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Catching up with Jared James Nichols

Jared James Nichols is quickly becoming a force on the blues rock scene. He recently released the full length version of Old Glory & the Wild Revival and is fresh off a tour of Europe. Blues Rock Review caught up with Jared to discuss the album, touring, new material, and more.

Where did the title Old Glory & the Wild Revival come from?

Old Glory & The Wild Revival is actually a two part title. “Old Glory” is the name I gave my old Gibson Les Paul Custom. A few days before we started to record the album I acquired a very old Les Paul. When I plugged it in, the guitar came to life. I played it on almost every single song on the record. The guitar is over 50 years old, been all over the world, played to death, and somehow ended up in my hands. It really reminded me of the first American Flag. The fact that it has been around so long, been through so much, and it’s still standing. “The Wild Revival” is what I am trying to create musically. By taking all of the music I grew up loving and listening to, and breathing fresh life into it. Staying committed to the craft and style, but not being afraid to get a little crazy with it. I want to let people know that this style of music is still alive and well, and full of fire.

What was it like working with Eddie Kramer on the album?

Working with Eddie was a dream come true! He has worked with so many of my idols it’s unreal. Artists like Hendrix and Zeppelin, and on records like Derek and the Dominoes. I honestly feel like I learned more about who I was as an artist and how to work in the studio in those few weeks, than I had my entire life. Working with someone like Eddie is an amazing experience because he knows exactly how to pull the best he can out of you.

Did you have a goal in mind for the album?

My biggest goal in creating this record was to keep it real, raw, and very organic. I wanted it to sound as close as possible to my live show as it could. It’s very important to me to keep things simple and straightforward. There isn’t any smoke and mirrors, what you hear is what you get.

Jared James Nichols (Photo: Laurence Harvey)
Jared James Nichols (Photo: Laurence Harvey)

For someone knew to your music, how would you describe your sound?

I would describe my sound as BLUESPOWER. I take the real and raw feel and soul of dirty blues, and match it with a full-tilt wild style and aggression of rock ‘n’ roll.

You’ve done some more recording recently. What have you been working on?

I’m currently working on releasing some new music for our European fall tour with Glenn Hughes. I have been writing like crazy lately! It is very important to me to continue to release new music whenever possible. Although “Old Glory & The Wild Revival” is still a very new record, I want to keep the momentum going and release some new kick-ass songs.

How did the tour with Glenn Hughes come about?

While we were out on the road with Lynyrd Skynyrd, I got a call from my manager that the opportunity to tour with Glenn might happen. My jaw dropped and I got crazy excited hoping that it would come to be. It is going to be an absolute honour to warm up the stage for “The Voice of Rock.”

Your summer has been busy touring, including a trip to Europe. What was that experience like?

Touring in Europe was amazing! The reception from the crowd and pure energy was unreal for us. We did some dates supporting Lynyrd  Skynyrd and it really set the bar for where we want to take it. We ended up doing 66 dates and 74 days. I can’t wait to get back!

You also made an appearance at Summerfest here in the States, which was somewhat of a Homecoming for you and won US Cellular’s Emerging Artist series. How was that?

That was a special kind of homecoming for sure. The fact that we had been on the road for so long then to be able to come home to a loving crowd was amazing. It felt a little bit full-circle. Plus, winning the “Emerging Artist Series” just gives me more hope and excitement for the future too.

Interview by Pete Francis

Jared James Nichols’ new album Old Glory And The Wild Revival is released by Listenable Records.  Jared is special guest on Glenn Hughes October UK Tour.

Dates include Southampton Engine Rooms (Oct 17), Norwich Waterfront (Oct 19), Newcastle Tyne Theatre (Oct 20), Belfast Limelight (Oct 22), Glasgow The Garage (Oct 23),

Holmfirth Picturedrome (Oct 25), Bilston Robin 2 (Oct 26), York Fibbers (Oct 28), Manchester Club Academy (Oct 29), and London Electric Ballroom (Nov 1). Further info: www.facebook.com/Jaredjamesnichols

 

Pete Francis

Pete Francis is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Blues Rock Review. Pete founded Blues Rock Review in 2010 because he felt there was a major void in how the blues rock genre was covered. Pete is the host of Blues Rock Weekly and a co-host on the Blues Rock Show.

One thought on “Catching up with Jared James Nichols

  • Since we are all strapped for time, we might only be ready to spend 20-30 minutes working out those people

    Reply

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