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Restless Soul

by Nigel Aubrey Thomas

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  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Comes in an environmentally friendly gatefold card case, design work by Chris Stephens with lyrics booklet enclosed

    Includes unlimited streaming of Restless Soul via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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    8 ORIGINAL NEW SONGS WRITTEN, COMPOSED AND SUNG
    BY NIGEL AUBREY THOMAS

    “Rooted in the deep intersection of Soul, Jazz and Blues” “Beautifully produced, well crafted songs with genuine messages, gorgeous bass work as ever. Really enjoyed this collection of originals which span Blues, Soul and Jazz” Claire Martin OBE

    "One of the UK's most in demand and versatile Jazz bassists Nigel Aubrey Thomas. who has played with a host of top musicians, including Claire Martin, Tony Kofi, Jim Mullen and Byron Wallen, and released two albums with his own band, has until now been waiting to unveil the other side of his potent musical talents. He is uniquely talented. songwriter and a beguiling soulful singer whose music is deeply rooted in the multi-layered intersection of Soul, Jazz and Blues. Now at last, he releases his much-anticipated debut vocal album, ‘Restless Soul’ on 7th July 2023 on Ojin Records.
    Following excellent feedback for his first single “Unseen” released at the end of April, Nigel has now released his second single “If your heart isn’t mine” which came out on June 2nd prior to the Album release both of which have had consistent play on Jazz FM. shortly to be followed by the third single 'Believe' out soon

    ‘Restless Soul‘ album contains eight captivating new original compositions, which draw on a rich, spiritual palette of influences, from Donny Hathaway and Bill Withers to Marvin Gaye and Gregory Porter.
    Restless Soul's exceptional, far-sighted lyrics reflect Thomas's belief that the eternal struggles of the human condition ultimately offer a path to increase empathy, peace and understanding amongst us all.

    The album was produced by Mark Edwards at the highly rated Echo Zoo studios (Michael Kiwanuka, Tom Misch, Kokoroko, Yusef Dayes) and features a number of top UK Jazz and Soul musicians, including saxophonist Julian Nicholas, trombonist Mark Bassey, drummer Darren Beckett and percussionist Jon Newey, with Mark Edwards' timeless Fender Rhodes and Hammond organ contributions throughout. Backing vocals are by rising star Soul/Blues singer Joanna Cooke and the recording delivers an endearingly warm, old-school Soul-Jazz feel that drives Thomas's unforgettable songs and uplifting vocals"
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1.
Believe 05:47
Believe (Inspired by the words of my mentor Daisaku Ikeda, President of SGI) Prayer is the courage, to persevere Though the waves of life, to banish all the fear That holds us back, time and time again When we lose the track, a sword to cut through pain Who are we to sell ourselves short There’s nothing good in being small If only you would stand tall And look above the clouds! Honour your heart and those all around you Honour your life and it will astound you Prayer is the struggle, To overcome, the doubt and the weakness A lantern in a storm, that rages on and on Blinding all we see, so light up the torch of hope Step out of misery And why do we sell ourselves short? Could it be that we think, we’re not worthy of the thought We could be incredible! Honour you heart, and those all around you Honour your life, and love will surround you just believe, just believe it.
2.
Unseen 04:21
Unseen So many stars that light up the darkest sky Can so easily pass us by when we’re not in this moment of time And if the land is crying in front of our eyes Really should be no surprise, we made these causes now we’re reaping all we’ve sown And it takes courage to make a stand, hold up your hand So listen up my friend there are hearts out there that need to mend And the best of us is yet to come We’ve come this far but we’ve still got Some way to go to learn how to be Take our place in eternity And this world, is it not a sacred blessing? And our fragile lives they are hanging, hanging by a string And if life is not really, just what it seems, illusions and dreams So look deeper, what is real is unseen And the best of us is hard to see Don’t buy in to the negativity It’s going to tell you that it can’t change That this world is the devils stage But every life is a precious jewel So use it up, to the full
3.
If your heart Isn’t mine Look into my eyes darling can’t you see my heart’s in pain Look into my eyes can you see my heart’s in pain There ain’t no sun in my world, only clouds and rain Have you heard, I’ve been messing round with another girl Did your best friend tell you I’ve been massing round with another girl When all I want is to be there in your arms I can’t kiss your lips, not if your heart isn’t mine I can’t accept your loving charms, don’t mean nothing And all your sweet kisses ain’t never going to touch my soul I won’t look into your eyes unless your heart is mine, for sure I can’t kiss your lips, not if your heart isn’t mine I can’t accept those loving charms, don’t mean nothing And all your sweet kisses aint never going to touch my soul I won’t look into your eyes, not if your heart isn’t mine to the core, to the core
4.
Respond with Joy Sometimes we don’t get what we want Hard times and we just suffer not seeing the truth That our problems are our greatest treasure Every thought word and deed, creates a cause, plants a seed In this life can’t we see, suffering as an opportunity to Respond with joy, even when things are going down Respond with joy, the universe hears your song Sometimes we don’t want what we get In those times, trust your greater self completely Embrace the change Whatever happens have a mind of joy All good fortune will come your way Defeat the demons from within Use your life, you can win Respond with joy, even when things are going down Respond with joy, the universe hears your song
5.
Be the change you want to see Be the clouds that water parched fields The wind that blows away the pain Be the Sun that warms the coldest heart The beginning the end and the start Be the flame that lights the darkest place The love that hate cannot embrace Be the moment that contains all of time The space that cannot define Be the change you want to be Be the change you want to see, Nothing worthwhile was ever easy Be the eyes that never ever close The seed from where only hope can grow Be the lantern that shows others the way Feel the life in every day Be the keeper of the bluest sky The moment that will never die Be the mouth that speaks only words that inspire The cup that catches every tear from every eye Be the change that you want to be Be the change that you want to see, Nothing worthwhile was ever easy
6.
Always there 05:11
Always There Hand on her heart, shadow on her soul Looking for the part that’s going to make her whole She’s at a lonely station, waiting for the train Seeking validation, but it never came Then a stranger appeared in her life He said, I’ve something I want to share with you We have met many times before, but you won’t remember The sea was always blue You’ve been looking in the wrong place Happiness is not outside of you You already have everything that you need And all I say, all I say is true Step out of your shadow, embrace the driving rain Take a risk and fly once again And when she awoke from her dream, The light was golden like she’d never seen And from that day she felt blessed, And she shared the secret that her heart possessed Neither near nor far, not some distant star that we long for Neither loss or gain, love or pain Just a wave breaking on the shore Neither dark nor light, hidden from our sight But always, always there Step out of your shadow, embrace the driving rain Take a risk and fly
7.
Jewel 05:09
Jewel Can I call you when I’m feeling low, and there’s no one else to turn to I adore you but you already know, I’m the jewel in the stone, Gold in the rock Hidden but always there I will always be open, can’t get my heart off my sleeve Working through these emotions, I can’t see the weft from the weave I’m not sure what it is I perceive, Is it real or just a dream You know there are days when I suffer, and my heart is closed But I have felt something other, so now I’m letting go The rain has melted the snow and the clouds have blown away So every day I try to remember, that it’s a privilege that I’m here I’m opening up a portal, and choosing courage over fear And the darkness will still appear, but this boat I shall steer Now the answer is clear, When I change what’s in my heart, I change the world
8.
Call my name 05:18
Call My Name Did you ever want to fly away, leave all your troubles behind And did you ever hurt so much, felt like your heart was dying Did it seem like you’ve been here before, so many lifetimes ago Like looking through a foggy window, passing through a hidden door Call my name, loud and clear We are flying though space and time Call my name Call my name loud and clear We are flying through space and time There’s no end to the line

about

I initially had the idea for this recording several years back so this album has certainly been a long time coming! We started recording in 2019 but the pandemic meant everything got pushed back and we finally finished in 2022. I composed the songs, both music and lyrics during the last few years, although ‘If your Heart isn’t Mine’ and ‘Respond with Joy’ were written earlier. I’m so grateful to my great friend Mark Edwards for his unstinting encouragement, patience and incredible production skills, and of course for his wonderful playing and musicality. Huge thanks to all the amazing Musicians and Vocalists who performed so brilliantly on the album and made it such a joyful experience.

credits

released August 2, 2023

Recorded at Echo Zoo Studios between 2019 – 2022 by Dave Lynch

Produced by Mark Edwards

Mastered by Neil Costello

All compositions, arrangements and lyrics by Nigel Aubrey Thomas

Design and Typography by Chris Stevens: umbrellagista@gmail.com

Enquiries: nigelglegge@gmail.com

Special thanks to:

Leia for her constant wisdom, love, inspiration and practical help. To all my friends, family and my mentor Daisaku Ikeda. To Chris Stevens for his wonderful design work. Dave Lynch for his fantastic engineering skills and great vibe at Echo Zoo Studio.

Nigel Aubrey Thomas – Lead Vocals/ Electric Bass & Double Bass on ‘Jewel’

Mark Edwards – Piano/ Keys /Hammond B6 Organ /Synth/Strings & Effects

Darren Beckett – Drums/ Tambourine

Dave Hastings – Guitar (1,2,3,5,6,8)

Julian Nicholas -Tenor/ Alto & Soprano Saxophones (2,3,4,6,8)

Jon Newey – Congas/ Percussion (1,2,3,5,6)

Joanna Alice Cooke – Backing Vocals (1,2,4,5,6,8)

Sarah Gardener – Backing Vocals (2,4)

Jack Kendon -Trumpet (1)

Mark Bassey -Trombone (5)

Recorded 2019 – 2022 at Echo Zoo Studio by Dave Lynch

All Compositions, Arrangements and Lyrics by Nigel Aubrey Thomas

Produced by Mark Edwards and Mastered by Neil Costello

Design and Typography by Chris Stevens

Cover Photo Romolo Tavani

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Nigel Aubrey Thomas Brighton, UK

"One of the UK's most in demand and versatile Jazz bassists Nigel Aubrey Thomas. who has played with a host of top musicians, including Claire Martin, Tony Kofi, Jim Mullen and Byron Wallen,
and released two albums with his own band
He is also a uniquely talented. songwriter and a beguiling soulful singer whose music is deeply rooted in the multi-layered intersection of Soul, Jazz and Blues"
... more

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