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jAZZIZ REVIEW
Slick arrangements, swinging horns, big energy and crystal-clean production — like a Steely Dan album without Donald Fagen — is what you get this time around from composer, arranger, producer and guitarist Richard Niles. With wide-ranging credits from Paul McCartney to Pat Metheny to Swing Out Sister, Niles has assembled a world-class band on the self-released Niles Smiles. Replete with jazz chops and a pop sensibility, the album features stellar playing from bassist Mark Egan (Metheny), saxophonist Snake Davis (Sting), trumpeter John Thirkell (Bruno Mars), organist Zoot Money and vocalist Kim Chandler (Michael McDonald). The track "Monochrome Velvet:' like its title suggests, showcases Niles' accessibility with fluid guitar floating over a wave of horns that never seems to get in the way.
the new album by richard niles
Respected composer, arranger, and producer Richard Niles is known for his work in pop (Paul McCartney, Pet Shop Boys, Grace Jones), Jazz (Pat Metheny, Randy Brecker, Bob James), and Soul (Ray Charles, James Brown, Michael McDonald). Records featuring his work have sold over 250 million worldwide. He has led his infamous jazz orchestra BANDZILLA since 1987 and released a number of acclaimed solo albums.
Though Niles has worked on many pop hits, Pat Metheny called him “one of the best composer/arrangers, and a truly exciting musical force”. Now, Niles unleashes his new, surprising compositions for his Octet. Niles Smiles is a groove-driven album that keeps the party going, even when the jazz police are banging on the door. Infectiously funky, the players are inspired to deliver passionately poetic performances. With the demonic delight of a mad professor, Niles creates a listening experience that is simultaneously hilarious and suspenseful - imagine Hitchcock's "Psycho" directed by Mel Brooks!
What People Say about NILES SMILES
“Richard Niles is up to his old tricks, giving us music that's accessible yet thought-provoking at the same time! His Octet is as tight as can be, with great vocals by Kim Chandler - and the soloing is just first rate from top-to-bottom. NILES SMILES is another winner!” Randy Brecker – multi-Grammy winning jazz composer and trumpet player
“NILES SMILES is an intensely electrifying experience. Brilliant, a veritable feast of notes, put together with fire & gusto by Richard Niles' unique personality - and some pretty flamboyant arranging to boot! ” Chris Standring– award winning guitarist
“NILES SMILES is another tour-de-force from Richard Niles. 'Miro's a Hero stands out for me with a great trombone feature for Joey Sellers! A huge mention to John Thirkell's lead trumpet!”
Michael Gibbs – award winning composer
"A superbly musical, funky aural experience from the maestro Richard Niles."
John Altman – award winning composer
“The great writing, incredible arrangements, and stellar musicians make this an unmissable listen. NILES SMILES is an intricate work of brilliance, full of funk and fun, from amasterful musician.”
Gary Husband – Level 42, Billy Cobham, John McLaughli
“Richard Niles delivers 'Niles Smiles', an album full of funky grooves and musicality, exuding the joy of making music. Bravo!”
Chris Walden – multi-Grammy nominated composer
“As well as his signature hip composing and arranging, Richard offers a masterclass in smooth, articulate jazz guitar.”
Laurence Juber (Grammy Winner, ex-Wings)
Absolutely beautiful…love it!! Gorgeous! Niles is a true original writing music that defies description. Very unusual and different.” Grammy Winner Dave Koz
“What makes Niles’ approach unique is that he’s interested in a fusion of genres” LA Music Connection
“…a wonderfully bonkers rollercoaster journey into Richard’s expansive musical brain!” Steve Anderson – Producer/Songwriter (Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears)
“No one else is doing things at this level of creativity and craft.” Matthew Nicholl – Berklee College of Music, Chair, Contemporary Writing & Production
“WOW!!!!! Richard, I've put out an APB and have sworn out a warrant for your arrest. Yooooo Beeeeee Baaaaaad. That music is really creative and well performed. Awesome work.” Bill Champlin –singer/songwriter (Sons Of Champlin, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago)
What People Say about Richard Niles
“Richard Niles is one of those people whose projects can be recommended without hesitation. He pushes the ear and the imagination.”
The Sunday Telegraph
“Richard Niles is one of the best composer/arrangers, and a truly exciting musical force.” Pat Metheny (21 X Grammy winner)
“You understand how to love and nurture a song.” Producer Don Was
“Produced by Richard Niles, there is master-craftsman quality. His compositions and arrangements are stunning in concept and execution - coherent, experimental yet accessible…” blogcritics.org
“What makes Niles’ approach unique is that he’s interested in a fusion of genres” LA Music Connection
“Richard Niles shows it is perfectly possible to have a scholarly appreciation of music allied to a wicked sense of humor.”
Daily Telegraph
“Richard is a great arranger and composer, and was a great pleasure to work with.” Paul McCartney
“Niles’ career, ability and experience enables him to write for anything – expertly!” Tony Visconti (David Bowie)
“Richard! You mad and crazy dude!” Leo Sayer
“Niles defies convenient labels. Marvellous melodies, exotic keyboard colorings, disarming tempo changes, and surprising solos.” Sunday Times
“Clever original music. In its textures and slinky beats, much of Niles’ writing aspires to be mistaken as ‘smooth jazz’. But it’s actually much too intelligent for that!” Jazzwise Magazine
“WOW!!!!! Richard, I've put out an APB and have sworn out a warrant for your arrest. Yooooo Beeeeee Baaaaaad. That music is really creative and well performed. Awesome work.” Bill Champlin –singer/songwriter (Sons Of Champlin, Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago)
“You’ve always understood that reality is boring.” Trevor Horn
“Richard, I’ve always felt you were really quite brilliant.” Hans Zimmer
