2 months ago 02nd Oct 13:14
Sometimes the secret to achieving our dreams lies closer to home than we might think. For New York Songstress Nell Bryden, the key to launching her music on a global stage lay undiscovered for 20 years in her own father’s house.
Working part time as a waitress in New York, Nell used the little money she earned to travel around the USA with her band performing her music to “everyone and anyone who would listen”. After 3 years on the road, playing over 500 gigs across America, Nell’s finances finally caught up with her and she was forced to move back home.
Feeling disillusioned and downhearted Nell knew that she had to get back to the only life she knew and set about selling all her worldly possessions to fund one more tour.
The old proverb that “Good things come to those who wait” proved true because when Nell searched her father’s attic she found a painting that would change her life.
Bought for her as a present by her step-mother 20 years ago, it had never seen the light of day, as Nell’s impressionist painter father Lewis only decorated the house with his own art. After taking it to a Sotheby’s auction, Nell discovered it was a Milton Avery original from 1952 called ‘3 Birds’ - it sold for just under 300k!
Remaining true to her word Nell used the money for her next tour – but this time decided to add a small continent called Europe to the venue list.
Performing tracks from her new album Second Time Around (October 27th) Nell’s tour is currently wowing the UK and has already seen her support KT Tunstall, The Counting Crows and Kate Walsh.
The album is an anthology of unique blues, country / modern Dixie and jazz tracks all delivered in Nell’s inimitable sassy, vibrant and elegant demure. A woman of many musical talents, she not only writes and sings but also plays electric, acoustic and twelve string guitars as well as the dobro and cello on the record.
Nell Bryden’s live dates:
28th Oct 2008 – Gibson Guitar Studio
29th Oct 2008 – Hit Sheet Showcase, Cobden Club, London
10th Nov 2008 – St Bonaventures, Bristol
12th Nov 2008 – Borderline, London
17th Nov 2008 – Komedia, Brighton
18th Nov 2008 – The Joiners Arms, Southampton
21st Nov 2008 – London Jazz Festival
22nd Nov 2008 – Komedia, Brighton
Your Comments:
by Melinda - 20:49:12 20th Oct 2008
I just saw Nell on a USO tour here in Iraq - lovely gal with great voice and songs - Her band is top-notch - I am looking forward to seeing her again sometime.