CHET NICHOLS
Creative Media Artist
Creative Director - Producer - Writer - Designer - Songwriter - Composer - Musician
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Chet Nichols ~ Music Discography
PARDON THE MESS!
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Here is a Music Player that you can use to listen to
Chet's various CDs. If you like a song, just click on
the "Buy" icon and you will be taken to Chet's music
site at iTunes where you can purchase the song as a
digital music file. Pick up a song, today.
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THE SONGS
1. Gibraltar Bridge 9:30
2. Earthways 8:35
3. Aegean Trails 10:05
4. Paris Music Box 7:14
5. Khyber Pass 8:44
6. Highways To The Sky 10:50
EARTHWAYS is a follow-up CD to Chet
Nichols' critically-acclaimed CD,
RED MESA SUNSET. The music was inspired
by "the roads of the world". The song,
"Highways To The Sky", was dedicated to
the old Route 66. EARTHWAYS is a wonderful
instrumental CD of New Age/World/Fusion/Ambient
music.This music is perfect for relaxing, working out,
driving or meditating. This CD and RED MESA
SUNSET were recently chosen as Top Twelve Picks
by the Music Editors at eMusic.com.
CD REVIEW:
EARTHWAYS is different than Chet's
RED MESA SUNSET CD in several ways.
First, the songs are longer. In a music
world where we are surrounded by songs
in the 3:30 format, Chet creates hypnotic,
relaxing atmospheres using a longer
format. The songs "grow" as you listen
to them. He weaves exotic rhythms with
dynamic melodies. Clearly, Nichols has a
master's touch when creating his
comforting New Age music. What
makes Nichols unique in this genre is
his use of melodic dynamics and exotic
rhythms. His songs build and retreat like
waves on the shoreline.This CD has
been "locked-in" on my 5 CD player
since I first heard it 5 months ago. If
you are looking for a CD filled
with friendly, soothing music.....look
no further.
It doesn't get much better than,
EARTHWAYS.
.......Pro Internet Song Reviewer
Listen to Chet's Music :: Contact Chet :: Chet's Website
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Red Mesa Sunset
by Chet Nichols
The Songs
1. Serengeti Rain 9:16
2. The Night Train 7:15
3. Prayer Bucket 4:48
3. Red Mesa Sunset 9:22
5. Earth River 6:40
6. Out Of The Blue 6:09
7. Malibu Sunday 8:23
Produced & Engineered by Chet Nichols
for Magic Garage Records
All songs composed by Chet Nichols
All instruments by Chet Nichols
All songs copyrights by Chet Nichols (ASCAP)
and Magic Garage Music (ASCAP)
Copyrights 2006
Cover design and photos by Chet Nichols
CD REVIEW:
RED MESA SUNSET contains a fine collection of
beautiful, delicately developed, hypnotic song themes,
with expert ebb and flow dynamics and subtle texture
variations. Superb main rhythmic loops with gentle
energizing, anticipatory vibes and cascading melodic
elements. Excellent organic/tribal/world/jungle sounds
and percussive accents. Superb new age soft vibrancy all
around! One of the best CDs of it's type that I have ever
reviewed. What I really enjoy is that each song is unique,
yet stays anchored in a meditative, hypnotic, melodic format.
For what its worth, Chet Nichols succeeds in his intention to
share with his listeners, this elegant and fully optimized body
of work-- keep up the great work."
..........Pro Internet review
The song, "Serengeti Rain" was awarded a "Special Mention"
award in the prestigious Music Aid International Song
Competition. Numerous songs on this CD have been #1
and on the Top Ten Music Charts at several respected
Internet Music Sites.
Listen to Chet's Music :: Contact Chet :: Chet's Website
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Modern Progress
by Chet Nichols
WAVING PRAIRIE
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This page is under construction.......
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Here is a Music Player that you can use to listen to
Chet's various CDs. If you like a song, just click on
the "Buy" icon and you will be taken to Chet's music
site at iTunes where you can purchase the song as a
digital music file. Pick up a song, today.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
 Prairie Harvest by Chet Nichols Produced & Engineered by Chet Nichols for Magic Garage Records All songs composed by Chet Nichols All instruments by Chet Nichols All songs copyrights by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music (ASCAP) Copyrights 2010 Jewel case Design by Chet Nichols http://www.chetnichols.net THE SONGS:
 PEAK TO PEAK by Chet Nichols Produced & Engineered by Chet Nichols for Magic Garage Records All songs composed by Chet Nichols All instruments by Chet Nichols All songs copyrights by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music (ASCAP) Copyrights 2008 Jewel case Design by Chet Nichols http://www.chetnichols.net The Songs: 01. Kilimanjaro Moon Dance 7:01 02. Blue Mountain Canyons 4:41 03. Beijing Dawn 4:38 04. Berkshire Spring 4:41 05. Himalayan Borealis 4:15 06. Colorado Divide 4:32 07. Highland Healer 7:17 08. Midnight In The Alps 6:54 09. Andean Stroll 5:37 10. Capitola Cliffs 4:56 PEAK TO PEAK is a new instrumental CD from award-winning and Hall-Of-Fame composer and singer-songwriter, Chet Nichols and is filled with vistas, world grooves and musical flavors. This CD is a collection of unique instrumental compositions. The concept behind the CD is for the music to depict vistas from around the world in a musical format. This CD shows the versatility of Chet as a composer and arranger. He uses a lot of World Beats, jazz, folk, pop, Latin Celtic and acoustic instrumentation combined with electronic flavors. We highly suggest that you put on a good pair of earphones and sit back in a comfortable chair and enjoy this CD. We think that you will find this musical collection to be a friendly companion in the early morning, afternoon, evening and late nights under the stars. Chet's composition, "Beijing Dawn", was awarded a Special Mention Award from The Music Aid International Song Competition. "Beijing Dawn", also went to #1 on the American Idol World Music Charts the second week after its pre-release. Another composition, "Midnight In The Alps", went to #1 on the Broadjam.com New Age Chart the second week after it's pre-release. You can listen to some of Chet's music by scrolling through the music player below and making a selection. Or you can listen to ALL of Chet's song in their entirety at Chet's music site. You can also purchase CDs and MP3 downloads at Chet's Music Site. Listen to Chet's Music :: Contact Chet :: Chet's Website :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::  WALKING IN CIRCLES A new CD of original material from singer-songwriter, Chet Nichols. Produced & Engineered by Chet Nichols for Magic Garage Records All songs composed by Chet Nichols All instruments by Chet Nichols All songs copyrights by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) & Magic Garage Music (ASCAP) Copyrights 2010 Jewel case Design by Chet Nichols http://www.chetnichols.net The Songs: 1. Tangled Up In You 4:29 2. Walking In Circles 6.38 3. I Wish That I Could Heal 7:18 4. Six Feet Under 4.44 5. Your Eyes Speak Louder Than Words 4:24 6. Paradise 4.58 7. Smother You 5.11 8. The Secrets Of Life 4.47 9. Hollywood, Hollywood 5.00 10. I Have A Dream 4:52 BREAKING NEWS! The title tune to the CD, "Walking In Circles" just won the Broadjam.com Lyric Writing Contest! Click here to listen to the song, purchase an MP3 file or CD You can listen to some of Chet's music by scrolling through the music player below and making a selection. Or you can listen to ALL of Chet's song in their entirety at Chet's music site. You can also purchase CDs and MP3 downloads at Chet's Music Site or at iTunes, Amazon, eMusic or other fine online download stores. Click Here To Go To The Music Site. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::  EARTHWAYS by Chet Nichols |
1. Gibraltar Bridge 9:30
2. Earthways 8:35
3. Aegean Trails 10:05
4. Paris Music Box 7:14
5. Khyber Pass 8:44
6. Highways To The Sky 10:50
EARTHWAYS is a follow-up CD to Chet
Nichols' critically-acclaimed CD,
RED MESA SUNSET. The music was inspired
by "the roads of the world". The song,
"Highways To The Sky", was dedicated to
the old Route 66. EARTHWAYS is a wonderful
instrumental CD of New Age/World/Fusion/Ambient
music.This music is perfect for relaxing, working out,
driving or meditating. This CD and RED MESA
SUNSET were recently chosen as Top Twelve Picks
by the Music Editors at eMusic.com.
CD REVIEW:
EARTHWAYS is different than Chet's
RED MESA SUNSET CD in several ways.
First, the songs are longer. In a music
world where we are surrounded by songs
in the 3:30 format, Chet creates hypnotic,
relaxing atmospheres using a longer
format. The songs "grow" as you listen
to them. He weaves exotic rhythms with
dynamic melodies. Clearly, Nichols has a
master's touch when creating his
comforting New Age music. What
makes Nichols unique in this genre is
his use of melodic dynamics and exotic
rhythms. His songs build and retreat like
waves on the shoreline.This CD has
been "locked-in" on my 5 CD player
since I first heard it 5 months ago. If
you are looking for a CD filled
with friendly, soothing music.....look
no further.
It doesn't get much better than,
EARTHWAYS.
.......Pro Internet Song Reviewer
Listen to Chet's Music :: Contact Chet :: Chet's Website
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Red Mesa Sunset
by Chet Nichols
The Songs
1. Serengeti Rain 9:16
2. The Night Train 7:15
3. Prayer Bucket 4:48
3. Red Mesa Sunset 9:22
5. Earth River 6:40
6. Out Of The Blue 6:09
7. Malibu Sunday 8:23
Produced & Engineered by Chet Nichols
for Magic Garage Records
All songs composed by Chet Nichols
All instruments by Chet Nichols
All songs copyrights by Chet Nichols (ASCAP)
and Magic Garage Music (ASCAP)
Copyrights 2006
Cover design and photos by Chet Nichols
CD REVIEW:
RED MESA SUNSET contains a fine collection of
beautiful, delicately developed, hypnotic song themes,
with expert ebb and flow dynamics and subtle texture
variations. Superb main rhythmic loops with gentle
energizing, anticipatory vibes and cascading melodic
elements. Excellent organic/tribal/world/jungle sounds
and percussive accents. Superb new age soft vibrancy all
around! One of the best CDs of it's type that I have ever
reviewed. What I really enjoy is that each song is unique,
yet stays anchored in a meditative, hypnotic, melodic format.
For what its worth, Chet Nichols succeeds in his intention to
share with his listeners, this elegant and fully optimized body
of work-- keep up the great work."
..........Pro Internet review
The song, "Serengeti Rain" was awarded a "Special Mention"
award in the prestigious Music Aid International Song
Competition. Numerous songs on this CD have been #1
and on the Top Ten Music Charts at several respected
Internet Music Sites.
Listen to Chet's Music :: Contact Chet :: Chet's Website
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ONE MAN BAND
by Chet Nichols
(Info Coming Soon)
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Modern Progress
by Chet Nichols
(Info coming soon)
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LUCKY MAN
by Chet Nichols
(Info Coming Soon)
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WAVING PRAIRIE
by Chet Nichols
(Info Coming Soon)
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 TIME LOOP by Chet Nichols The CD....that started it all!
THE SONGS 1. Play With Fire 02:23 2. You Made me Cry 03:12* 3. Summer Love 03:11* 4. Stay Away 03:20* 5. Bye Bye Love 03:25 6. Johnny B. Goode 03:01 7. Great Balls Of Fire 02:22 Executive Produced by Chet Nichols and Stephen Barncard for Magic Garage Productions Re-mastered and digitized by Stephen Barncard, House Of Cubes, SF, CA Produced by Chet Nichols, Tom Peck, Wayne Welch Jeff Weinstein and Bill Bradley Engineered by Bill Bradley in 1964 in his 3-story home in Wilmette, Il * Songs composed by Chet Nichols. Copyrights by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) Special thanks to Stephen Barncard, Greg Welch, Susan Peck MacDonald, Mrs. Nichols, Phil Hagenah, Mr. and Mrs Hagenah, and Mrs. Peck for their time and contributions Dedicated to the memory of Thomas O. Peck, Jeffrey Weinstein and Bill Bradley Copyright 2007 by Chet Nichols. All Rights Reserved. Cover design and photos by Chet Nichols  L to R: Chet, Jeff and Tom "live" at Winnetka's "Rolling Stone".... Record Review Forget "Ten Years After" with Alvin Lee, how about "Forty Three Years After with The Chosen Few"! Chicagoland's Quintessential Mid-Sixties Rock Band Like discovering a diamond in the rough, Musician Extraodinare Chet Nichols unearthed a long thought lost 1964 taping of his band The Chosen Few. Thanks to Chet's perseverance, he had it re-lobotimized, cleaned up and digitized, reproduced and packaged. Considering the primitive conditions under which it was recorded on 1/2 inch tap, as well as it's forty three years of entombment in a long lost music graveyard, the sonic clarity and quality remained intact! Chet must have employed a kitchen magician, the ghost of Houdini, and a clone of George Martin, the producer of The Beatles, to bring this baby back to life. (Actually it was Chet's buddy and David Crosby producer, Stephen Barncard). Thank the Music Gods for miracles. What we have before us now folks, is the only known recording of one the hottest mid-sixities bands to grace the Chicagoland area and The North Shore. This band had a following that always backed the venues where they played. In spite of the young age of the members of the band (17-18), they displayed a sense of musical professionalism, far beyond their years. Additionally, their vocal talents were top notch, and balanced in true harmony. They played the various covers of that era, that ran from The Beach Boys to The Stones to The Beatles, and on and on. With Tom Peck on bass, Jeff Weinstein on rhythm guitar, Chet Nichols on lead guitar and lead vocals, and Wayne Welch on drums, they were a together group with a very tight sound. The biggest surprise of the group was Chet Nichols's song writing ability, which led him to a long and highly successful career as a highly acclaimed performing artist,
proficient song writer and well noted author. Chet's self-penned songs on this CD are well written, highly evolved and perfectly vocalized and were a highly positive harbinger of things to come for him in his music career. Having seen this band blast out their many great songs on many occasions in those music filled years, I now have a piece of music history that I had
longed for many a year. Anyone from that era needs this CD for their music collector. In addition, anyone who has ever lived or went to High School in the Chicago area, the North Shore, Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Evanston and Highland Park, etc, is required to have this album. It's too bad that we don't have any more of the music that The Chosen Few played. However, this sonic taste of that time is like a whole musical feast! Chet, many thanks for giving us a piece of the past that we had longed for such a long time. It is a true Mid-West Musical Masterpiece!. .......GW, Marquette, MI  L to R: Jeff, Tom and Chet in the Peck's basement.... Background Notes About The Chosen Few The Chosen Few was an important rock ’n roll “basement band” based on the North Shore of Chicago in the early 1960s. Basement band? Well, they practiced in basements. All of the initial band members attended New Trier High School, a school that has spawned many great creative artists, musicians, actors and producers. The North Shore was a hot spot for developing rock’n roll bands and artists in the area. The Chosen Few began playing together in the Fall of 1963. The co-founders were Chet Nichols, who played lead guitar and sang lead vocals, and Phil Hagenah, who initially played guitar. A friend of Phil’s, Tom Peck, was begging to join the band, so Chet and Phil taught Tom to play bass and Phil graciously moved to the drums. Mark Springer joined to play rhythm guitar. Like many bands, there were changes in personnel until the final nucleus was solidified. Along the way they added Wayne Welch on drums and vocals and Jeff Weinstein on rhythm guitar and vocals. Phil Hagenah, went on to be a very successful film producer and Mark Springer went on to be a singer in The New Christie Minstrels. They were one of the “house bands” at the famous Winnetka rock ’n roll nightclub, The Rolling Stone. What set the band apart from other bands was the fact that they played originals penned by Chet Nichols and mixed them in with danceable cover songs. Chet’s songs were influenced by The Beatles, The Kinks, The Beach Boys and The Rolling Stones. He wrote songs that people still remember today; “You Made Me Cry”, “Million Dollar Sandbox”,“Stay Away”, “Over and Over”, “Summer Love” and “If You See Kaye”, to name a few..............  Wayne Welch at his "workbench"...... They played together until the summer of 1967, when college and the Armed Services finally split the band up for good. Tom Peck headed to Boston and lived there for several years until migrating to San Diego, where he lived as a free-lance writer and cared for his mother until June 2005 when he passed away. Jeff Weinstein moved to Colorado and played in bands in the Boulder area until he passed away in the 1980’s from complications of diabetes. Wayne Welch went into the Army and took his basic training near Oklahoma City where Chet first attended college. Wayne now lives in Bonanza,Oregon and his band, "The Usual Suspects" plays in the Klamath Falls, Oregon area. Wayne has two sons, T.J., a bank executive in Illinois and Bob, an artist. Chet transferred to Kansas University and was “discovered” in a coffee house in Kansas City. This led him into a long-running solo career as a performer, recording artist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actor, writer, designer and composer that is still going strong. Chet has produced 11 CDs of material that runs from Outside Folk Rock to Americana to Alternative Country to New Age/World Fusion Instrumental compositions. Chet has been married for 27 years to Nancy and they have two sons, Chet III, a system administrator and web developer at AOL and Ben, a college student........  Tom Peck working-it-out on bass.... Chet thought he had lost this tape, but found it in a box of old tapes stored in his garage in December of 2006, He turned to his old friend and respected San Francisco producer, Stephen Barncard, to salvage the tape and digitize it. The tape was recorded on a 1/2 machine and is in mono. It was engineered and recorded by Bill Bradley in his 3-story house in Wilmette one Saturday afternoon. Bill went on to being one of the best engineers in the music business, eventually working with Madonna and running her record company. There is distortion and a raw feel to this tape because the pre-amps on the mixing board were not built for loud drums and amplifiers and The Chosen Few played loud AND fast. But the vocals are clear and out front. This CD is un-cut and un-edited. It is an honor to be able to bring to you this little gem of the history of an important band that was part of such a vibrant and exciting time of emerging music in the 1960’s........  Jeff Weinstein relaxing in the Peck's kitchen. We want to send out very special thanks of appreciation to Stephen Barncard, Greg Welch, Susan Peck MacDonald and Mrs. Peck for their time, enthusiasm and contributions to this production. Their help has truly enriched this project. Also thanks to Mr. Hagenah, Mr. and Mrs. Peck and Mrs. Nichols for letting the band practice in their basements, drink cokes and empty the ice boxes of food. Also, thanks to Mrs. Bradley for letting us trample her beautiful home in East Wilmette on one fateful Saturday afternoon. This CD is dedicated to the memory of Tom Peck, Jeff Weinstein and Bill Bradley. Listen to Chet's Music :: Contact Chet :: Chet's Website ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Site Design by Chet Nichols |
