Nigel Hall - Spiritual

Soul provider Nigel Hall is an artist who needs no introduction. Throughout his career, he’s built a mighty foundation of funk, onstage and in the studio, proving himself to be a true student of the music. His unique sound, built upon pages torn out of the golden-ages of R&B, funk and soul, have made him the musician he is today; an accomplished vocalist, keyboardist, studio musician, and member of the GRAMMY-nominated funk-jazz-soul-hip-hop-psychedelic-jam- experimental titans Lettuce. Legions of fans are already well in the know about Hall’s copious keyboard chops and powerful vocal style. Nigel Hall puts his skills to good use, carving out a creative space to call his own with his second album Spiritual, set to release this summer on Regime Music Group. With this release, Nigel Hall is ready to follow his musical spirit into uncharted territory.

“The title ‘Spiritual’ came from something we (the musicians) were all just saying to each other,” recalls Nigel. “We were all on break during the sessions and I walked past this sign that said ‘Spiritual’ that’s all it said. It was like a sign from God! So that’s how the record got its name.”

Recorded with a back-to-basics approach in Richmond, VA at the world famous Jellowstone Studios, Hall puts an emphasis on channeling the vibe and soul of his music, making himself a conduit of the unique style of  jazz-inflected old-school R&B and funk and flows out of him.

“My last record was more of a traditional soul record. I feel like it was a lot of what other people wanted me to sound like. With this album, I didn’t want this to sound like another release. I want people to know that I am my own entity and that I want to explore different areas of music,” commented Nigel on the direction of the album. “This record I had full creative control. I feel like every artist records one record in their career for themselves. This one is it for me. I feel like if no one hears this record, I’ll still be able to sleep at night because I know there is something real out in the world that I put there.”

Nigel Hall grew up in Washington, D.C., in a highly musical family. His fingers touched the keys before he was even five years old and his ears were always wide open.ace of b “I grew up with records,” he said. “That’s why I’m obsessed. My father had a vast collection. I’d be in third grade with my Walkman and everyone’s listening to Ace of Base, and I’m listening to Return to Forever, Chick Corea’s fusion project with Stanley Clarke.

Since relocating to New Orleans in late 2013, Nigel Hall has quickly made a name for himself among the city’s world-class music community. Offbeat enthusiastically welcomed Hall as “a perfect fit” for the vibrant city and its singular culture. The Times-Picayune’s review of his solo debut at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival the same year crowned him with a comparison to Southern funk godfather Art Neville.

“It’s the best decision I ever made for myself in my life and musically,” Hall said of the move. “I’m surrounded by the most amazing, incredible musicians in the world at all times. The big picture, the sincerity is very present here at all times. It’s a breath of fresh air. Everybody’s in the vibe. Everybody’s feeling something.”

“I like to sing songs that reflect my being and who I am as a person,” he said.