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Neilsen Gough's High 5
Neilsen Gough's High 5 "No one else in the world can both sing and play trumpet as well as Neilsen" – James Morrison "Neilsen is a truly gifted…
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“No one else in the world can both sing and play trumpet as well as Neilsen”
– James Morrison
“Neilsen is a truly gifted musician whose time has surely come. His natural lyricism as a singer and masterful jazz improvisation on trumpet are entwined as one. His impeccable taste and choice of material make his music a pleasure to listen to anywhere, anytime”
– Dale Barlow
His voice is like no other – warm, smooth and sweet like honey gold. His emotional depth and delicate handling of the lyric and melody is testimony to his respect for the tradition and beauty of the American standards songbook. Not since Chet Baker has there been a performer capable of evoking such sincerity and subtlety. The fluidity and warmth of his voice is echoed in his trumpet playing. His melodic, lyrical phrasing and richness of tone paints a world of romance like that of a bygone era. Combine this with an effortless timing and an instinctual use of space and breath and you have a unique sound that is Neilsen Gough.
Neilsen has achieved much in a short space of time in his home country of Australia since graduating from the N.S.W Conservatorium of Music. Performing regularly and recording with its biggest stars – Dale Barlow and James Morrison. He has without a doubt forged his own style and niche, playing in jazz clubs and festivals with his own ensembles across Australia.
1. THE HANDS – Basement April 2008
Clayton and Lachlan Doley on Hammond and clavichord with bass and drums at the Basement. Clayton has a great edgy baritone voice with nice free and easy phrasing. His original songs are very strong and catchy. But above all the grooves are very funky and infectious.
2. DALE BARLOW – Woollahra Hotel 1995
Of all Dale’s recordings, my favourite is an album he did with Vince Jones- One Day Spent. I’ve listened and played along with it thousands of times since I first started doing gigs. I know every note that Dale played on that album. I’ve been enormously influenced by Dale’s playing and used to see him live at the Woollahra Hotel.
3. THE SUBTERRANEANS – James Ryan, James Hauptman, Steve Hunter and James Muller at the Empire Hotel, July 2008.
Playing great original compositions by James Ryan in a funky rock/jazz style, they are all fantastic players but as always James Muller stands out and seems to relish the chance to get dirty and funky.
4. TONY BENNETT WITH PIANO TRIO – Lyric Theatre 1998
Tony’s voice was better than ever and his warmth and joy as a performer really touched everyone. He even switched his mic off for one song singing without amplification.
5. JAMES MORRISON – Soup Plus 1984
James used to sneak me in as a kid. I was really affected by James’ amazing energy on stage and his connection with the audience. He has an incredible ability to capture the crowd and keep them to the very end.
