Chet Nichols

Hi! Chet's site is under "active construction" ..... PLEASE pardon the "Digital Dust".

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: NEWS UPDATES :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Prairie Harvest and Walking In Circles – Combo CD Review.
             
                Sometimes such strange things fall into the hand that you think they are in a time machine to the past - and when a track on a CD spins forward and has you go “spinning on a time loop” (turn around in it and it is called a time warp), it all makes a lot of sense, or does it?
Mention “Chet Nichols” to most anyone around here and you'll get a blank stare. Too bad, he should be “well-known”. But, in his native Kansas (USA), he is an artist and inductee (sounds better than a 'Recording Artist') in “The 'Kansas Music Hall Of Fame”, whatever that means exactly. Anyway, he is known more over there than here. Then, again, people like Kansas, Pat Metheny, Martina McBride and others are also inductees, so, perhaps, this is a well-kept secret and high honor?
               Hemifran, the small, fine promoter of American Americana in Europe has now provided us with two Chet Nichols CDs available, and it revolves around today. Nichols has released 16+ CDs. He is also very creative (see website – http://www.chetnichols.net) and commutes between New Age music, singer-songwriter, jazz, folk, world-fusion and country (pop). Quite the range, so I was intrigued that Nichols could actually “be” all these things.
               On "Prairie Harvest", I discovered a “Best-Of-Collection” of his albums; "Time Loop", "Waving Prairie," "Taxi To Tonganoxie", "Lucky Man", "Modern Progress" and - see below - "Walking In Circles". "Time Loop" was his first album, recorded entirely alone, and "Walking In Circles", a more current CD, takes us back to his roots, and that's a good thing.
               First, we will go to Nichols’ life presented in “Prairie Harvest”, for then we will understand what is going on with the “back to the roots” music in “Walking In Circles”. The first track on "Prairie Harvest" is about the present. Then it takes us to “Lumbering Mountain” where we see and hear Nichols in the 'raw' singing about love. It offers – (to people who like Lee Michaels - the organ / keyboard solo artist - Cat Stevens, Richie Havens and to almost any acoustic guitar playing singer / songwriter) - haunting songs with high recognition value and his proportioned, slightly-quirky harmonies, which consists of an occasional tra-la-la and doo-wap, which makes for some brilliant songs, song-after-song-after song. I was surprised.
               He has a good message, thus the meter is often stretched in the lyrics exceedingly; before he goes eclectic in the best sense, therefore takes the best from existing material and inserts it into his songs, so suddenly, sounds out of nowhere, a chorus that is charming and inappropriate. I loved this. Loved it a lot!
               Then I was treated to strange lyrics combined with varied guitar playing and sometimes crisp keyboards and absolutely 'adhesive' choruses, advanced with a second-to-none, well-crafted naivety used to create song jewels, which the lovers of New Age, Psychedelic, Pop, Folk and jazz and those with sense and love for the slightly quirky, will love instantly.
              The other tracks are good, Country-Pop mixed with outside-loner-psychedelic-acid folk, that are held together by their quirky lyrics, un-expected themes and fine musicianship. The CD ends with the profound and long, “The Beetles Are Coming”, again with a very metaphorical, figurative language, and only for guitar and vocal. The acoustic guitar work on this song has no equal. Truly amazing in its power and simplicity. “The Beetles Are Coming” is a transcendental song like none other that I have heard that peels away the illusions of the 60’s to finally expose a lone seed waiting to be re-planted hopefully is a more non-corrupted environment. Somehow in this song, he makes his guitar sound like a whole band....hard to explain it, you'll need to hear it.
              Then I moved on to the "Walking In Circles" album and the lead song, “Tangled Up In You”, a hipster love song with a total modern twist. On this "Walking In Circles" album, Nichols returns far back to his roots, he has recorded and produced everything alone. Of course, he pays tribute to the modern times with its tales, using - very moderate – samples, superb keyboard arrangements and pristinely recorded vocals and acoustic instruments, but still it all sounds very clearly and lovingly handmade. And therein lies its charm and spotlights its brilliant voice.
              The title track is a gently propulsive, rocker tune aka Stephen-Stills-meets-The Ramones and bemoans the fact that all over the modern world are people who are unable to move without milling around us with our Blackberries and PDAs in a never ending circle on the streets and at home, till …. "We finally get home and just hit the floor". Then he adds more: "We watch TV and think is real!" and then “High-tech models, as thin as rails/Drop them in the snow and ride ‘em downhill” – and on-and-on. The insight, wit and intensity of this song and the vivid images
              Nichols puts out are manna for listeners starving for intelligent lyrics that don’t pull any punches and are clearly fuel for controversy. Clearly, Nichols is fearless in his unique, hybrid social commentary.
              The general direction of the lyrics clearly continue to excel with the soulful, “I Wish That I Could Heal”, that has underlying Scottish highland rhythms, and then suddenly, a flutter of Native American tribal rhythms and chants magically appear through the song - that's what I mean by the brilliant eclecticism Nichols produces – combining strange sonic flavors that together somehow wind up fitting into a up-until-now unheard of engaging mix sounds. Somehow, Nichols makes it work.
              “Six Feet Under” and “Paradise” are clearly reminiscent of Al Stewart's "Year Of The Cat", where paradise is built on a Caribbean flair and extensive keyboard deposits. “The Secrets Of Life” come as Samba and therefore report the contradictions in our society and the differences between the human, the solution is: "The secrets of life are waiting if you only take the time .." The suggestion of patience and dedication in an impatient world; gutsy, indeed.
              The whole album is musically planted in the gentle, harmonious side of life. James Taylor, Nick Drake and Tim Buckley are still comparable in my mind. But, he also has the depth, passion and take-no-bullshit attitude of a Don Henley. Quite the combo of influences. 
              The lyrics (lyrics are for Nichols the 'Soul' of a song, while the music makes for the 'Spirit' of the song) that are embedded in "Prairie Harvest", and are able to support carrying a message, sometimes run against the music which I think kept me on the edge and attentive during the listening sessions.
              In the end, all of this is incredibly charming, a little naïve, (in best sense of the word), totally unfashionable and absolutely adorable. So combined these together and you could listen to these two CDs every hour of every day, or now. As their abstract elements treat you to new insights upon each new spin.
              I must admit that Chet Nichols is one of the more unique and unexpected musical discoveries I’ve made and I thank Hemeifran for sharing him with me. I intend to find out more about him. 

My Grade: HIGHLY Recommended.
Reviewer: Dietrich Music
 

Chet has just released a new CD, "The Ice Cream Man Review", Several of the songs are ALREADY #1 on various music charts.

GREAT NEWS: Pandora just made it accessible on its Premium and General Song charts!

This album is filled with classic rock, blues and new rock songs that gives honor to good 'ole rock 'n' roll. Check it out at Pandora and Spotify!

Also, ALL the tracks that you can buy at this site are HD WAV 44/24 files....i.e., they are the highest quality.....so pick out a few songs and add them to your personal music library.

"Desert Sunrise" is a collection of "American Soundscape" instrumentals. These songs are presented as an album, for the listener to enjoy when they desire to enjoy some subtle and sublime background music. All of these instrumental versions have versions with lyrics which can be found on various other albums produced by Chet. Also, these songs are presented as instrumentals for movie, TV and media producers looking for background tracks to LICENSE for media use. If you are such a media producer, please contact us for LICENSING CONTRACTS. 

On the other hand, if you are just looking for some mellow and well produced music to fill your environment, please enjoy these tracks. Of course, you can support this independent artist AND download a song for your personal library by purchasing this album or select tracks.

Please let us know if you have any questions or comments.

Released 01/01/2018

Contact:  MagicGarageMusic@gmail.com

One of Chet's new songs, "The Sands Of Time", from the "in-production" album, "Twilight Journals", has risen to #1 on numerous the music charts.

It is has reached these plateaus in two weeks:

Song: The Sands Of Time (#1 New Age-Religious) - (Source: Broadjam.com)

Broadjam: Earth - #1

United States - #1

North America - #1

Illinois - #1

Production - Male Vocal - #1

Production - Ballad - #1

New Age - #1

New Age Religious - #1

Dated: 11/7/17

Here is the track for you to enjoy:

“The Sands Of Time”
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 
Music and Lyric by Chet Nichols (ASCAP)
Copyright 2017 by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) & Chet Nichols Creative Services (Magic Garage Music Division): Publisher (ASCAP) 
URL: http://www.chetnichols.net
Email: MagicGarageMusic@gmail.com ::  ChetNichols@me.com
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED     Final

VERSE 1
We never said goodbye
That’s what came to me
The moment that I heard
You had sailed for endless seas
There was no goodbye
Would that be our end?
When a sudden cosmic circumstance
Mixed your ashes with the wind

CHORUS 1
Where are we to go
When it’s time that we’re called home?
And how are we to know
Without the love we need to hold?
How am I to keep my faith
Without that heart of mine
Beyond the hills we’ve climbed
Across the sands of time?

VERSE 2
Some say we are ghosts
Just waiting to appear
But how do ghosts feel the sun
Or smell the rain when it is near?
I believe we’re flames
That merge to light the way
As we stroll breathing shorelines
And dance above the waves

BRIDGE
Every grain of sand
Holds a memory
Of every prayer we’ve prayer
And every dream we’ve dreamed
Every bridge I cross
Takes me further home
Closer to the arms
That I yearn to hold

CHORUS 2
Just like drifting clouds
We split and drift away
Till autumn winds draw us back
To squeeze us tight and make us rain
And when the harvest bells fill the air
And ring out one last time
That’s when hearts combine
That’s when hearts combine
When your hand’s holding mine
And we cross the sands of time
And we cross the sands of time
And we cross the sands of time

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 
Copyright © 2017 ® by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) & Chet Nichols Creative Services (Magic Garage Music Division): Publisher (ASCAP)

All US and Global Rights are reserved. This song or any portion thereof (lyrics, music, samples, vocals) may not be reproduced in any form or media, distributed, transmitted, downloaded, shared or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the writer and the publisher. 

For permission requests, write to the publisher at: 
MagicGarageMusic@gmail.com
Or addressed to: 
"Attention: Permissions Coordinator, (at the address below) 
Chet Nichols/Magic Garage Music, PO Box 2398, Northbrook, IL 60065” 
http://www.chetnichols.net.

More information at: 
http://www.chetnichols.net 
http://chetnichols.bandcamp.com
Email: MagicGarageMusic@gmail.com
Email: ChetNichols@me.com
 

Happy to share the news that ... Chet's song, "My Town At Christmas",  just slid into the "#1 Christmas song slot". Oh, what fun it is to be #1!

Give the song a listen as you follow along wth the lyrics.

Also, if you buy a music file copy for your music collection and help support Chet's musical endeavors, you can pick out a second song and we will send it to you as a FREE GIFT.  So, climb aboard the sleigh and have a slice of Fruit Cake or some Jelly Roll with all the cast of characters in this song.

"My Town At Christmas"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Music and Lyric by Chet Nichols (ASCAP)
Copyright 2017 by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) & Chet Nichols Creative Services (Magic Garage Music Division): Publisher (ASCAP) 
URL: http://www.chetnichols.net
Email: MagicGarageMusic@gmail.com
Email: Chet@chetnichols.net
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

VERSE 1.
There's a place I know where the sleigh bells ring
And the songs of the season make us join in and sing
And the merchants on Main Street love to put on a show
When they're lining up the kissing booths beneath the mistletoe

LIFT 1:
So, get yourself together and I'll be over in my sleigh
Go find your Christmas sweater, I'll be loading up the hay
Sleigh bells will be jingling when a Clydesdale leads the way....to

CHORUS 1 
My town at Christmas
Yeah, my town at Christmas
And we'll stop 'n get jelly roll along the way
So Santa has a treat when he flies away
From my town at Christmas

VERSE 2.
It's where people tell tales of elves they can't see
And reindeer that soar so high above the trees
But there's something in that punch bowl that really puzzles me
Why we always wind end-up in a conga line dancing round the Christmas tree?

LIFT 2:
I tasted Grandma's fruit cake, I knew something was wrong
'Cause the scent of Captain Morgan was suspiciously too strong
But a wink from Grandpa's smiling face and the Christmas lights turned on...at

CHORUS 2
My town at Christmas
Yeah, my town at Christmas
Where you can get a present in the nick of time
'Cause we've got a cozy, little "Five-&-Dime"
In my town at Christmas

BRIDGE:
And the old folks and their walkers are all skiing down the hills
And good ole Uncle Chester's handing out $100 dollar bills
And the children in their PJs are yawning sleepyheads
Till Santa hits the radar and they scramble up to bed

LIFT 3:
And we go singing door-to-door to the last place left to go
And we ride up to the chapel thru the moonlight and the snow
Till the pastor appears with his violin and starts a little doe-see-doe....Yep, here we go........ to 

CHORUS 3
My town at Christmas
Yeah, my town at Christmas
We all take turns shaking tambourines
And celebrate the birth of our Baby King
At my town at Christmas
With hands and voices raised to the sky
Everyone in heaven's in a conga line......in 
My town at Christmas
Yeah, my town at Christmas
My town at Christmas

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 
Copyright © 2017 ® by Chet Nichols (ASCAP) & Chet Nichols Creative Services (Magic Garage Music Division): Publisher (ASCAP)

All US and Global Rights are reserved. This song or any portion thereof (lyrics, music, samples, vocals) may not be reproduced in any form or media, distributed, transmitted, downloaded, shared or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the writer and the publisher. 

For permission requests, write to the publisher at: 
MagicGarageMusic@gmail.com
Or addressed to: 
"Attention: Permissions Coordinator, (at the address below) 
Chet Nichols/Magic Garage Music, PO Box 2398, Northbrook, IL 60065" 
http://www.chetnichols.net.

More information at: 
http://www.chetnichols.net 
http://chetnichols.bandcamp.com
Email: MagicGarageMusic@gmail.com
Email: ChetNichols@me.com

CHET HAS TWO NEW NOVELS THAT HAVE BEEN RELEASED AND PUBLISHED

Chet has released two new novels; "The Last Riders On Route 66" and "The Children Of Pentecost". Both are available at Amazon as paperback books or as Kindle files. The initial response has been terrific, as both books were in the Top 100 in their specific genres. Visit the "NOVEL PAGE" at this site to get more information about the books and links to Amazon to purchase them. If you'd like an autographed copy of either book, please email us and we will send you instructions on how to purchase one or both of these enjoyable books.

You can review and purchase these books by CLICKING ON THIS LINK.

Welcome to Chet Nichols' Music & Creative Media Site.

Chet Nichols is a long-time, award-winning, American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, instrumental compose, producer, arranger and recording artist. Chet is also an award-winning creative director, media producer, designer, author and more.

When Chet began this new website, he wanted to create a unique web experience for his visitors. First, he wanted current music, news, reviews and insights available to the people visiting the site. At the same time, he wanted the site to be like a historical scrapbook with old pictures, stories and information. So, as the site progresses, more and more historical data, music, pictures and stories will be added to make this site more and more like a scrapbook. So, as the site grows and grows it will become vast and deep.

So, to those who are discovering Chet for the first time, we are happy to introduce people to him. He is a long-time ASCAP publisher, songwriter, composer and owner of Magic Garage Productions, Magic Garage Music and Magic Garage Records.

Chet has a very unique story....BUT.....then, again, he is a lot like singer-songwriters and composers world-wide (past-present-and-future), who are inspired by the world enough to create music, songs, stories, films, photographs of what they see and share them with others. So, this site is not so much just about Chet, as it is about people around the world who are also artists "like" Chet.

Chet was inducted into The Kansas Music Hall Of Fame in 2008, joining Pat Matheny, Martina McBride, Kansas, Melissa Etheridge and other fine musical artists. He has produced almost 30 original music albums of singer-songwriter music in the jazz, folk, country, rock, blues, world, pop and acoustic musical genres. As an instrumental composer, he has produce several award-winning albums in the New Age, World, Jazz, Neo-Classical and Easy-Listening genres.

Chet is also a long-time award-winning film, video, special-effects and animation designer, creative director and executive producer. He has numerous nominations and has been awarded numerous Clios, Addys, Gold Medals at the New York International Film Festival, Houston Film Festival, USA Commercial Film Festival and other award events.

Chet is also a vested and long-time Board Member on the SAG/AFTRA Global Nomination Committee for the SAG/AFTRA Awards for excellence in film, video, television, documentaries, and independent film creation, acting performances, production and creative conceptualization.

That said, we invite you to find a comfortable chair and sit back and enjoy Chet's great passion ...  writing, producing and performing great lyrics and music.
Select some high-quality head-phones and get ready to enjoy an interesting musical and sonic journey.

So, we hope you enjoy your visit and that you come back often to listen to more new music.

Thanks for stopping by.