Showing posts with label Key West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Key West. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Shave & A Haircut 100

Will You Accept This Rose?
Nick Heyward
Photo: Steve Ullathorne
Hey, Hey, Hey...It's Nick Heyward!
When you have the comfort of working on your ninth album without the rush to meet a deadline, you really want to take your time, especially if it’s your first solo outing in 18 years. For singer songwriter Nick Heyward Woodland Echoes, his forthcoming album out November 3 on Red River/BFE Entertainment, served as a reminder of things he is grateful for. “I’m glad I’m alive, I’m glad that I’m writing and putting records out.”  His appreciation for making music is reflected on all 12 tracks on this breezy, smart pop gem.
Nick has been putting out great pop songs since his band, Haircut One Hundred, blasted on to the scene in the early 80s earning four UK Top Ten and two US Top 40 singles with “Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl),” “Love Plus One,” “Nobody’s Fool” and  “Fantastic Day” from their debut album, Pelican WestWhile enjoying the early days of success, differences in style and direction led Heyward to leave his post as front man and lyricist to begin his solo career.
An artist who has always been well received by both critics and fans, Heyward released three solo albums in the 80s, three in the 90s (including a 1998 release on Creation Records at the behest of Alan McGee) and two 2 collaborations in the aughts.  A 2013 announcement of new music was met with eager anticipation, but supporters would have to wait until 2015 for a preview of what would become the music on Woodland Echoes
Recorded at his son Oliver’s studio, on a houseboat in Key West, and Zak Starkey’s Salo Sound studio deep in the UK countryside, Nick deliberated over the music until he felt it was ready. “At first, I wanted it finished straight away.” he says. “But then, ‘that’ll do’ became impossible for me; in fact, it was the opposite – as soon as someone said something would do, I knew it wouldn’t!”
It’s that precise attitude that makes Heyward’s music so special. This album, like all of his work, is made with the same passion, introspection and grace found in all of his music. An avowed lover of nature and the outdoors, you can hear that influence in all the tracks, particularly “Beautiful Morning.” “Love is the Key By the Sea,” which opens the album, is a bold and harmonious love song, and the jazzy snap-your-finger fun of “Who” is most certainly a tip of that hat to Mr. Paul McCartney. “Baby Blue Sky” is a rapturous beach song with a dash of Oasis thrown in to the mix, and lead single “Perfect Sunday Sun” is the most perfect 70s era pop song.Heyward, who has always been singled out as a strong and thoughtful lyricist, continues his streak of songwriting success on Woodland Echoes, which feels warm and intimate.
All things being equal though, the Nick Heyward of 2017 isn’t the same person as the Nick Heyward of 1982. “You have to find peace and love; it’s a process – my early songs were always bittersweet – the verse would be going through the struggle, but then it would be ‘it’s a fantastic day’; but there was always that struggle. On this album, that struggle is gone. The songs on Woodland Echoes are reflective of the past 10 years.”
It’s a treat to have Nick Heyward back making premium pop music. In 1985, Nick told Smash Hits magazine that “I want to make the kind of LP you can wrap up and give to someone as a present. No duff tracks at all, just 12 shining wonderful singles, I suppose.” In 2017, with Woodland Echoes, he has finally achieved his goal. 
Check out Nick performing some of the new "Woodland Echoes"  tunes as well as some classic Haircut One Hundred music here: https://vintage.tv/episodes/nick-heyward-live-at-the-water-rats-2/


Social Media Links:
Official Website: http://nickheyward.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nickheyward
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickheyward
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickheyward/

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Go Cruising With Charles Esten & Clare Bowen Of "Nashville"


Clare Bowen aka Scarlett O'Connor
On "Nashville"

Attention all fans of the TV show "Nashville" of which I am one. Hop on a Country Cruise with Charles Esten and Clare Bowen. You heard me correctly, I did not stutter!


Charles Esten aka Deacon Claybourne
On "Nashville"
Fans of the ABC series Nashville will want to make sure they take part in the Country Cruising experience, set for January 14-19, 2017. Fans will be travelling aboard the Brilliance of the Seas®, a beautiful Radiance-class ship that combines sleek swiftness, panoramic vistas, and wide-open spaces. With acres of glass enclosing the nine-story central atrium, elevators facing the sea, and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, cruisers will never be at a loss for an incredible view.

Country Cruising will set sail on January 14, 2017 from Tampa, and will stop in Key West before making its’ voyage to Cozumel, Mexico. The ship will arrive back in Tampa on January 19. Among the artists participating in the cruise include Nashville stars Charles Esten and Clare Bowen.  


Esten has won hearts around the world with his portrayal of the rugged “Deacon Claybourne” on the popular ABC series – now in its’ fourth season. That role showcases his dramatic side, but there is also a comedic slant to his talents, as well. Esten got his start on the British series Whose Line Is It Anyway? He also became a cast member of the show during its’ American run with Drew Carey, as well. Nashville has allowed Esten to showcase his musical talents, as well. He has performed on several tours of the show’s cast, and performs frequently on the venerable Grand Ole Opry. Two of Esten’s contributions to the show’s soundtracks have made the top-40 on the charts, including “No One Will Ever Love You,” a collaboration with co-star Connie Britton.

Australian-born Clare Bowen has appeared as the romantically troubled Scarlett O’Connor on Nashville since the show’s debut in 2012. Her prior television credits include The Cut and All Saints. Five of her songs from the series’ soundtrack have made their way into the top-40 on the Country charts, including the haunting “If I Didn’t Know Better” – generally regarded as one of the high musical points in the show’s history. Both Bowen and Esten are working on full albums of their own, slated for release later this year.

Country Cruising offers the Country Music fan an amazing experience – a five night cruise, with accommodations and all meals taken care of during the event, as well as autograph sessions, photo opportunities, daily musical performances, and songwriter workshops. For more information about tickets, visit www.CountryCruising.com.