Reviews


REVIEWS FOR "CALLIOPE'S END"
   "The first time I listened to Calliope's End - the 2006 release by Jonathan Nicholson - I immediately knew I was witnessing the work from a very talented finger-picking guitarist.
   With each new song comes a wondrous exploration of intricate guitar work, light and delightful melodies. Each 'soundscape' is played with a sensitivity that many musicians often only dream to achieve, or worse, are simply unaware of.
   Warm, relaxing and most definitely audio art, at the end of each song, one almost feels compelled to applaud, such is the intimacy delivered, and to such depth. It really feels as though Jonathan is in the room with you, eyes closed, head down, performing from his soul.
   Chasing The Moon is a fine example of such a track. Warm, intimate, soft and soothing with just a hint of reflection. Breathtakingly beautiful.
   Despite the instrumental nature of the album (or perhaps, because of it), it is never boring. In fact, quite the opposite. The 'dreamscape tapestry' of tone and sound evokes nothing but soothing pleasure, relaxation, imagination and wonder.
   Congratulations, Jonathan, on a superb talent and magnificently crafted, timeless work of art. This is not simple flattery, Calliope's End is truly a remarkable achievement.
   I'm looking forward to the next release! In the meantime, I'll be cheering your progress as you continue to achieve greater recognition and further musical success, as your talent deserves."

   - Sol Harris, Songwriter, New Zealand
 

REVIEWS FOR "SOJOURN"
"From Spokane comes this thoughtful and stirring album of ambient guitar music. Jonathan Nicholson wrings much emotion from his Taylor 12 string and as theme of Sojourn calls for it, does not shy from some pretty stern plucking. The uncommonly helpful liner notes explain the journeys and inspirations behind the songs so we understand more than what we hear. What we hear is brilliant fretwork, with fantastic voicings, great dynamic control, and an unerring touch with harmonics.
Nicholson is one of those guitarists that can sound like a roomful of musicians even though he is alone. The stories behind the songs are moving too. Nicholson has felt some acute pleasures and sorrows in his young life and as he says in the liner notes, he is grateful for this outlet. So are we."
   - Tom Petersen, The Victory Review
"Here was a music that spoke quietly yet moved the emotions. A music that was not forced or forceful but one that passed over you like a gentle spring breeze. I highly recommend this CD for guitar fans and non guitar fans alike!"
   
   - Edward Weiss, Pianist & Composer

"Nicholson could very easily be signed by Windham Hill some day. His solo guitar work is superbly executed, melodic, and haunting, laden with emotion."
   - The Inlander
"With each succeeding note, I found myself submerged into my own reflections about my life, with the introspective tones of Sojourn leading the way. I haven't lost myself in an album in a long time. "Sojourn" comes highly recommended. Don't pass this rare gem up."
   - Ken Hill, Station Manager, Masters Of New Age Radio, & Composer
"... All the pieces on the album are beautiful sound escapades which invite one to pleasant insightful and soothing journeys."

"... Jonathan Nicholson is a noteworthy guitarist who is able to move one with his music and let you ponder about life. His techniques used are first-rate, he uses overtones, flageolets and flowing arpeggios to create his own style with his own solacing signature."

"...Jonathan Nicholson is one of these acoustic guitarists who has the gift to inspire one and dares to go beyond the surface of the soul."

   - Henk te Veldhuis, Bridge Guitar Reviews

OTHER REVIEWS
 
"Jonathan Nicholson's music takes you to the places in your mind that make the rest of the world disappear.
Jonathan Nicholson's harmonics-heavy instrumental acoustic music co-exists as complex foreground ambience and water-smooth background dinner music."
  
   - Isamu Jordan, Spokane 7 
"[Jonathan] makes sensitive, gossamer-delicate guitar instrumentals that invoke a more introspective, self-exploratory side of the human psyche."
   - Listen.com
"He manages to craft lovely tunes that reward a thoughtful and careful listener with lots of cool stuff to meditate upon."

   - The Easterner
"Although the saying is overused, I feel his music is very moving and full of spirit..."


   - Mark Peterson, Good Morning Northwest KXLY NEWS 4

"Calliope's Burden is a rare treat. It's soft, soothing and inspirational. I'd compare it to beautiful poetry without words! "


  
   - Susanna Baylon, KXLY News Anchor
"Calliope's Burden is Jonathan Nicholson, who plays a first-rate guitar. A wonderful subdued acoustic foundation is topped by harmonics and sublime guitar licks. Very well constructed."

   - Gods of Music.Com

"...A talented guitarist who records instrumental music in a vein similar to the "New Age" artists on the Windham Hill and Narada labels."

"For some his songs, he uses a 12-string guitar. There is something about the sound of a 12-string that takes Nicholson's light touch and idiosyncratic harmonic sensibilities to a whole new level."

   - The Easterner