NIC CHAMBERLAIN & SONS

Thu., Dec. 4.  NIC CHAMBERLAIN (and SONS.) Every so often The Gardenia hosts a not-to-be-missed emerging talent whose budding career deserves to blossom.   Although he lived in Southern Utah his entire life, Mr. Chamberlain has performed all around the U.S. and Canada for over a decade, but moved to Southern California in June, 2018.  In 2016 he recorded a debut album of original material, playing all of the instrumentals as well as singing all of the vocals.  He describes his songs as “Roots music,” “equal parts rock and old country.”  Known for his expertise with guitar, mandolin, and banjo, and even a “punishing force behind the drum kit,” he is perhaps most remembered for his “high and lonesome” vocals.  His Gardenia debut a few years ago turned heads and gave notice that a major talent was emerging, armed with original material not only lyrically compelling and melodically and harmonically interesting—but also commercially “accessible,”—a creative combination rare to find wrapped up in a single individual.  Even his style is rare for, albeit perfect for, The Gardenia, with moments recalling Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Dylan, John Denver, and even the later Beatles, but infused with a rock sensibility suitable for this millennium.

In August Mr. Chamberlain gifted the Gardenia audience with an additional rare treat:  His backup trio (Nic himself plays a mean electric guitar with his vocals,) consisted of his three sons on piano, bass, and drums, ages ranging from 13 to 25.   To say that their awe-inspiring professionalism, musicianship, and talent belie their age is a gross understatement, and we would challenge any listener to detect a difference between them and more “seasoned” musicians whose “experience” is much greater (except that maybe his sons are “fresher.”)  Clamoring for more, patrons of The Gardenia have been patiently but eagerly awaiting a “home-for -the-holidays” interval to materialize before this well-deserved repeat booking could be realized.  Don’t let the Thursday night dissuade you.  Talent blooms whenever…