The music of Dwight Richter and Nicole Nelson is unpredictable and beautiful in scope, while incorporating varied musical styles suited to their strengths. Nelson is a blues singer in the tradition of Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole, while Richter is more country than blues, but incorporates several styles into his singing and songwriting. Richter and Nelson, who both live in Brooklyn, New York, have collaborated on a previous CD collection, Nelson’s 2005 CD “Live at Club Helsinki,” a music club in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. While the previous collaboration featured many of Nelson’s original recordings, their newest collaboration “Dwight and Nicole” features something for everyone, mixing Richter’s country, folk style with Nelson’s rhythm and blues, and even though the collection is brief (only five tracks on the CD), it works, and is a heartwarming CD to listen to.
The first track, “Makes Me Lonely,” combines the techniques described above with a unique beat. It’s the kind of song innately perfect for a long drive either to work or around the country, with its smooth active rhythm. Nelson and Richter, unlike many duet recordings I am familiar with, share equal time in the song, and take turns singing lyrics together.
“Round in Love” is a standout track. It is mainly a showcase for Nelson’s beautiful, unique singing voice, and while very brief, captures her talents in a beautiful way that is reminiscent of other rhythm and blues singers of the period.
“Johnny Gets High,” is a harrowing portrayal of drug and alcohol abuse. Although beautiful, it brings the effects of tragedy back home, all the while featuring an exotic rhythm. Rather than romanticize, it educates listeners about the effects of drug and alcohol abuse and suggests that there is a solution to the problem.
The fourth track, “Everywhere I Go,” is a country ballad at heart, but combines elements of gospel music as well. This song illustrates Nelson and Richter’s striking, unique talents, as well as being a tale of romance and lost love. Combining Richter’s guitar with Nelson’s tambourine music, it suggests that many types of music—country, gospel, rhythm and blues—can be effectively combined together into one cohesive and beautiful melody.
The final track in the collection is “Move Right,” which is mainly a showcase of Richter’s talents. It is a melancholy, but lovely song that demonstrates what happens when two different styles are showcased with such a poetic tone that it leaves the listener wanting more. Though brief, it is worth listening to, especially in the evening driving home from work, or as a way to pass the time.
The talents and resulting collaboration of Richter and Nelson are as unique as music itself. I have seen them live several times now, and even though the compilation of songs on the CD is stunning, it only represents a sample of their exceptional talents. Richter usually plays the guitar and Nelson the tambourine. However, their act and instruments can vary from show to show, and generally only perform in small clubs in the Northeastern United States, but are worth seeing live if you can find them. The CD is a showcase of their talents, and demonstrates that they are an act to watch for many years to come. Let’s hope the masses do as well.
Read more...