Nick Jaina brings his unique stylings to New York City for two free gigs (photo by Thomas Patterson)
Friday, May 28, Bar 4, 444 Seventh Ave., Brooklyn, 9:00
Saturday, May 30, Rockwood Music Hall, 7:00
www.myspace.com/nickjaina
www.myspace.com/barfour
www.rockwoodmusichall.com
Born in California and based in Portland, Oregon, troubadour Nick Jaina is coming to New York City for a pair of shows, highlighting songs from his fine new release, A BIRD IN THE OPERA HOUSE (HUSH, April 2010). The very first notes of the album’s opening song, “Sebastopolo,” features a bassline reminiscent of Van Morrison’s “Astral Weeks,” and although that is lofty company indeed, the album is pristinely recorded, with Jaina’s clear voice front and center throughout the twelve songs, mixing pop, folk, and jazz elements. From the guitars on “Sleep Child” and “Officer Shoppe” to the building strings of “Theresa” and the strong, steady drumbeat of “Strawberry Man,” Jaina creates compelling musical moods, telling his stories of love, mistrust, and murder, slipping in a little Simon & Garfunkel and Sting here, some R.E.M.-like background vocals there. On the road with William Joersz on upright bass, Nathan Langston on violin, Scott Magee on drums and clarinet, John Whaley on trumpet, and Thomas Paul on guitar, pianist-guitarist Jaina will be at Brooklyn’s Bar 4 on May 29 with Meng Tian and Foreverinmotion and at Rockwood Music Hall on May 30 with the Callen Sisters, Dallin Applebaum, and others.