Nick Verzosa & the Noble Union

I’m never sure if an EP is going to be enough to let me get a good read on the artist.  Fewer than six songs might not give me a true sampling of what the artist can provide, and thus, I might be listening to a fluke, rather than the true essence of what the artist can produce.  Not so with Nick Verzosa’s EP.  Each of the five cuts are a complete painting of Verzosa’s talent, from his immense duty as a songwriter to his massive vocal aptitude.  Nick pens four of the five and co-writes the opener, which sets a seriously Texan tone for the project.  Well-produced, and performed with a host of adept pickers like John M. Greenberg (MyTexasMusic member), this disc lays the ground work for Nick Verzosa, the next big thing in Texas music.  Embarking on a solo career with massive promise, Verzosa has a captivating voice and style, edgy and with a bit of rasp, and each track is a passionate performance that believes it is the only song of the album.  Nick’s use of Courtney Stefan on harmonies and a lead vocal performance on “When It’s All Said And Done” was a masterful choice.  It’s as if a perfect table setting in all its elegance needed just the right center piece to make it complete.  Stefan’s performance provides a single red rose on the candle-lit setting, giving Verzosa’s release class and the promise that we won’t see yet another talented young performer forgetting to use the very assets at their disposal.  You’ll have to do a little research to understand the title.  Try learning about Johns Guns and it will make more sense.  Any tower that intends to stand for ages must be built on a strong foundation.  Nick Verzosa has released a concrete base for his career; square, level, plumb, and smoking!? - Lucky Boyd, Co-founder, www.mytexasmusic.com

You have to be a little envious. I mean, how many of us would love to slam the door on our workplace, grab hold and tightly grip a dream, and then with all the daring a great idea brings, start out on something we would love to do? Many people argue that if you can do what makes you happy, capital H happy, you never work a day in your life. Nick Verzosa is proving them right. He is living the dream.

The youthful and good-looking Texan decided early in 2008 a life of music beat, and easily, the prospects of a gold watch and a warm handshake. If you are going to work, do something that makes you happy. For Verzosa energy and purpose came through music. His music.

As a lead-in to his debut album, Verzosa has released a five track extended play. Out now on Indie Extreme, The Smoking Gun EP boasts the talents of Walt Wilkins as executive producer. Wilkins has done a solid job, but then having a talented protégé must have helped. Verzosa is a workable package of guitarist, singer and promising writer. The tune doing the radio rounds, “Back When Love Was Easy”, proves the point.

It is a melodic ache. Wrapped in a voice blended with all the likeable qualities of a country tune – easy, relaxed and listenable – and with the understated presence of the band – Verzosa nails shared love that has travelled the distance.
The tune is enjoying high rotation on several Texas radio stations, and, as I write, the song is gathering momentum with overseas radio, including Australia. To add kudos, the 27year old also grabbed a top 10 nod to the song at the 2010 Spring Showdown during Tin Pan South 2010.

Packing more weight to his tunes and stage presence, Verzosa now fronts a band, The Noble Union. The gigs are starting to mount up; the fan base is starting to swell with 370 “friends” signed to his Facebook page, and a read of his publicity flyer and a look to his fan interactions shows someone committed to his music.

For this College Station, Texas, resident that commitment is on ready show. A listen to this EP shows a writer who, in simple and uncomplicated terms, conveys the energies of love and life. “Look Back To Texas”, “Let It Go” and the noted “Back When Love Was Easy” are standouts.

Make a mental note of this guy. Remember his name and listen out for his music. If you get the chance, go and see him. Givin the promise of this limited musical outing, Nick Verzosa has a lot going for him.

Many will be envious.

Two thumbs up from me.
- George Peden, www.countrystarsonline.com

Success in the music industry is dependent on talent, hard work and a good amount of luck. But the process is whole lot easier if an artist has the frequently mentioned "it" factor. From the first track to the last, Nick Verzosa proves that he's the real deal. And the five stellar tracks on "The Smoking Gun EP" will leave Texas country music aficionados aching for a complete 11 or 12 song album.

The EP begins with the terrific "Look Back To Texas," which has a cool, laid-back Texas country vibe reminiscent of Wade Bowen and Brandon Rhyder. "Look Back To Texas" is a new Texas country classic that has a memorable Red Dirt melody. The sparse and intense "Somethin' Lucky" is a Chris Knight style "story in song" that works on all levels.

However, the project really comes into its own with the ballad "Let It Go." Nick Verzosa's pure vocal style is on full display in this beautiful love song. "Back When Love Easy" is another intensely personal love song.

The project's final track "When It's All Said And Done" introduces the powerful vocals of Courtney Stefan in a duet with Verzosa. The album's professional polish is courtesy of producer Walt Wilkins, a Texas country music legend. Wilkins and Ron Flynt mixed the project at Jumping Dog Studio.

Nick Verzosa is a Red Dirt artist that should be carefully watched, and listeners of the "The Smoking Gun EP" will be expecting great things. With a project as good as "The Smoking Gun EP," a full album could not come soon enough. CountryChart.com - Countrychart.com

NICK VERZOSA OF JOHNS GUNS SIGNS WITH INDIE EXTREME
Verzosa teaming with Walt Wilkins for sophomore release.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan 2010) – Indie Extreme recording artist, Nick Verzosa will be in the studio starting late February to begin work on his sophomore release. A few years ago, Verzosa gave up the life he knew in pursuit of a musical career. He sang with the accompaniment of his first band, Johns Guns, who released their debut album, titled “Buy Sell Trade,” in 2007, an album predominantly penned by himself. Verzosa has since held a solo career and has been described as both classic and innovative. His song, “Come to Drink of It”, placed first out of hundreds of nominees, for the 2008 Indie International’s Songwriting Competition, in the country music category. Verzosa has continued to write and perform 100-150 dates per year, and is getting ready to head back into the studio to produce 6 song EP.

Verzosa will be teaming up with legendary producer and songwriter Walt Wilkins. Wilkins’ songwriting efforts have been linked to Pat Green, Ricky Skaggs, and Guy Clark, to name a few. Wilkins has also released a personal project, “Diamonds in the Sun”, which has shown up on the Americana Music Association’s Top 100 albums two years in a row. The combined efforts of Verzosa and Wilkins will be noteworthy, and something to look forward to hearing.

Indie Extreme, which is based in Nashville, Tenn., represents musical acts ranging from folk legend Judy Collins to hit CCM artist Matt Brouwer. The firm partners with Universal Music Christian Group/Fontana for distribution and retail marketing, along with providing various label services to independent labels.

For more information about Nick Verzosa, visit http://www.myspace.com/nickverzosa. To learn more about Indie Extreme or our labels, visit http://www.indieextreme.com, call (615) 309-1718 or (281) 890-5034, send an e-mail to Lisa@indieextreme.com or kathyd@indieextreme.com, or write the company at 1507 16th Ave S., Nashville, TN. 37212. - Indie Extreme