"The Canadian Blues/Rock scene is so full of gifted and talented musicians. Going to see these artists play their instruments and sing their hearts out is something so special you will only find in Blues music. Where it all comes from."

Wayne Nicholson: Blues Tour de Force 

In the tradition of the great rock and blues vocalists over the decades, Wayne Nicholson deserves a seat at the table with blues rockers like Paul Rodgers, Steve Marriott, Jim Morrison, and David Clayton Thomas. A cheeky or bold-faced statement? Not at all. Gifted with a great set of pipes, Nicholson has long been recognized on the East Coast of Canada as the preeminent blues-rock voice for several well-known groups, including Horse and the Oakley Band. Singer, songwriter, producer, musician, frontman, volunteer and, go-to guy are just a few of the admirable traits bestowed upon Wayne. Crisscrossing Canada more than a few times along the way, he left his mark wherever he played and impressed many with his command, humour, and infectious stage presence.

(Wayne Nicholson, one of Canada's finest singer-songwriters / Photo by Mark Legate)

Nicholson is getting set to release his seventh solo album, Ginhouse on September 22nd, starting with the single "Shuckin' Corn With Muddy Waters." Bookending the album with fast and slow versions of Nina Simone’s take on "Gin House Blues" is a stroke of genius. Instead what we’ve got is a remarkable Tony D-produced collection of 11 cohesive tracks (including 8 Nicholson-penned originals) that features a crack band of local Halifax, N.S. musical veterans – Bruce Dixon, Neal Robertson, Kim Dunn, and Bill Stephenson. Recorded at Joel Plaskett’s Fang Studios in Dartmouth, N.S., Gin House is a blues tour de force. Wayne Nicholson has undeniably earned his stripes on the Canadian Shield's rock and blues landscape. Although he may be a best-kept secret to some, there is a flip side of course, and those who know… definitely know. Gin House is your opportunity to hear one of Canada's finest singer-songwriters do what he does best.

Interview by Michael Limnios               Archive: Wayne Nicholson, 2020 interview

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

To me as an artist, growth is everything. That is and has been a great motivation. Drawing from the source for each project and moving on.

What has remained the same, for me, is my love and respect for the music making process.

How do you describe “Ginhouse” album’s songbook? What touched you from Muddy and Nina’s music?

I would describe the Ginhouse album`s songbook as diverse. A different approach to each song with a place within the blues genre.

I could not help but be touched deeply by the incredible work of Muddy Waters and Nina Simone. Different styles and yet with each one their depth, truth, energy and love flow through their creations.

"To me as an artist, growth is everything. That is and has been a great motivation. Drawing from the source for each project and moving on. What has remained the same, for me, is my love and respect for the music making process." (Photo: Wayne Nicholson)

Why do you think that the Canadian Blues/Rock scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

The Canadian Blues/Rock scene is so full of gifted and talented musicians. Going to see these artists play their instruments and sing their hearts out is something so special you will only find in Blues music. Where it all comes from.

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Well, the realization of knowing you can write, sing, and play and have the opportunity to record this music and offer it to the world.

I have had so many great highlights and some lowlights, and so many more to come.

How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?

The spiritual is very important, digging deep, writing the songs, picking songs to interpret, preproduction before you lay down the tracks, the talented musicians and producer, like I have on Ginhouse, then take it to the people and show them your love.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues?

So very important. That`s where it all comes from, The Blues.

Do you think there is an audience for blues/rock music in its current state? or at least a potential for young people to become future audiences and fans?

There is a huge audience today for Blues/Rock. Just look at the festivals all over the world. The new and old artists, so many, for the new and old fans.

(Photo: Wayne Nicholson, one of Canada's finest singer-songwriters)