Nikki O'Neill
Los Angeles, CA | Established. Jan 01, 2017 | SELF
Music
Press
Nikki impressed me last year with her fine EP release, and here is a new track she has just released as a digital single. It showcases her soulful voice on a pleading ballad with subtle shades of New Orleans in its sparse but very effective arrangement. Let’s hope for more, but in the meantime, do check this out – just a few clicks will do it – and you won’t regret it! - Norman Darwen, British blues journalist
Nikki O'Neill has roots in Stockholm and is nowadays based in Los Angeles, where she works as a vocalist, guitar player and writer for Guitar Player magazine.
From what I can hear, the prerequisites are there for her to succeed with her efforts on the other side of the Atlantic. Nikki sings well, plays guitar well and writes her own material.
The six tracks were recorded between October 2016 and January 2017 in Ted Wulfer's 663 Sound Studio in Los Angeles.
The musical winds (on these tracks) blow in a 1960’s-70’s soul-rock direction. It's very appealing, and beautifully performed. This is a name to remember. - Ingemar Karlsson, chief reviewer, Jefferson Blues Magazine
Los Angeles based singer/ guitarist/ songwriter/ contributor to Guitar Player magazine describes this six track EP as “a soul-rock and gospel album” and it has also been referred to as a combination of Chrissie Hynde, Mavis Staples and Al Green (and John Lennon and Otis Redding have also been pressed into service in the past). Both of these specifications capture the spirit of Nikki’s music rather neatly. It is raw and rootsy, Americana rather than blues maybe but certainly with a huge soul influence, with a conscience and a positive message, and some neat hooks.
‘In The Waking Moments Of The Day’ has a slight jazz tinge whilst the guitar work on ‘Love Will Lead You Home’ definitely has a strong influence from Curtis Mayfield. ‘I Will Cross Over’ has a lovely soul feel on a bouncy rhythm, with the backing vocals adding a classic gospel feel to a memorable and catchy number, with Nikki’s exuberant vocal subtly taking her higher. I enjoyed this release a lot – let’s hope we hear more from this talented lady soon (please). - Norman Darwen, British blues journalist
Discography
‘‘When Do I Tell Him’’ - single (2018)
‘‘Where Luck Can Find Me’’ - single (2018)
‘‘Love Will Lead You Home’’ - EP (2017)
Photos
Bio
Nikki O'Neill is an Americana singer, lead guitar player and songwriter, deeply influenced by soul music. She's based in Los Angeles.
Her music sounds a bit like Imelda May hanging out with The Staples Singers in Al Green's kitchen.
Nikki's two 2018 singles and 2017 EP are getting air play on blues/americana radio in the US and Europe. They're also getting positive reviews in roots music media.
Her band features Joshua Pessar (lead/rhythm guitar, vocals), Rob Fresco (bass, vocals), and Rich Lackowski (drums, percussion, vocals.)
You can get her music on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Bandcamp, and her official website: https://nikkioneill.com
EP Review Quotes
“The musical winds (on these six tracks) blow in a 1960’s-70’s soul-rock direction. Very appealing, and beautifully performed. This is a name to remember.”
-Jefferson Blues Magazine (Sweden)
"Raw and rootsy... certainly with a huge soul influence, with a conscience and a positive message, and some neat hooks."
-Blues in the South (UK)
“The soulful tune (“That's What Love Can Do”) ... caps the EP on an emotional note: celebratory for those who can relate and inspiring for the rest of us.”
- The Daily Country
Links
