Nick Charles: New Kind of Feeling
October 1, 2009 by Dee Le Blang
Filed under Sound Space
I find there’s an unspoken beauty and eloquence to acoustic music that I can rarely find elsewhere; one which calms my mind and encourages me to live in each moment. This style of music is often the vehicle for me finding the relaxation I crave from time to time, whether that be soaking in a hot bath, reading a book in the sunshine or enjoying time with loved ones… or simply to ‘just be’.
I recently had a dinner party with some precious friends and being big on music selection to create an appropriate mood, decided to give Nick Charles’ (2005) album New Kind Of Feeling a whirl as it had been sometime since it had seen its old friend the CD player. As I listened I was reminded of the simplicity of music; its beauty, its power, and its ability to take you on a journey in your heart and mind to wherever you want to go or be in that moment.
For me, the journey was to a place of serenity, joy and good times. A place to savour old times and laughs, to share funny stories and to create new ones. It was the innocent and unassuming clean slate to begin wherever we were in that moment. The food suddenly became more exquisite than the last time it was shared, the wine more luscious and smooth, and the time together far more relaxed and enjoyable as each and every moment was actually lived and enjoyed for the beauty it held.
We felt ‘old world’, carefree and able to soak up our moments together, as though we were the only ones who truly knew the secret to laughter and life, and it felt mighty fine!
Bruce Elder of the Sydney Morning Herald once wrote “This is one of those albums people put on when they feel in a mellow mood and want to lie around feeling that the world is a pretty good place” and Bruce wasn’t wrong. But in my opinion, Nick’s album creates the space for conversation, appreciation and to breathe without the busyness of life and expectations. It is often said that true beauty is in simplicity, and with Nick’s amazing finger-picking style and ability, he’s captured this sentiment perfectly.
So yes, I will lie around feeling that the world is a pretty good place whilst I listen to Nick’s CD, but I’ll also be enjoying the imagery in my mind as I remember how beautiful my life truly is, and day dream of all the beauty that is still possible.
About the author:
Dierdre Le Blang is the owner of Primal Entertainment; a music industry agency based on the north shore of Sydney and was borne from a passion for live music and a desire to support and encourage the creative souls that work within it.
“Being able to harness the power of music, and utilise that to inspire others in their journey, is a privilege”
