Noise Rises

Nelle Thomas and songwriting partner Felix Frechette have created their own brand of retro-inspired funky soul that they call Modern Motown. Blending elements of soul, Motown, rhythm and blues and acid jazz, and inspired by some of their favourite artists (John Mayer, Marvin Gaye, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, jackSOUL, and Amy Winehouse) the music, by turns, rocks, drives, and grooves. And layered over top the funky bedrock are Nelle's quirky, sometimes sassy, observations on life and love, drawn from her personal history and stories she gathered during six years of international touring. Nelle's voice, like honey tinged with a little bit of grit, has drawn comparisons to Oleta Adams, Joan Armatrading and P!nk, although she admits that her favourite compliment was from one fan who said she had 'the voice of a thousand mammoths'. On NOISE RISES she is backed by Frechette (guitars), longtime bandmates Alexandre Blanger (bass) and Fairous (keyboards), and co-conspirators Joe Bashorun (drums) and Carrie Gibson (back vocals). With the additional contribution of Lou Hoover and Raphael Geronimo on percussion and featuring Canadian rapper LadyValy on '(Dance of the) Freaks and Geeks', the band lays the bedrock for Nelle's stories, with the rhythm section uncompromisingly driving each song, complemented by rollicking organ riffs, punchy brass arrangements, Motown-inspired back vocals, and a generous helping of percussion.