In a similar vein to British jazz virtuoso Jamie Cullum, the latest album from Auckland local singer songwriter Nick Dow is a compilation of brilliantly articulated piano work and simple drum beats.
Without embellishment and grandeur, his debut record titled Layers is a showcase of his standout musicality and attention to detail.
Through commendable instrumental ability and influence from the greats, Nick Dow has set himself apart on his debut LP Layers.
The nine track album is sweet and emotional; a ballad-soaked compendium. Without being pompous, Nick Dow has managed to make a record built off of acoustic tones and simple songwriting feel contemporary and relevant.
Today we also reveal his film clip for the title track; a cozy, inky work of art which perfectly iterates the album’s feel. Check it out below.
Layers, both the album and the film clip, will likely pull plenty of heartstrings. Standout tracks for me include For The Record, which is very reminiscent of the late Jeff Buckley‘s Lilac Wine and Run, an upbeat injection of jazz piano.
With more comprehensive detail put into the storytelling, I feel like Layers could have been a truly standout recording. Having said this, the artist has noted to his audiences that the lyrical complexity of his music has never been the focus.
“It got to a point where I started to not care how much things flowed. My filter was so wide that I’d never get anything on paper, so I began to just write how I was feeling. Not all songs need to have a thousand words.”
The month of May will see Nick Dow touring alongside fellow New Zealand artist Jamie McDell as she showcases of her recently released record – sure to be a celebration of some of New Zealand’s finest musical talents.
Layers is a great start for Nick Dow. With solid musicianship and an undeniable vocal talent, here is a really exciting find for anyone interested in jazz, heavy melodies, and a moody quality. Nick Dow is an artist I’d keep my eye on.
