you do not cry out in writing, or sing in writing, then don’t write, because our culture has no use for it.' ― Anais Nin

'If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.' ― Albert Einstein

Alchemy Rose et al

ALCHEMY ROSE - OUT NOW!

'Alchemy Rose', the first single from my new album is out now. An 'upbeat, summery Britpop future anthem', it's been really well received and you can download it now.

iTunes
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Spotify 

The video was filmed on top of the PRS building in Streatham Hill, directed by Chris Presswell with assistance from Carina Birrell. Huge thanks to cast and crew as well as Laura McAleer and everyone at PRS.

Behind the scenes...

ALCHEMY ROSE - LAUNCH PARTY

This was at the Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen and played to a lovely appreciative crowd! Thanks to everyone who came down.

I debuted a number of brand new tracks from my forthcoming album, including 'I've Been Thinking' and 'Well Well' - check them out below: 

 

MUSINGS AND SUCH
"I ask the songwriter how his solo work differs to that he performed with The Foxes; what we can expect from his sophomore album; what sort of music he is inspired by - Thomas selects a few albums that have made an impact on him." Have a read!

Note: I never normally look this cool

THE FOXES - 'B-SIDES AND RARITIES' - OUT NOW!

I'm really proud of this collection of songs from my old band, The Foxes, many of which have either never been heard before or only available on long since sold out CD and vinyl. 

The album includes 'Hey Baby!', 'She's a Cow', 'Friday Night', alternative original recordings of 'Lover, Killer,' 'Suzy' and 'Run' and a host of never before heard tracks. ITunes, Amazon and all good online stores.

iTunes
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Spotify


Much more to come, including new album news, new music videos AND the day I got to drive a huge JCB digger for a horror short and another where I was filmed inside a fridge. 

I'm not kidding. 

Nigel. X


Website

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

CANDLESTICK - OUT NOW

Very happy to say that you can now watch 'Candlestick' online in the UK and most of the world! 

iTunes (UK): apple.co/1GlKiFY
iTunes (US): apple.co/1ecVYj6
Google Play: bit.ly/1QZvUX1
VHX (international): bit.ly/1IIRgGO
Vimeo On Demand: bit.ly/1FqGvGz

If you love extras (and there's lots) you can also buy the DVD and Blueray from Amazon (this is for the US - if you're in the UK and want one, leave me a comment or send me a message).

 "Candlestick is a definite watch, lots of buildup with a great ending. Simple, sweet, and full of wonderful performances." Splatsofblood

"perfectly crafted and very entertaining" Life in LA

"a well-written, darkly comedic, superbly tragic story" Onefilmfan 

LA PREMIÈRE

The LA première took place on 11th April 2015 at a packed out Arena Cinema, Hollywood, California. 

You can watch the complete Q&A session hosted by BAFTA/LA Sandro Monetti via the Candlestick page here.  

The Arena Cinema, Hollywood.

On the red carpet

Composer Johnathan Amandary, myself, Andrew Fitch, Screenwriter Andreas Forgacs W, Director/Screenwriter Chris Presswell

On the red carpet

Actress Jaki Nelson, Composer Andreas Farmakalidis, Singer Alexis Lopez (American Idol)

Jessica Reinhardt and Emilie Hagen

Composer Johnathan Amandary, myself, Andrew Fitch, Screenwriter Andreas Forgacs W, Director/Screenwriter Chris Presswell

Frankie Ray and Michael Madison

The star of the show!

Anne-Marie Greenland and Director/Screenwriter Chris Presswell

Virginia MacGregor

Actor Brett R. Miller, Actress Cat LaCohie

Andrew adding a personal touch to the film poster.

Caption competition

Pictorial evidence of Andrew plotting on stage

The Q&A session moderated by
BAFTA/LA Sandro Monetti

Much missed at the premiere were the wonderful Isla Ure, Tom Knight, Dan Marsh, Haider Zafer and everyone else involved in the film.

HUGE THANKS to my Californian friends who attended: Norman Kelsey, Patty Tokahuta-Kelsey, Amber McDow, Verna Mott Hunt and Ethan Hunt and to everyone involved in the release and of course, everyone who's watched Candlestick.

Finally, a reminder that I'll be playing the Kashmir Cafe stage at the Isle of Wight Festival Saturday 13th June, on stage 6.45pm, full band. 

Much love, 

Nigel. X







 

Trailers, tours and menageries!

CANDLESTICK

First of all I'm very excited to announce that the official trailer for my feature film 'Candlestick' has finally been unleashed to the world! Have a look:

From TV Bomb: 'Candlestick is a stylish retro thriller taking its cues from Alfred Hitchcock’s classics Rope and Dial M for Murder. Director Christopher Presswell’s second feature sees a social gathering take a dark turn when the host suggests that his best friend’s wife may have been unfaithful. However, as the allegations start flying, it soon becomes clear that something far more sinister is at play. Watch the preview below then see the film as part of the Aberdeen Film Festival on Wednesday 8^th October.' 

I'll be up in Aberdeen for the Film Festival on 8th October with plenty more screenings to come (including the Marbella Film Festival AND I've heard rumours of New York too). 

It really is a great little film of which I'm really proud to have been a part - keep up to date with screenings and exclusive updates on the Candlestick Twitter page. 


THE MUSIC HALL MENAGERIE

 

 
There's just ONE WEEK left to see my current production, The Music Hall Menagerie at the Leicester Square Theatre in central London, directed by Stuart Saint. It's a show full of laughter, songs, variety, fun and a touch of dance, do come and see it if you can (use the code WOW10 for special discount but keep it to yourself!).  

ALBUM AND TOUR

Finally, I can announce that I'll be embarking on a mini UK tour in November in advance of the release of my new solo album. I'll be joined on the tour with Cara Mitchell, a hugely talented singer/songwriter from Aberdeen. The tour so far (with huge thanks to Ross Calder of AGP Aberdeen)

Thur 20th Nov - GLASGOW, Nice 'n' Sleazy
Fri 21st Nov - EDINBURGH, Sneaky Pete's
Sat 22nd Nov - ABERDEEN, Cellar 35
Sun 23rd Nov - INVERNESS, Hootananny's
Mon 24th Nov - NOTTINGHAM, Acoustic Rooms
Tue 25th Nov - NORWICH, The Blueberry Music House
Wed 26th Nov - LONDON, Death2Disco
Thur 27th Nov - BRIGHTON, Chequers

I'll have more album news soon where lots of music videos are already in the works - I'll leave you with the full band video to Third Movement (a completely new remake of the acoustic video) by the fabulous Infinite Pictures, who made The Foxes music videos 'Bill Hicks' and 'Lover, Killer'.

That's all for now! Thanks for taking the time to read this blog - if you enjoyed it I'd be very grateful if you'd help it spread by emailing it to a friend or sharing on Facebook or Twitter. 

Plus I'd love to hear your thoughts on the trailer - so if you have 30 seconds, leave me a little comment below! 

Much love, 

Nigel. X


P.S. Death2Disco is back (in Camden) P.P.S. I'm not one to preach to the Scottish people about why they should vote NO in the forthcoming campaign to leave the UK (apart from saying 'Stay with us Scotland, we love you!')- so I'll let a Scotsman give you some interesting food for thought.
P.P.P.S. You may follow me on Twitter if you wish - where 8.5% of active Twitter users aren't human. 
P.P.P.P.S.  Love is better than a warm trombone.

• “The ear is the avenue to the heart.” Voltaire.

   

  "All Englishmen like dresses. It's something in their genes. Everyone knows it, they just don't talk about it."  David Bowie.