Here’s a colorful and rather exotic venture into the land of flamenco and world guitar, something with which Nocy Karkour (just call him Nocy) is more than a little familiar, being an accomplished musician who’s performed with such great talent as Rod Stewart, Jon Anderson of the rock group Yes, Kenny G, and Larry Coryell. My focus here on Rise, this “best of Nocy” release, was mostly on his highly charged Latin pieces, Latin music being a weakness of mine. A couple of the more world/Eastern-influenced tunes like “Mirage Sensual” didn’t quite work for me, but they were in the minority, as this album shines a brilliant light on not only the artist’s writing and production skills but on his grasp of diversity, substance, and cultural flair. Ronald Jackson The Smooth Jazz Ride…
Flamenco guitarist Nocy (who also plays other styles) likes to say that “If your heart is touched, my music has spoken.” Here with his first live album called Live at the Bellagio (due for release on June 30), it’s not hard at all to feel the touch of many of these tunes.
Nocy says that this recording is a completely unedited one. You get that sense as you are transported to the Bellagio and witness all of the beauty and nuances of live recording.From his debut release years ago to this current live CD, this is one guitarist who clearly knows how to effectively use phrasing, melodies, blindingly fast riffs, and catchy hooks to punctuate his wonderful brand of music. –Ronald Jackson The Smooth Jazz Ride
Like a stampede of horses racing out of a gate, flamenco guitarist Nocy is back with another fiery and passionate production. This one is titled Why Worry and contains some new and interesting twists for the smokin’ guitarist, like adding rap artists to a few of the tracks for a gripping impact.Granted, many a jazzer’s eyebrows may raise at the thought of introducing rap to Latin music in the way Nocy does it here. Trust me, the guitarist has found away to make this work – most of the time. Ronald Jackson The Smooth Jazz Ride..
His latest, Simplicity, is another stop along this enjoyable journey around the world as he explores not only the attraction of flamenco but the romanticism of Brazilian and salsa music and the beautiful mystique of Japan. In addition to tossing in his own version of reggae, new age, and even country. His beautiful “Forever Dad,” an obvious tribute to the man he cherished, is indeed soulful but hardly “hip hop,” as he tends to see it. At any rate, whatever you may want to call it, it affects and impacts. Ronald Jackson, The Smooth Jazz Ride
With the lyrical finesse of Ottmar Liebert, the traditional forms of Manatas De Plata, and the spontaneity of The Gypsy Kings, this fiery flamenco hybrid is brilliantly refreshing!
Engaging and awe-inspiring a talent … his music is a blend of classical, flamenco, gypsy (he played with the Gypsy Kings before their fame); the guitar comes alive in his hands..Steve Alcorn, Pasadena Weekly…
Nocy (and his band) has performed each New Year’s Eve for the past 10 consecutive years. In fact, many of our returning clients book their New Year’s Eve reservations only if Nocy is going to be performing… Ryland Worrell, Mgr Picasso restaurant Bellagio..
Everyone present enjoyed this intimate show at Dodsworth in Pasadena, including the people outside on the sidewalk who stopped in their tracks to listen in from a large window at the bar…. Nocy is getting national radio play on KCSB and KPFK and on California Jazz Now Radio Magazine, as well as international television coverage on NBC’s Today Show Weekend Edition, Ritmo Latino, Korea TV’s Johnny Yune Show, and Arab American television. Bradford J. Stein California Jazz Now..
Nocy is a classical Brazilian jazz-style guitarist who really puts on an energetic show…his distinct playing style keep people dancing throughout his entire performance…
Our audience of 23,000 was blown away by your virtuoso guitar playing and awesome energy! Thank you for such an exciting performance at our inaugural summer concert season…
