Nigel E.Harris

Nigel E. Harris

If you are reading this you have taken a chance in discovering the world and music of new Canadian singer/songwriter Nigel E. Harris.

His music is eclectic with styles varying considerably, from peppy pop, to Christian gospel, and from kiddy, to folk. His diverse writing style is not surprising since Nigel grew up in the Liverpool area in the 60’s, and was greatly influenced by the Lennon & McCartney songwriting team.

He says “You won’t find cheap hooks, or endless repetitive formulaic choruses in my music- I’m not writing for commercial radio appeal, I focus on a positive uplifting message through the lyric, and design the melody and harmonies to support this in a meaningful way”

Nigel E. Harris reinvented himself in 2001 by quitting the hi-tech industry after a 25 year career, and trading it in for the therapeutic music scene. Ten years ago he created ‘Musical Wellness’ and today earns his living, singing and playing guitar to the elderly and developmentally disabled, in long term care facilities and group homes in the Ottawa area.

In 2007 he released his debut album ‘Nigel & His Musical Friends Greatest Hits - Volume 1’ after being constantly bugged by his adoring clients to have a CD they could listen to, in between his weekly sessions. He created an album dedicated to them, comprising of their favorite cover songs out of his sessions with them.

This last year, Nigel has been inspired to step out of his comfort zone, and share his own original written material with the world. As a result of some big changes in his personal life, he has evolved, experiencing the world in a different way than before. Now even more, his natural sensitivity and keen observations of life unfolding around him, gives lots of ‘grist for the mill’ in his songwriting.

Says Nigel “My first album was pretty straight forward, a compilation of my client’s favorite cover songs, newly arranged by Greg and I. My second album 'Evolutions…' is different, it’s more personal, because I’m sharing with everyone, things that are close to my heart - that’s a lot more risky!”

To promote the new music, Nigel has been having lots of fun creating YouTube videos. One in particular, illustrating the song 'Let Me Serve & Show Me the Way', caught the attention of Britain’s award winning animator artist, Bexie Bush, http://vimeo.com/24679249 who has been inspired to create one of her own original animations.

The 'Evolutions…. Revelations & Illusions' EP has three tracks, 'Seaside Special', 'Let Me Serve & Show Me The Way' and 'Jocelyne Shine' (all engineered and produced this past year at Oxford Productions, Ottawa by Greg Geeves). The complete album is due to be released in the summer of 2012.

'Seaside Special' is a peppy pop ditty with a 20’s flapper feel, where Nigel explores his relationship with his father, who was 94 at the time of writing, and in the late stages of Alzheimer’s. He takes him out for the day in his wheelchair, but, because of his dementia, the roles are reversed – he’s the ‘grown up’ and his Dad is the ‘kid.’

In 'Let Me Serve & Show Me the Way', a Christian–gospel style track, Nigel appeals to his higher power to help him serve humankind, through his personal mission, by illuminating which path to follow.

In 'Jocelyne Shine', with its folk song feel, Nigel explores the wonder of a wheelchair- bound, developmentally disabled young lady, who is perpetually aglow with love, enthusiasm and happiness. He ponders why she is so enthused with life, having every reason to complain and be bitter, and wonders what she knows that we don’t!!!

Nigel continues to lay down tracks in the studio, for the 'Evolutions….' album summer 2012 release.