JOHNNY NICOL
Born in Ayr, North Queensland Australia, his music journey began at family gatherings. Talent propelled him out of what might have been a mundane existence into the mysterious but wonderful world of music. His journey south to Sydney, presented him with many interesting though doubtful opportunities. He worked a variety of gigs, including playing guitar at Bill McConnell's Redfern boxing gym. This is where three Maori musicians linked up with Johnny and formed the now legendary Maori Troubadours.
"Acclaimed by his peers as one of the world's truly great jazz singer/guitarist, it becomes clear to all who have seen and heard him. If you like the great jazz singers like Tony Bennett, Sinatra, Nat Cole, Buble and George Benson you'll love Johnny Nicol".
"Johnny and the Maori Troubadours performed in the most prestigious venues in the world, including The Hacienda in Las Vegas, the Ilikai in Honolulu, the Fontainebleau in Miami, Lycayan Beach Hotel at Freeport in the Bahamas, several Playboy Clubs and many hotels and clubs in the UK, Europe and the Far East. Back in Australia Johnny quickly found his place as a contemporary jazz artist. Critics acclaimed him "the finest jazz guitar stylist in Australia" and "our own George Benson in both vocal style and jazz guitar technique". His following grew with exposure as a regular guest artist on television's national Midday Show".
Appearing in all the major jazz venues around Australia Johnny Nicol was the "star" in the Don Burrows Supper Club at the Wentworth Hotel Sydney - he was regularly asked back to to appear with Don. Being nominated for three major awards in 1989 he gained considerable recognition at the Mo Award as an entertainer. The inaugural Ricky May Jazz Award, and the Artists and Performing Rights Award for the best Australian composition for his song "Where The Love Is". Also on this album Johnny sings the lovely ballad "Emily" as a dedication to his eldest daughter, actress Emily Nicol which is better known as the scene-stealing "Chloe" in the TV Soap "A Country Practice". In 1990 the luxury Radisson Plaza Hotel, newest of the Cairns tourist resorts, brought Johnny back to far north Queensland to open and star in the hotel's showroom - The Johnny Nicol Supper Club.
