Oct 2023
Review of New album in 'BluesMatters' Magazine
27/10/23 15:28 Filed in: Reviews
NICK STEED
INFLUENCIAL GUIDANCE
Nick Steed’s newest release follows his illustrious tenure as the Master of Keys at the Colosseum band for three years. These eight tracks are nothing short of a musical revelation. Steeped in the rich traditions of jazz, rock with a defined blues infused tone, Steed's album echoes the brilliance of legends like Toto and Steely Dan. What sets this record apart is his ingenious songwriting ability, evident in tracks like Yesterday’s Blues, which effortlessly transports listeners to a nostalgic Blue Note corner of a night club full of ambience and atmosphere. His vocals are crystal clear, complemented by his self-created backing vocals that astoundingly mimic a choir of three, a masterful innovative moment. The addition of percussionist Lenny Castro, famed for his work with Toto and Clapton, further solidifies the album's authenticity. The ensemble's synergy is palpable; Mike Smith and Jamie Brownfield's warm horn section, along with the rhythmic mastery of drummers Greg Morgan and Steve Gibson, create a harmonious backdrop. Steed's choice of collaborators for solo performances is a work of genius, with Clem Clempson and Kim Nishikawara delivering exceptional guitar and saxophone solos, respectively. Tracks like Luckless Pedestrian showcase intricate shuffles, demonstrating Steed's musical finesse. Moreover, the album achieves heights of catchiness, exemplified by Things You Said I Would and the poignant Suzie, a tale of someone destined for greatness. This is a masterclass in musicality, a testament to his artistry, and a promise of even greater things to come.
COLIN CAMPBELL
INFLUENCIAL GUIDANCE
Nick Steed’s newest release follows his illustrious tenure as the Master of Keys at the Colosseum band for three years. These eight tracks are nothing short of a musical revelation. Steeped in the rich traditions of jazz, rock with a defined blues infused tone, Steed's album echoes the brilliance of legends like Toto and Steely Dan. What sets this record apart is his ingenious songwriting ability, evident in tracks like Yesterday’s Blues, which effortlessly transports listeners to a nostalgic Blue Note corner of a night club full of ambience and atmosphere. His vocals are crystal clear, complemented by his self-created backing vocals that astoundingly mimic a choir of three, a masterful innovative moment. The addition of percussionist Lenny Castro, famed for his work with Toto and Clapton, further solidifies the album's authenticity. The ensemble's synergy is palpable; Mike Smith and Jamie Brownfield's warm horn section, along with the rhythmic mastery of drummers Greg Morgan and Steve Gibson, create a harmonious backdrop. Steed's choice of collaborators for solo performances is a work of genius, with Clem Clempson and Kim Nishikawara delivering exceptional guitar and saxophone solos, respectively. Tracks like Luckless Pedestrian showcase intricate shuffles, demonstrating Steed's musical finesse. Moreover, the album achieves heights of catchiness, exemplified by Things You Said I Would and the poignant Suzie, a tale of someone destined for greatness. This is a masterclass in musicality, a testament to his artistry, and a promise of even greater things to come.
COLIN CAMPBELL
New MAG custom made organ to be made
19/10/23 21:30 Filed in: News
Nick has recently put in an order for a new organ, custom made to his spec with the help of owner Max Ghirardi and to be specially delivered to the start of the new Spring Colosseum tour
The MAG P2 organ will be pride of place in the band, look out for it in March
The MAG P2 organ will be pride of place in the band, look out for it in March
Lounsberry Pedals USA pedal Endorsement
19/10/23 21:23 Filed in: News
Review of new album 'Influential Guidance'
19/10/23 21:14 Filed in: Reviews
Great review of my latest album 'Influential Guidance' in top German music magazine 'Good Times' this week by Uli Twelker.
NICK STEED
INFLUENCIAL GUIDANCE
Master of keys with Colosseum for three years now, Nick Steed’s reputation was founded on jazz rockers Optimystik Visionaries – in their stylistics, his solo debut truly impresses. The fact that Steed flourishes in the orbit of Toto and Steely Dan gets hit home further by hiring their percussionist Lenny Castro. And it’s truly filled with Steed’ s sophisticated song ideas: “Yesterday’s Blues“ lures us into a nostalgic atmosphere by “standing on the corner of Blue Note“. All of this is characterized by Steed‘s clear voice und self-created backing vocal work, where you think you’re listening to at least three ladies. Background is provided by the warm horn section of Mike Smith and Jamie Brownfield ; drummers Greg Morgan and Steve Gibson follow each riff as if hypnotized. The skillful pianist picked evenly matched sparring partners for solo masterworks from his main band: Clem Clempson & Kim Nishikawara feel obviously provoked into achieving top levels on guitar and sax respectively. Heights in catchiness are reached – as well as the elaborate half-time-Shuffle “Luckless Pedestrian“ (the single) – and the beautiful “Suzie“, who is “heading for the big time“! (Playbyhead Records, 8 tracks) utw
NICK STEED
INFLUENCIAL GUIDANCE
Master of keys with Colosseum for three years now, Nick Steed’s reputation was founded on jazz rockers Optimystik Visionaries – in their stylistics, his solo debut truly impresses. The fact that Steed flourishes in the orbit of Toto and Steely Dan gets hit home further by hiring their percussionist Lenny Castro. And it’s truly filled with Steed’ s sophisticated song ideas: “Yesterday’s Blues“ lures us into a nostalgic atmosphere by “standing on the corner of Blue Note“. All of this is characterized by Steed‘s clear voice und self-created backing vocal work, where you think you’re listening to at least three ladies. Background is provided by the warm horn section of Mike Smith and Jamie Brownfield ; drummers Greg Morgan and Steve Gibson follow each riff as if hypnotized. The skillful pianist picked evenly matched sparring partners for solo masterworks from his main band: Clem Clempson & Kim Nishikawara feel obviously provoked into achieving top levels on guitar and sax respectively. Heights in catchiness are reached – as well as the elaborate half-time-Shuffle “Luckless Pedestrian“ (the single) – and the beautiful “Suzie“, who is “heading for the big time“! (Playbyhead Records, 8 tracks) utw
New solo album 'Influential Guidance' due 8th September
19/10/23 01:19 Filed in: Album
Nick has recently written, arranged and recorded his latest new solo album called 'influential Guidance' which is a collection of songs he has written that have influences from many keyboard players and bands that have crafted his style over the years.
the album features close musician friends from Clem Clempson, Greg Morgan, John Sandham, Steve Gibson, Peter Mason, Kim Nishikawara also Mike Smith & Jamie Brownfield from the 'Air Horns' and back on percussion Lenny Castro.
The new single from the album called 'Luckless pedestrian' is available on all digital outlets, you can listen HERE or click the above image.
The new album is available on Apple music & Amazon or can be purchased on CD LINK HERE: https://py.pl/24kcSk
the album features close musician friends from Clem Clempson, Greg Morgan, John Sandham, Steve Gibson, Peter Mason, Kim Nishikawara also Mike Smith & Jamie Brownfield from the 'Air Horns' and back on percussion Lenny Castro.
The new single from the album called 'Luckless pedestrian' is available on all digital outlets, you can listen HERE or click the above image.
The new album is available on Apple music & Amazon or can be purchased on CD LINK HERE: https://py.pl/24kcSk
Great tour with Colosseum
17/10/23 21:09 Filed in: Band
Just returned home after a great tour with Colosseum, my album sold really well and i’m now performing solo gigs to promote the album more