REVIEWS/RADIO
ROOTSTIME.BE(Belgium)
'Homebound Blues' album review
'Feeling for the blues' album review
Nick Steed, from Stockport, South Manchester, is a freelance singer and keyboardist. In recent years, he has built up a broad reputation as a session pianist and organist in the UK and actually throughout Europe. He has played with many leading musicians such as Norman Beaker Band, Larry Garner, Chris Farlower, Van Morrison, Dennis Chambers, Steve Hackett, Ginger Baker and Kyla Brox. His current band the Nick Steed 5 (NS5) offers "the British best" a home now: Steve Gibson (drums), Kim Nishikawara (sax), Peter Mason (guitar) and John Sandham (bass). Steed is also regularly part of the British Blues outfit The Norman Beaker Band. During tours he regularly collaborates with Norman Beaker and Larry Garner. This year he would perform in Diepenbeek during HOOKROCK 2020, which also had to give way before the pandemic.
In the past month, Nick Steed's new (solo) album "Homebound Blues" was released. It is the successor to "Feeling For the Blues" from 2018. It contains nine original songs and especially many New Orleans grooves. On the album he is accompanied by the great saxophonist Kim Nishikawara, harpist Paul Winn and (one song) singer Amanda Jane Heywood. Immediately you imagine yourself in the "Big Easy", when you are taken in the opener "Whole Lotta 'Money Blues" with the sax grooves of Kim Nishikawara and the sounds of Steed's barrelhouse piano. Then Paul Winn joins them on the ballad "That Day (Billy the Kid)", a cinematic moment à la lettre. The tempo then goes back up on the rocking "Electra Glide (Highway 61)" with Kim's soprano saxophone leading now. “Feeling for the Blues” is a beautiful, intimate and jazzy intermezzo with Steed who again sings very well. “Yo Mama” swings and on “Hold It Tight” we are spoiled by Steed in a duet with the soulful singer Amanda Jane Heywood. On the title song “Homebound Blues” Steed takes us to the heart of New Orléans, “Jack n 'Jill” and Jill ”and the closing song“ Didn't Stop Me from Playing the Blues ”are two more relaxing tracks after which the closing song Randy Newman next to us 'Homebound Bleus' is a successful album entirely in the spirit of Nick Steed.
Let's also talk about "Feeling for the Blues" of the NS5. It is an album by Nick Steed with his band Five. With twelve originals on it. I introduced the band in the introduction: Steve Gibson (drums), Kim Nishikawara (sax), Peter Mason (guitar) and John Sandham (bass). The swinging “Supercar Loan” can open the dance here. Mason's guitar riffs and sax immediately hit the spotlight. The Boom Baby Boom, inspired by New Orleans, makes you dance and, of another caliber, is the funky "Cas It Is What It Is". In the ballad “Take Your Home” Steed does a duet with Linda Jennings. "Feeling For the Blues" is beautiful soul blues and in the piano bow "Hot Shot Lady" Nishikawara shines. After the emotional ballad “I'm On a Roll” it goes back to New Orleans for “Cold Hearted Woman”. The lingering slow blues "Just Singin" The Blues "then goes - for those who want to dance - the very funky" Who's To Blame? " and “In The Room” beforehand. Five and Nick Steed conclude with the subtle ballad “Cryin 'For You”, which is colored with handsome guitar riffs and Hammond organ. Nick Steed Five clearly knows how to do it on this extremely diverse and beautiful blues album.
Getting to know Nick Steed by definition seems like a pleasant experience. Both solo on "Homebound Blues" and with band on "Feeling For the Blues", his blues, funk and more quickly convince us. Hopefully we will see this fivesome somewhere in a blues club or at a festival because we have already missed this in the past deadly months!
“Getting to know Mr. Nick Steed seems by definition a pleasant experience. Both solo on "Homebound Blues" and with band on "Feeling For the Blues, his blues, funk and more quickly convinces you. Hopefully we will see this fivesome somewhere in a blues club or at a festival, because we have already missed this in the past deadly months! ... "(ESC for Rootstime.be)
By Eric Schuurmans
'Homebound Blues' album review
'Feeling for the blues' album review
Nick Steed, from Stockport, South Manchester, is a freelance singer and keyboardist. In recent years, he has built up a broad reputation as a session pianist and organist in the UK and actually throughout Europe. He has played with many leading musicians such as Norman Beaker Band, Larry Garner, Chris Farlower, Van Morrison, Dennis Chambers, Steve Hackett, Ginger Baker and Kyla Brox. His current band the Nick Steed 5 (NS5) offers "the British best" a home now: Steve Gibson (drums), Kim Nishikawara (sax), Peter Mason (guitar) and John Sandham (bass). Steed is also regularly part of the British Blues outfit The Norman Beaker Band. During tours he regularly collaborates with Norman Beaker and Larry Garner. This year he would perform in Diepenbeek during HOOKROCK 2020, which also had to give way before the pandemic.
In the past month, Nick Steed's new (solo) album "Homebound Blues" was released. It is the successor to "Feeling For the Blues" from 2018. It contains nine original songs and especially many New Orleans grooves. On the album he is accompanied by the great saxophonist Kim Nishikawara, harpist Paul Winn and (one song) singer Amanda Jane Heywood. Immediately you imagine yourself in the "Big Easy", when you are taken in the opener "Whole Lotta 'Money Blues" with the sax grooves of Kim Nishikawara and the sounds of Steed's barrelhouse piano. Then Paul Winn joins them on the ballad "That Day (Billy the Kid)", a cinematic moment à la lettre. The tempo then goes back up on the rocking "Electra Glide (Highway 61)" with Kim's soprano saxophone leading now. “Feeling for the Blues” is a beautiful, intimate and jazzy intermezzo with Steed who again sings very well. “Yo Mama” swings and on “Hold It Tight” we are spoiled by Steed in a duet with the soulful singer Amanda Jane Heywood. On the title song “Homebound Blues” Steed takes us to the heart of New Orléans, “Jack n 'Jill” and Jill ”and the closing song“ Didn't Stop Me from Playing the Blues ”are two more relaxing tracks after which the closing song Randy Newman next to us 'Homebound Bleus' is a successful album entirely in the spirit of Nick Steed.
Let's also talk about "Feeling for the Blues" of the NS5. It is an album by Nick Steed with his band Five. With twelve originals on it. I introduced the band in the introduction: Steve Gibson (drums), Kim Nishikawara (sax), Peter Mason (guitar) and John Sandham (bass). The swinging “Supercar Loan” can open the dance here. Mason's guitar riffs and sax immediately hit the spotlight. The Boom Baby Boom, inspired by New Orleans, makes you dance and, of another caliber, is the funky "Cas It Is What It Is". In the ballad “Take Your Home” Steed does a duet with Linda Jennings. "Feeling For the Blues" is beautiful soul blues and in the piano bow "Hot Shot Lady" Nishikawara shines. After the emotional ballad “I'm On a Roll” it goes back to New Orleans for “Cold Hearted Woman”. The lingering slow blues "Just Singin" The Blues "then goes - for those who want to dance - the very funky" Who's To Blame? " and “In The Room” beforehand. Five and Nick Steed conclude with the subtle ballad “Cryin 'For You”, which is colored with handsome guitar riffs and Hammond organ. Nick Steed Five clearly knows how to do it on this extremely diverse and beautiful blues album.
Getting to know Nick Steed by definition seems like a pleasant experience. Both solo on "Homebound Blues" and with band on "Feeling For the Blues", his blues, funk and more quickly convince us. Hopefully we will see this fivesome somewhere in a blues club or at a festival because we have already missed this in the past deadly months!
“Getting to know Mr. Nick Steed seems by definition a pleasant experience. Both solo on "Homebound Blues" and with band on "Feeling For the Blues, his blues, funk and more quickly convinces you. Hopefully we will see this fivesome somewhere in a blues club or at a festival, because we have already missed this in the past deadly months! ... "(ESC for Rootstime.be)
By Eric Schuurmans
ROOTSVILLE(BELGIUM)
'Homebound blues' album review
2020 will be remembered as a very strange year for everyone. The question is whether we can ever go back to our world of "Live Music" in the clubs, let alone at our festivals. What we certainly missed here is the introduction of "Nick Steed" . Some die hards could experience him last year in "Pallieter Café" in Herselt and "The Music Crossover Pub" in Ghent. This year he would be in the spotlight on "Hookrock" and at the time of writing this review we of course hope that there is still a water opportunity for this.
The connoisseurs among us know of course that Nick Steed is also the wizard on the black & white keys with his compatriot Norman Beaker, who also just released a new album. The characteristics of this "Nick Steed" who only performs on this album in terms of name without his "Nick Steed 5". Present is the great saxophonist Kim Nishikawara. We also hear Paul Winn and Amanda Jane Heywood.
photo Nick Steed © Rootsville
"Homebound Blues" is an album with 9 originals written by Nick Steed, which means that we can also label him as an excellent songwriter. His blues is one that can go in many directions, but partly due to his pleasant voice toning and warm personality, several songs lean close to the blues of New Orleans.
Immediately with opener "Whole lotta 'money blues" we become together with the sax grooves of Mr. Nishikawara and the sounds of a barrelhouse piano sucked into NOLA and the "Big Easy". We also receive input from Paul Winn as harper. With the following "That day (Billy the kid)" the diversity of this Nick Steed is accentuated even better and we experience a somewhat cinematic moment and a song worthy of Ennio Morricone.
We get more fun and spunk with the rock 'n roll sensitive "Electra Glide (Highway 61)" and we are immediately sucked into that feeling cruisin' on Highway 61 on our HOG. "Feeling for the blues", guided by Kim's soprano saxophone, is one on which we get a jazzy feeling. Very suitable for Nick Steed's vocal qualities, by the way. We can't believe that the NOLA feeling takes precedence over these "Homebound Blues", so also over "Yo Mama".
On "Hold it tight" we are spoiled vocally by the input of the wonderful voice of "Amanda Jane Heywood". This soul-inspired voice, here in a duet with Nick Steed, creates some chills, especially when Nick's keys are introduced. With the title track "Homebound blues" you can vividly imagine what it is like to stay in a club in the middle of "Bourbon Street". You can't imagine a better juke joint feeling. With "Jack n 'Jill" and the closing song "Didn't stop me from playing the blues", a song with some Randy Newman feel, this warm feeling disappears together with the memories of this Nick Steed hoping for a quick reunion.
"Homebound Blues" is the follow up to "Feeling For The Blues" from 2018. An album entirely in the spirit of Nick Steed.
by Freddy Vandervelpen
'Homebound blues' album review
2020 will be remembered as a very strange year for everyone. The question is whether we can ever go back to our world of "Live Music" in the clubs, let alone at our festivals. What we certainly missed here is the introduction of "Nick Steed" . Some die hards could experience him last year in "Pallieter Café" in Herselt and "The Music Crossover Pub" in Ghent. This year he would be in the spotlight on "Hookrock" and at the time of writing this review we of course hope that there is still a water opportunity for this.
The connoisseurs among us know of course that Nick Steed is also the wizard on the black & white keys with his compatriot Norman Beaker, who also just released a new album. The characteristics of this "Nick Steed" who only performs on this album in terms of name without his "Nick Steed 5". Present is the great saxophonist Kim Nishikawara. We also hear Paul Winn and Amanda Jane Heywood.
photo Nick Steed © Rootsville
"Homebound Blues" is an album with 9 originals written by Nick Steed, which means that we can also label him as an excellent songwriter. His blues is one that can go in many directions, but partly due to his pleasant voice toning and warm personality, several songs lean close to the blues of New Orleans.
Immediately with opener "Whole lotta 'money blues" we become together with the sax grooves of Mr. Nishikawara and the sounds of a barrelhouse piano sucked into NOLA and the "Big Easy". We also receive input from Paul Winn as harper. With the following "That day (Billy the kid)" the diversity of this Nick Steed is accentuated even better and we experience a somewhat cinematic moment and a song worthy of Ennio Morricone.
We get more fun and spunk with the rock 'n roll sensitive "Electra Glide (Highway 61)" and we are immediately sucked into that feeling cruisin' on Highway 61 on our HOG. "Feeling for the blues", guided by Kim's soprano saxophone, is one on which we get a jazzy feeling. Very suitable for Nick Steed's vocal qualities, by the way. We can't believe that the NOLA feeling takes precedence over these "Homebound Blues", so also over "Yo Mama".
On "Hold it tight" we are spoiled vocally by the input of the wonderful voice of "Amanda Jane Heywood". This soul-inspired voice, here in a duet with Nick Steed, creates some chills, especially when Nick's keys are introduced. With the title track "Homebound blues" you can vividly imagine what it is like to stay in a club in the middle of "Bourbon Street". You can't imagine a better juke joint feeling. With "Jack n 'Jill" and the closing song "Didn't stop me from playing the blues", a song with some Randy Newman feel, this warm feeling disappears together with the memories of this Nick Steed hoping for a quick reunion.
"Homebound Blues" is the follow up to "Feeling For The Blues" from 2018. An album entirely in the spirit of Nick Steed.
by Freddy Vandervelpen
ROOTSVILLE(BELGIUM)
Live gig at 'Crossover Music pub' Ghent
Promise makes debt. On Saturday, June 15, I was a little overwhelmed by the "Nick Steed Five"concert that I promised myself to look back again when he's in the country. It was fun, it was good, it had everything to make it a beautiful blues evening and so it went to Ghent on Monday 24 June. A good alternative now that the leave period is coming and our permanent home, the "Blauwe Kater" in Leuven, is now hiding from the "Blue Monday" concerts. A disadvantage was that we were in the middle of the traffic jam in the direction of Arteveldestad but there was also a good side to the medal and that was the first visit to "The Crossover Music Pub". Colleague Marcel had already been here once, but now he is in the sun in Spain ... hopefully in the company of a Duvel :-) As a partner the route is usually the mayor of (Ge) Varenwinkel .
Until last Saturday I only knew "Nick Steed" as a keyboard player with "Norman Beaker" but also played with "Van Morrison". Now, he just blew us off our socks. A well-oiled band with a crazy saxophonist in the band and also Nick's timbre may well be put in the spotlight. An all-in-oneconcert with just about all ingredients to make it swing and so you can speak of a rough diamond here.
"The Crossover Music Pub" is not in the heart of Ghent but simply in the canal zone and luckily we didn't have to take the ferry to get there. This juke joint is named after the crossover in music and was founded by music and motorcycle enthusiasts Sandra, Bart and Frank. The latter also founded the "Rockfactory" and so the apple does not fall far from the tree. They try to offer a very varied program and on October 14th they get here no one less than "Victor Wainwright & The Train" . In fact, on November 3, even "Popa Chubby" will drop by and therefore all the more reason to take in the calendar of this pub at the seaport of Ghent.
"7.30PM" and therefore quite early to open the buttons, but that happens to not cause unnecessary trouble for the neighbors. This "The Crossover Music Pub" is a pleasant-feeling establishment. Beautiful stage with a hollow space underneath, so everything in house to benefit the "music" and so the expectations were high. We are still in the middle of the "Jupiler" promotion, which means we have 5cl at our beers. get extra without having to pay more and that is appreciated in this tax country. Never even thought that 5cl. would make a world of difference, so Sandra lets come ...

The MC on duty comes to announce these British in color although that "Delta Blues" would not apply tonight. No, just nice listening blues that only make you happy with "Highway 61". It is fighting the first heat wave so Sandra, some Jup'kes XL "! Initially these " Nick Steed Five "areon tour to present their latest album " Feeling For The Blues " and let me put you wise, this is never really an album with complete coherence, which naturally has a lot to do with the 5 musicians on stage and that besides Nick Steed also drummer Steve Gibson, Kim Nishikawara (sax),
With "Supercar Loan" we are immediately on the album and here we get to hear an excellent sample of Tulsa sound. That Tulsa sound goes even further by bringing JJ Cale's "I Got The Same Ol 'Blues". Then these "Nick Steed Five" know how to take us on a trip along various styles of our favorite music. We immediately get a

sing-a-long on Jimmy Reed's "Peepin 'and Hidin' and continue straight to New Orleans with" Boom Baby Boom ". Another original with" Who's To Blame "followed by a ballad and such the first set is already over and we can quickly catch our breath outside, not a single soul that has not amused itself and so we hope for a logical consequence of part 2.
The second part is opened with a classic classic by bringing Albert King's "Born Under A Bad Sign" and the extra input from Kim's horny horn immediately adds value to this song. Another one from Freddie King and after his "Big Legged Woman" it is immediately time for another original from the album "Feeling For The Blues", an album on which besides this "Cold Hearted Woman" there are also 11 other songs of their own contribution. Those originals can best stand alongside classics such as JB Lenoir's "Mama Talk To Your Daughter" without sacrificing quality. To get all the stops up we also get "Sunshine Of Your Love" from Cream and that immediately cuts in here with the rockers. Phenomenally good is also the title track of the album "Feeling For the Blues". Musically top!
Just focus on Steve fu * ckin '"Kruppa" Gibson for an amazing solo and this is by no means evident here in the sauna. So Sandra ... Jup'kes XL! Unfortunately it also runs to the end of this passage of "Nick Steed Five" here in "The Crossover Music Pub" but that is then counted without serving from Gevarenwinkel so ... still ien schoewen lieke , something the "MC" him follow the. Outswinger became "Hot Shot Baby" and we can state with certainty that this concert was an open application to our festivals. Our impression about this music club can only be described as positive and it is once again proven here that with the right setting the blues is far from dead. Thanks to "Nick Steed Five"and the entire board of directors of this "The Crossover Music Pub" , merçi zulle ;-) Excellent work also by the "PA" man ...
by Freddy Vandervelpen
Live gig at 'Crossover Music pub' Ghent
Promise makes debt. On Saturday, June 15, I was a little overwhelmed by the "Nick Steed Five"concert that I promised myself to look back again when he's in the country. It was fun, it was good, it had everything to make it a beautiful blues evening and so it went to Ghent on Monday 24 June. A good alternative now that the leave period is coming and our permanent home, the "Blauwe Kater" in Leuven, is now hiding from the "Blue Monday" concerts. A disadvantage was that we were in the middle of the traffic jam in the direction of Arteveldestad but there was also a good side to the medal and that was the first visit to "The Crossover Music Pub". Colleague Marcel had already been here once, but now he is in the sun in Spain ... hopefully in the company of a Duvel :-) As a partner the route is usually the mayor of (Ge) Varenwinkel .
Until last Saturday I only knew "Nick Steed" as a keyboard player with "Norman Beaker" but also played with "Van Morrison". Now, he just blew us off our socks. A well-oiled band with a crazy saxophonist in the band and also Nick's timbre may well be put in the spotlight. An all-in-oneconcert with just about all ingredients to make it swing and so you can speak of a rough diamond here.
"The Crossover Music Pub" is not in the heart of Ghent but simply in the canal zone and luckily we didn't have to take the ferry to get there. This juke joint is named after the crossover in music and was founded by music and motorcycle enthusiasts Sandra, Bart and Frank. The latter also founded the "Rockfactory" and so the apple does not fall far from the tree. They try to offer a very varied program and on October 14th they get here no one less than "Victor Wainwright & The Train" . In fact, on November 3, even "Popa Chubby" will drop by and therefore all the more reason to take in the calendar of this pub at the seaport of Ghent.
"7.30PM" and therefore quite early to open the buttons, but that happens to not cause unnecessary trouble for the neighbors. This "The Crossover Music Pub" is a pleasant-feeling establishment. Beautiful stage with a hollow space underneath, so everything in house to benefit the "music" and so the expectations were high. We are still in the middle of the "Jupiler" promotion, which means we have 5cl at our beers. get extra without having to pay more and that is appreciated in this tax country. Never even thought that 5cl. would make a world of difference, so Sandra lets come ...

The MC on duty comes to announce these British in color although that "Delta Blues" would not apply tonight. No, just nice listening blues that only make you happy with "Highway 61". It is fighting the first heat wave so Sandra, some Jup'kes XL "! Initially these " Nick Steed Five "areon tour to present their latest album " Feeling For The Blues " and let me put you wise, this is never really an album with complete coherence, which naturally has a lot to do with the 5 musicians on stage and that besides Nick Steed also drummer Steve Gibson, Kim Nishikawara (sax),
With "Supercar Loan" we are immediately on the album and here we get to hear an excellent sample of Tulsa sound. That Tulsa sound goes even further by bringing JJ Cale's "I Got The Same Ol 'Blues". Then these "Nick Steed Five" know how to take us on a trip along various styles of our favorite music. We immediately get a

sing-a-long on Jimmy Reed's "Peepin 'and Hidin' and continue straight to New Orleans with" Boom Baby Boom ". Another original with" Who's To Blame "followed by a ballad and such the first set is already over and we can quickly catch our breath outside, not a single soul that has not amused itself and so we hope for a logical consequence of part 2.
The second part is opened with a classic classic by bringing Albert King's "Born Under A Bad Sign" and the extra input from Kim's horny horn immediately adds value to this song. Another one from Freddie King and after his "Big Legged Woman" it is immediately time for another original from the album "Feeling For The Blues", an album on which besides this "Cold Hearted Woman" there are also 11 other songs of their own contribution. Those originals can best stand alongside classics such as JB Lenoir's "Mama Talk To Your Daughter" without sacrificing quality. To get all the stops up we also get "Sunshine Of Your Love" from Cream and that immediately cuts in here with the rockers. Phenomenally good is also the title track of the album "Feeling For the Blues". Musically top!
Just focus on Steve fu * ckin '"Kruppa" Gibson for an amazing solo and this is by no means evident here in the sauna. So Sandra ... Jup'kes XL! Unfortunately it also runs to the end of this passage of "Nick Steed Five" here in "The Crossover Music Pub" but that is then counted without serving from Gevarenwinkel so ... still ien schoewen lieke , something the "MC" him follow the. Outswinger became "Hot Shot Baby" and we can state with certainty that this concert was an open application to our festivals. Our impression about this music club can only be described as positive and it is once again proven here that with the right setting the blues is far from dead. Thanks to "Nick Steed Five"and the entire board of directors of this "The Crossover Music Pub" , merçi zulle ;-) Excellent work also by the "PA" man ...
by Freddy Vandervelpen
ROOTSVILLE(BELGIUM)
Live gig at 'Palliator Cafe, Herselt
We know this "Nick Steed" initially as a keyboard player with the British formation "The Norman Beaker Band" but also played with "Chris Farlowe" and "Van Morrison", to name just a few. This late club insertion here in the "Pallieter Café" is not without danger of a lesser attendance as the festivals are in full swing. Even before the Brexit strikes, "Nick Steed Five" travels through the European blues landscape, with mainly concerts in the Czech Republic, perhaps hoping for a permanent place, Herenthout perhaps? This pilgrimage through the mainland is the result of his album "Feeling For The Blues", which was released last year .
In addition to Nick Steed, drummer Steve Gibson, Kim Nishikawara (sax), Peter Mason (guitar) and bass player John Sandham form the fundamental basis of this "Nick Steed Five" and display the necessary diversity ranging from blues to Americana to NOLA . Some Belgian fans already present. Hans is there enough wine in the house?
Round nine o'clock Nick Steed and his "Five" start with the original "Electro Glide". It is immediately noticeable that this is not just another British band, but one with content. Nick's timbre and the collaboration of keyboards and that incredible mellow saxophone are a perfect match and this would slide through the concert like a red thread. From "Supercar Loan" to JJ Cale's "Same Ol Blues" it promised to be a beautiful evening.
Again the strength of this "Nick Steed Five" is the great diversity in his songs ranging from Jimmy Reed's "Baby What You Want Me To Do" to the NOLA-spiked "Boom Baby Boom", no you don't "Boom Papa Boom"; ). We also get some funk and with "I'm on a Roll" also a nice soul ballad . All songs that can be heard on the album "Feeling For The Blues" but we got the feeling that the first set was over with the boogie "Good Ol 'Blues" as outswinger .
Not a second boredom and yet ... Also in set 2 these "Nick Steed Five" came on with a mix of originals and excellent covers such as Albert King's "Born Under a Bad Sign" and due to the sax grooves this song became extremely danceable. A floorfiller of size. Freddie King also came up with his "Big Legged Woman" after which they went the firmer tour with Cream their "Sunshine of Your Love". JB Lenoir's "Talk To Your Daughter" is also one that we would love to hear again, especially in a mix of the "Black & White Keys" and a saxophone. To conclude, they chose two more songs from their "Feeling For The Blues" album with "Hot Shot Lady" and "In The Room". And you know what, even the hans could taste this blues!
After this passage in the ballieu of Varenwinkel (where the croquettes soaked in alcohol will have tasted) you can still admire this "Nick Steed Five" on Monday 24 June in the music pub "The Crossover" in Ghent.
Live gig at 'Palliator Cafe, Herselt
We know this "Nick Steed" initially as a keyboard player with the British formation "The Norman Beaker Band" but also played with "Chris Farlowe" and "Van Morrison", to name just a few. This late club insertion here in the "Pallieter Café" is not without danger of a lesser attendance as the festivals are in full swing. Even before the Brexit strikes, "Nick Steed Five" travels through the European blues landscape, with mainly concerts in the Czech Republic, perhaps hoping for a permanent place, Herenthout perhaps? This pilgrimage through the mainland is the result of his album "Feeling For The Blues", which was released last year .
In addition to Nick Steed, drummer Steve Gibson, Kim Nishikawara (sax), Peter Mason (guitar) and bass player John Sandham form the fundamental basis of this "Nick Steed Five" and display the necessary diversity ranging from blues to Americana to NOLA . Some Belgian fans already present. Hans is there enough wine in the house?
Round nine o'clock Nick Steed and his "Five" start with the original "Electro Glide". It is immediately noticeable that this is not just another British band, but one with content. Nick's timbre and the collaboration of keyboards and that incredible mellow saxophone are a perfect match and this would slide through the concert like a red thread. From "Supercar Loan" to JJ Cale's "Same Ol Blues" it promised to be a beautiful evening.
Again the strength of this "Nick Steed Five" is the great diversity in his songs ranging from Jimmy Reed's "Baby What You Want Me To Do" to the NOLA-spiked "Boom Baby Boom", no you don't "Boom Papa Boom"; ). We also get some funk and with "I'm on a Roll" also a nice soul ballad . All songs that can be heard on the album "Feeling For The Blues" but we got the feeling that the first set was over with the boogie "Good Ol 'Blues" as outswinger .
Not a second boredom and yet ... Also in set 2 these "Nick Steed Five" came on with a mix of originals and excellent covers such as Albert King's "Born Under a Bad Sign" and due to the sax grooves this song became extremely danceable. A floorfiller of size. Freddie King also came up with his "Big Legged Woman" after which they went the firmer tour with Cream their "Sunshine of Your Love". JB Lenoir's "Talk To Your Daughter" is also one that we would love to hear again, especially in a mix of the "Black & White Keys" and a saxophone. To conclude, they chose two more songs from their "Feeling For The Blues" album with "Hot Shot Lady" and "In The Room". And you know what, even the hans could taste this blues!
After this passage in the ballieu of Varenwinkel (where the croquettes soaked in alcohol will have tasted) you can still admire this "Nick Steed Five" on Monday 24 June in the music pub "The Crossover" in Ghent.
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The Kid Jenson & Roger McCormick Blues Show
'These Guys are really good!'
Kid Jenson
Listen HERE
The Kid Jenson & Roger McCormick Blues Show
'These Guys are really good!'
Kid Jenson
Listen HERE
BLUES NEWS(GERMANY)
Thanks to Gill McKay for translation
Translated from the German by Gill McKay, www.mckay2consulting.com
Nick Steed is one of those musicians you always turn to when you need a reliable accompanist who really knows his stuff and who, if necessary, can also lead a band. The British pianist who has worked with the likes of Van Morrison, Chris Farlow, P.P. Arnold and countless others has now brought out his own album, and Feeling For The Blues certainly hits the spot. Steed dabbles with Delta and country blues, moving on to blues rock, Americana and ending up in New Orleans. He brings in a brass section, backing vocals, gets funky – and proves that he really has a knack for writing catchy but never cliché-laden melodies and underpinning them with just the right groove. His ballads are also far from being off-the-peg, and it is these that always provide a special yardstick for the ability to compose a good song. Of course, someone with Steed’s professional orientation will also invite a few guests on board. In his case, it’s Larry Garner and Norman Beaker, who himself is a go-to man when someone needs an excellent musician to join them on tour. It’s strange – too little attention is paid to these people who so often unselfishly lay the groundwork for their more famous colleagues. It’s great that Nick Steed has once again shown us how bands without stars can also provide us with superb music.
by Karl Leitner
Thanks to Gill McKay for translation
Translated from the German by Gill McKay, www.mckay2consulting.com
Nick Steed is one of those musicians you always turn to when you need a reliable accompanist who really knows his stuff and who, if necessary, can also lead a band. The British pianist who has worked with the likes of Van Morrison, Chris Farlow, P.P. Arnold and countless others has now brought out his own album, and Feeling For The Blues certainly hits the spot. Steed dabbles with Delta and country blues, moving on to blues rock, Americana and ending up in New Orleans. He brings in a brass section, backing vocals, gets funky – and proves that he really has a knack for writing catchy but never cliché-laden melodies and underpinning them with just the right groove. His ballads are also far from being off-the-peg, and it is these that always provide a special yardstick for the ability to compose a good song. Of course, someone with Steed’s professional orientation will also invite a few guests on board. In his case, it’s Larry Garner and Norman Beaker, who himself is a go-to man when someone needs an excellent musician to join them on tour. It’s strange – too little attention is paid to these people who so often unselfishly lay the groundwork for their more famous colleagues. It’s great that Nick Steed has once again shown us how bands without stars can also provide us with superb music.
by Karl Leitner
KEYS AND CHORDS(HOLLAND) http://www.keysandchords.com/album-review-blog/nick-steed-five-feeling-for-the-blues
Translated
Nick Steed has built up a real reputation in Great Britain and actually throughout Europe as a session pianist and organist. He played with a large number of leading musicians such as Norman Beaker Band, Larry Garner, Chris Farlowe, Sonja Kristina (Curved Air), Pete Brown(Cream Lyricist), Steve Ellis (Love Affair), Van Morrison, PP Arnold, Mollie Marriot, Corky Laing (Mountain), Gary Husband (Level 42 / Jack Bruce), Dennis Chambers (Santana / Parliment Funkadelic), Steve Hackett (Genesis ), David Sancious (Sting), Ginger Baker, Lulu, Jeff Berlin, Trevor Horn, Malcolm Bruce, Cliff Bennett, Johnny Mars and Kyla Brox.
His current band The Nick Steed Five is a mishmash of the best contemporary blues musicians at the moment. Drummer Steve Gibson, Kim Nishikawara (sax), Peter Mason (guitar) and bassist John Sandham form the basis for the NS5. The new album 'Feeling For The Blues' contains twelve original songs and also contains a lot of different styles of music, ranging from Delta blues, country, Americana, New Orleans toned tunes, blues rock and funk .. As special guests we have guitarists Norman Beaker and Larry Garner two experienced rot in the technical jargon.
The swinging 'Supercar Loan' may open the dance. Mason's guitar riffs and the horn section are immediately in the spotlight. Nick Steed has, in addition to his piano virtuosity, an incredibly pleasant voice. And that is what 'Boom Baby Boom' inspired by the New Orleans miracles does. From a different battle order it is funky 'Cas It Is What It Is' and the ballad duet 'Take Your Home' with Linda Jennings. 'Feeling For The Blues' is then again handsome soul blues. The horn section is also omnipresent in the piano 'Hot Shot Lady'. From the emotional ballad 'I'm On A Roll' it's quick to the New Orleans motivated 'Cold Hearted Woman' and the blues slow 'Just Singin' The Blues'. The extremely funky nailing 'Who's To Blame?' And 'In The Room' are pretty danceable chapters. NS5 concludes with the finely-crafted ballad 'Cryin' For You ', which has been coloured with respectable guitar riffs and Nick's Hammond organ tunes.
Nick Steed Five has a very diverse and handsome album to promote. Hopefully we will see this five somewhere in a blues club or festival somewhere in the country.
by Philip Verhaege
Translated
Nick Steed has built up a real reputation in Great Britain and actually throughout Europe as a session pianist and organist. He played with a large number of leading musicians such as Norman Beaker Band, Larry Garner, Chris Farlowe, Sonja Kristina (Curved Air), Pete Brown(Cream Lyricist), Steve Ellis (Love Affair), Van Morrison, PP Arnold, Mollie Marriot, Corky Laing (Mountain), Gary Husband (Level 42 / Jack Bruce), Dennis Chambers (Santana / Parliment Funkadelic), Steve Hackett (Genesis ), David Sancious (Sting), Ginger Baker, Lulu, Jeff Berlin, Trevor Horn, Malcolm Bruce, Cliff Bennett, Johnny Mars and Kyla Brox.
His current band The Nick Steed Five is a mishmash of the best contemporary blues musicians at the moment. Drummer Steve Gibson, Kim Nishikawara (sax), Peter Mason (guitar) and bassist John Sandham form the basis for the NS5. The new album 'Feeling For The Blues' contains twelve original songs and also contains a lot of different styles of music, ranging from Delta blues, country, Americana, New Orleans toned tunes, blues rock and funk .. As special guests we have guitarists Norman Beaker and Larry Garner two experienced rot in the technical jargon.
The swinging 'Supercar Loan' may open the dance. Mason's guitar riffs and the horn section are immediately in the spotlight. Nick Steed has, in addition to his piano virtuosity, an incredibly pleasant voice. And that is what 'Boom Baby Boom' inspired by the New Orleans miracles does. From a different battle order it is funky 'Cas It Is What It Is' and the ballad duet 'Take Your Home' with Linda Jennings. 'Feeling For The Blues' is then again handsome soul blues. The horn section is also omnipresent in the piano 'Hot Shot Lady'. From the emotional ballad 'I'm On A Roll' it's quick to the New Orleans motivated 'Cold Hearted Woman' and the blues slow 'Just Singin' The Blues'. The extremely funky nailing 'Who's To Blame?' And 'In The Room' are pretty danceable chapters. NS5 concludes with the finely-crafted ballad 'Cryin' For You ', which has been coloured with respectable guitar riffs and Nick's Hammond organ tunes.
Nick Steed Five has a very diverse and handsome album to promote. Hopefully we will see this five somewhere in a blues club or festival somewhere in the country.
by Philip Verhaege
RADIO CAPODISTRIA(SLOVENIA/ITALY)
FULL AUDIO 30 MINUTE SHOW HERE(in Italian) https://4d.rtvslo.si/arhiv/interviste-redazione-musicale/174559499?jwsource=cl
Nick Steed Five - Feeling For The Blues... the band! The groove!, Puff huff Rock & Roll!! but it's not just truly fine musicianship & blues but some great SONGS here that Van Morrison or Mark Knopfler wouldn't shy from. An album far richer than its cover & graphics."
By AndreaF
FULL AUDIO 30 MINUTE SHOW HERE(in Italian) https://4d.rtvslo.si/arhiv/interviste-redazione-musicale/174559499?jwsource=cl
Nick Steed Five - Feeling For The Blues... the band! The groove!, Puff huff Rock & Roll!! but it's not just truly fine musicianship & blues but some great SONGS here that Van Morrison or Mark Knopfler wouldn't shy from. An album far richer than its cover & graphics."
By AndreaF
WP.ROCKTIMES(GERMANY) http://www.wp.rocktimes.de/nick-steed-five-feeling-for-the-blues-cd-review/
Translated
Keyboarder Nick Steed is the frontman of the formation Nick Steed Five ( NS5 ). In addition to "Feeling For The Blues" came in 2013, the EP "Looking Through The Blues" on the market. Of the four songs on this disc, three tracks traveled on the record with "Hot Shot Lady", "Boom Baby Boom" and "I'm On A Roll". But the songs were rearranged. They also released "[...] a live festival album recorded featuring the NS5 band called 'Keeping the Blies LIVE' [...]« . Not only in the British blues scene you play together. This is how guests feel on "Feeling For The Blues"With. On Norman Beaker's album We See Us Later Nick Steed plays the keyboard instruments. As far as the songs are concerned, almost without exception we hear original compositions. "Take Your Time" was co-written with Norman Beaker and "Cryin 'For You" was written by K. Nishikawara / D. McCann / N. Steed . The band name indicates that the group plays in quartet format.
Right next to Norman Beaker there is another guest guitarist in the first track . Nick Mellor uses the bottleneck on his six strings, and as if strung on a string of pearls, this JJ Cale- inspired track features one solo after the other. Relaxed atmosphere, great song! The opener is not the only song with Nick Mellor involvement. Other slide sounds await you on "I'm On A Roll" and "Cryin 'For You". The quartet also includes saxophonist Kim Nishikawara, He travels in different pitches of the woodwind instrument and not only puts his stamp on many a song through his solos. Sure, the bandleader can not be ragged and has, as far as his keyboard sounds, almost the donor pants on. Particularly noteworthy are the contributions of the two musicians in the slow-moving title track "Feeling For The Blues". The stage, which offers itself to the wind, he uses really profitable and who is on the saxophone in blues, is served well with this album. Kim Nishikawara is omnipresent.
Norman Beaker plays the role of accompanist and soloist again in the "Shuffle" rhythm of "Cold Hearted Woman" . Linda Jennings is the backing vocalist and she fills her role perfectly. The soul in her voice has something. But Nick Steed can also fully convince with his singing.
The dance legs serve the band especially in the funk piece "Who's To Blame?". Here it is turbulent. We almost hear a saxophonist and Nick Steed out of control. Great number! Praise has already been distributed for the guest guitarists. Pete Mason is the Nick Steed Five tribe guitarist and he definitely hits a heavy rocking or soft-jazzy tone as well. Since the front man has a really good musician in this position.
The blues of the combo is rich in variety and the joy definitely ignites on the second audition. A recommendation for all the 12-stroke fans, which are quite on large-format sounds by Kim Nishikawara , who in places with Steve 'Howie' Hallworth still has a trumpeter at his side.
By Joachim 'Joe' Brookes
Translated
Keyboarder Nick Steed is the frontman of the formation Nick Steed Five ( NS5 ). In addition to "Feeling For The Blues" came in 2013, the EP "Looking Through The Blues" on the market. Of the four songs on this disc, three tracks traveled on the record with "Hot Shot Lady", "Boom Baby Boom" and "I'm On A Roll". But the songs were rearranged. They also released "[...] a live festival album recorded featuring the NS5 band called 'Keeping the Blies LIVE' [...]« . Not only in the British blues scene you play together. This is how guests feel on "Feeling For The Blues"With. On Norman Beaker's album We See Us Later Nick Steed plays the keyboard instruments. As far as the songs are concerned, almost without exception we hear original compositions. "Take Your Time" was co-written with Norman Beaker and "Cryin 'For You" was written by K. Nishikawara / D. McCann / N. Steed . The band name indicates that the group plays in quartet format.
Right next to Norman Beaker there is another guest guitarist in the first track . Nick Mellor uses the bottleneck on his six strings, and as if strung on a string of pearls, this JJ Cale- inspired track features one solo after the other. Relaxed atmosphere, great song! The opener is not the only song with Nick Mellor involvement. Other slide sounds await you on "I'm On A Roll" and "Cryin 'For You". The quartet also includes saxophonist Kim Nishikawara, He travels in different pitches of the woodwind instrument and not only puts his stamp on many a song through his solos. Sure, the bandleader can not be ragged and has, as far as his keyboard sounds, almost the donor pants on. Particularly noteworthy are the contributions of the two musicians in the slow-moving title track "Feeling For The Blues". The stage, which offers itself to the wind, he uses really profitable and who is on the saxophone in blues, is served well with this album. Kim Nishikawara is omnipresent.
Norman Beaker plays the role of accompanist and soloist again in the "Shuffle" rhythm of "Cold Hearted Woman" . Linda Jennings is the backing vocalist and she fills her role perfectly. The soul in her voice has something. But Nick Steed can also fully convince with his singing.
The dance legs serve the band especially in the funk piece "Who's To Blame?". Here it is turbulent. We almost hear a saxophonist and Nick Steed out of control. Great number! Praise has already been distributed for the guest guitarists. Pete Mason is the Nick Steed Five tribe guitarist and he definitely hits a heavy rocking or soft-jazzy tone as well. Since the front man has a really good musician in this position.
The blues of the combo is rich in variety and the joy definitely ignites on the second audition. A recommendation for all the 12-stroke fans, which are quite on large-format sounds by Kim Nishikawara , who in places with Steve 'Howie' Hallworth still has a trumpeter at his side.
By Joachim 'Joe' Brookes
DMME.NET(CANADA)http://dmme.net/nick-steed-five-feeling-for-the-blues/
Delicious dozen of barely bridled rhythm-and-blues from British ivories-tinkler and his posse of merry gentlemen.
This sort of music has rarely made it onto record since the era when Money and Fame – Zoot and Georgie, that is – roamed the barroom circuit; only Nick Steed, whose piano upped the gusto on NORMAN BEAKER BAND’s "We See Us Later" in 2017, doesn’t really care about a period flavor, charging instead for the sheer passionate pleasure. With his chosen genre, it’s all down-to-earth, of course, albeit not mundane, so while reveries are well-grounded here, the group’s panache is on the loose, and collective delivery matches the songs’ subject perfectly.
The slow, lyrical uplift under “I’m On A Roll” may sum up the twelve cuts in quite spiritual terms, but not before the funky stumble in “Cas It Is What It Is” and “Who’s To Blame?” – which can be seen as tasty excuses for the album’s flawed elegance yet, actually is the album’s grace – has prepared the listener for some sweet assault. There’s also the brass-smeared irony of “Supercar Loan” where slider caresses Steed’s purring organ and unpretentious voice detailing the toils and troubles of a hard-working dreamer until piano skittles enter the playful frame to unhurriedly drive “Boom Baby Boom” to delirium. Yes, the drift is that funny, if not without an occasional sad twist.
Slowing down the pace to get emotional on “Take Your Time” and let Hammond roar like a thunderstorm, and filling the title track with honeyed soul, the ensemble go bleary-eyed on “Cryin’ For You” and “Just Singin’ The Blues” to display their command of traditional idiom. They take care of temperature balance, too: the quintet wrap the Beaker-abetted shuffle of “Cold Heated Woman” and the boogie of “Hot Shot Lady” in a rave-up, Nick’s running for a romp, and apply a heavy swagger to “In The Room” – the result being a blissful wigout which should linger on-stage for a long, long time. That’s the only period Steed cares about in order to spice it up and rip the joint – once on the roll, there’s no stopping the artist.
By Dmitry M Epstein
Delicious dozen of barely bridled rhythm-and-blues from British ivories-tinkler and his posse of merry gentlemen.
This sort of music has rarely made it onto record since the era when Money and Fame – Zoot and Georgie, that is – roamed the barroom circuit; only Nick Steed, whose piano upped the gusto on NORMAN BEAKER BAND’s "We See Us Later" in 2017, doesn’t really care about a period flavor, charging instead for the sheer passionate pleasure. With his chosen genre, it’s all down-to-earth, of course, albeit not mundane, so while reveries are well-grounded here, the group’s panache is on the loose, and collective delivery matches the songs’ subject perfectly.
The slow, lyrical uplift under “I’m On A Roll” may sum up the twelve cuts in quite spiritual terms, but not before the funky stumble in “Cas It Is What It Is” and “Who’s To Blame?” – which can be seen as tasty excuses for the album’s flawed elegance yet, actually is the album’s grace – has prepared the listener for some sweet assault. There’s also the brass-smeared irony of “Supercar Loan” where slider caresses Steed’s purring organ and unpretentious voice detailing the toils and troubles of a hard-working dreamer until piano skittles enter the playful frame to unhurriedly drive “Boom Baby Boom” to delirium. Yes, the drift is that funny, if not without an occasional sad twist.
Slowing down the pace to get emotional on “Take Your Time” and let Hammond roar like a thunderstorm, and filling the title track with honeyed soul, the ensemble go bleary-eyed on “Cryin’ For You” and “Just Singin’ The Blues” to display their command of traditional idiom. They take care of temperature balance, too: the quintet wrap the Beaker-abetted shuffle of “Cold Heated Woman” and the boogie of “Hot Shot Lady” in a rave-up, Nick’s running for a romp, and apply a heavy swagger to “In The Room” – the result being a blissful wigout which should linger on-stage for a long, long time. That’s the only period Steed cares about in order to spice it up and rip the joint – once on the roll, there’s no stopping the artist.
By Dmitry M Epstein
RADIO INTERVIEWS
TESTIMONIALS
'Absolutely wonderful playing'
Gary Husband(drummer) Jack Bruce tribute Shephards Bush Empire O2
'Such a thrill and fun to play with you'
P P Arnold (Singer)
'Its about time we heard music of this level being performed again, love it!'
Francis Dunnery (It Bites Guitarist)
'Absolutely Brilliant playing,superb choice of music'
Kevin Keegan(OBE)
'You guys are one of the tightest sounding bands i've heard, loving your set!'
Jason Orange (Take That)
Gary Husband(drummer) Jack Bruce tribute Shephards Bush Empire O2
'Such a thrill and fun to play with you'
P P Arnold (Singer)
'Its about time we heard music of this level being performed again, love it!'
Francis Dunnery (It Bites Guitarist)
'Absolutely Brilliant playing,superb choice of music'
Kevin Keegan(OBE)
'You guys are one of the tightest sounding bands i've heard, loving your set!'
Jason Orange (Take That)
Nick is willing to travel in and around the UK, Scotland, Ireland, Europe and worldwide: Altrincham, Birkenhead, Birmingham, Blackburn, Blackpool, Bradford, Burnley, Burton-On-Trent, Buxton, Cambridge, Cheltenham, Chester, Chesterfield, Clitheroe, Colwyn Bay, Congleton, Conway, Coventry, Crewe, Cumbria, Derby, Doncaster, Durham, Dublin, Edinburgh, Fife, Formby, Glasgow, Gloucester, Guildford, Hereford, Heswall, Huddersfield, Hull, Lancaster, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, London, Luton, Lymm, Malvern, Manchester, Mold, Nantwich, Newcastle-under-Lyne, Northwich, Northampton, Nottingham, Nuneaton, Oxford, Oswestry, Preston, Reading, Runcorn, Scotland, Salford, Sheffield, Shrewsbury, Skipton, Southport, Stafford, Stockport, Stoke, Stoke-on-Trent, Swindon, Telford, Wakefield, Warrington, Whitchurch, Widnes, Wigan, Wilmslow, Winchester, Windermere, Windsor, Wirral, Wolverhampton, Worcester, Wrexham, York, Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Clwyd, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Gwynedd, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Lake District, Lancashire, Leicestershire, Merseyside, North Wales, North West, North Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Notts, Shropshire, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Wiltshire, Windermere, Wirral, Worcestershire, Yorkshire