The band is currently me solo, or me plus Richard Riley on guitar and/or JayJay Quick on upright bass.
Recording credits:
Nicky Johns, acoustic guitar and vocals.
NY Sky features Chris Pattemore on bass and Wurlitzer, Lisa Cherian on percussion, Vicki Burke on sax and Richard Riley on electric guitars and programming.
In my heart features JayJay Quick on bass, Richard Riley on acoustic and electric guitars and programming, and the East Asian atmosphere was provided courtesy of www.quietamerican.org .
On this ship together features Pete Generous on drums, Chris Pattemore on bass and Wurlitzer, Richard Riley on electric guitar and filter guitar solo, Hilary Pavey on backing vocals, Vicki Burke on tenor and soprano saxaphones.
Influences
It's the writing I go for, so my subliminal influences probably include: Bruce Cockburn, Greg Brown, James Taylor, Emily Dickinson, Joni Mitchell, Tom Paxton, Cole Porter, Bob Dylan, Karen Peris/the Innocence Mission, Over the Rhine, and Mr Wesby and Mrs Johnson from Yeo Moor Junior School who started me writing poetry. I also listened to a lot of Abba when I was about ten, which may have rubbed off, I suppose.....
I'm influenced in other ways by the lovely bunch of Bristol folkies I'm lucky enough to know and sometimes play with: particularly Dave Oakley; James Slater; Steve Graham; Richard Riley; Jim Tigwell; The Willbees; Ray Croll; and Mike Scott, the songwriter's songwriter.
Sounds Like
I don't think I'm channelling anyone in particular.....
For CD purchase, downloads and previews of all the tracks on my album - It's the quiet ones you have to watch - visit http://www.nickyjohns.co.uk
A well-known and much-loved performer on the Bristol folk and acoustic scene, songstress Nicky Johns opens her debut album with 'On This Ship Together', a wry and rueful look at the consequences of the current global financial meltdown. The songs that follow range from frank and touching explorations of looking after a young baby girl to dreamy, late-night grooves and more traditional stripped-down acoustic folk. Supporting musicians include producer Richard Riley on electric and acoustic guitar, Chris Pattemore on bass and Wurlitzer, and Audrey Riley on cello. This CD is recommended for fans of Joni Mitchell, Julianne Regan, and Kate Walsh.
Acoustic Magazine - December 2009
Classy vocals that exude warmth
From its magnificent sunny cover photo to the charming vocals of female singer/songwriter Nicky Johns it is clear that IT’S THE QUIET ONES YOU HAVE TO WATCH is an album of exceptional high quality music certainly worth a listen or two. Nicky has been playing on the Bristol folk/acoustic scene for several years and now with a good following of fans she is releasing her first full length album. The album was produced by Richard Riley, who also plays guitar on the album. All ten songs on the album were written by Nicky. It is hard to compare this exciting singer with anyone else as she has such a distinct voice all of her own. On This Ship Together is a longish song running over six minutes, with a laid back acoustic feel. Nicky’s vocals are quite distinct and the descriptive lyrics are very relevant to life today. The River Says Yes has a slight blues feel to it, echoed in the string bass being played by JJ Quick. Nicky’s vocals once again exude warmth and a velvety richness. Scratching The Itch is a classic modern folk song with great lyrics. Nicky is joined on vocals by John Blake and Humph Bennett from The Willbees, who compliment her voice brilliantly. All too soon the album reaches its climax but listeners will be so enchanted by Nicky’s vocals that they will play the album all over again.
Maverick Magazine - January 2010
"Nicky's songs are perceptive, intelligent & witty. She's a nice guitarist (she also has the smallest guitar I've ever seen) & has an attractive style both of singing & presentation. Truly enchanting." - Helen Ditchburn, Songsmith Promotions
"The words mellow and laid back have fallen into misuse and misappropriation as insults on occasion. I want to claim them back for Nicky Johns because she is all the good parts of these words and add the occasional twist of lime (the not-blondist song). She has a deep rich voice around which guitarist Richard Riley weaves (that word again) his magic around and through. The ease and grace with which Nicky delivers her songs has the audience silent. And Mr Wolf's audiences do not put down their beers, chopsticks and stop yakking for everyone. So quiet that during the softer songs you can hear the bar dishwasher rinse. "4th of July" is not only my favourite of Nicky's songs but one of my favourite songs of last year. I can remember sitting on what was probably a cloudy day on the Urban Beach (it rained for most of June I seem to remember) and this song bringing the sun out, and tonight after the warmest day of the year the clouds part again." - Q, Songsmith @ Mr Wolf's
The River Says Yes - video of me with Richard Riley at Plantation Lakes, 8th February 2008. Shot by the steady hand of James Slater.
Hello there I hope that you are ok and having a good week so far. Mine has been busy and a bit up and down, but what is new. Nice to see your album reviewed in Maverick this month! Sara XXX
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem, & some songs, on myspace... Poem 187 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): A SOUTH SHIELDS WALKABOUT - AUTUMN 2001
Out of the museum-and-gallery (Wiser on Cookson and the local way), Down Ocean Road with, to the right of me, Its eateries and, left, neat places to stay; Before, on either side, Marine Parks - The southern-one a most beautiful place, Teeming with moorhens, swans, grebes and mallards In a small lake at a scenic-hill’s base.
Then (holding chips from the parade’s cafe And, thus, a flock of gulls squawking above) Onto the South Pier I made my way: Seeing seaweed over rocks - like a glove - And high-and-dry sands held from transgression By growth of grass and the weaving of wood, Plus, in the dim light of a sleepy sun, Fishing boats returning to Tynemouth’s hood.
It is so cold and snowy and icy here - can't do a lot as it is too cold and slippery to go out. I am fed up with it now. It looked pretty for a while but now it is more of a pain than anything. I hate having to wear so many layers to go out and being fearful all the time of falling over. A lot of the shops where I live haven't even been bothering to open. I guess staff can't get into work. Most schools have been shut and a lot of other work places as well due to the bad weather, with more expected today. I have spent my time on the computer or reading. Mind you even indoors it still feels freezing cold. Can't seem to get the house warm. Take care for now, Sara XXX
Hey Nicky, Happy New Year! Hope it's a fantastic year for you and that your CD sells really well. When are you coming to Oz? I owe you a beer!! Take care, Kerryn xx
I hope this finds you happy and well and having a good weekend. Just wanted to wish you a happy and merry Christmas with lots of joy and relaxation. XXXXXXXXXXXX
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