Niccharles: Bridging Generations with a Timeless Sound
In an age where music often leans toward the modern and experimental, few artists are brave enough to revisit the golden era of jazz, crooning ballads, and lush melodies. Enter Niccharles, an artist whose mission to bring back the elegance of yesteryear feels like a breath of fresh air in today’s bustling music landscape. With two albums under his belt and a new wave of holiday songs, Niccharles’ rich, velvety voice continues to captivate listeners, drawing on the influence of music legends like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Johnny Hartman.
Though Niccharles’ passion for music started in high school, where he studied the violin and performed with the Greater Philadelphia High School Orchestra, life’s detours initially led him down a different path. Despite his love for music, the advice he received was pragmatic—musicians, it seemed, didn’t have a secure future. With that in mind, Nic pursued degrees in education and went into the professional world, only to return to his true calling years later.
It was a fateful moment in 2010, aboard a Carnival Cruise ship, that would change the course of his life. After performing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” at a karaoke contest, Nic was bitten by the performance bug, and he hasn’t looked back since. It was then that he decided to embrace the dream he had long put on hold—to create music that pays homage to a bygone era while infusing it with his own contemporary twist.
With a sound that echoes the sophistication of Sinatra and the smoothness of Tony Bennett, Nic’s music offers a nostalgic journey. His renditions of classic songs like “The Shadow of Your Smile” and “Summer Wind” transport listeners to a time of candlelit dinners and slow dances under the stars. But it’s not just covers that define Niccharles’ artistry—his original compositions, including “No More Missing You” and “The Life of Love,” demonstrate his exceptional ability to craft heartfelt ballads that explore the beauty and complexity of love.
His latest holiday offerings, “I’m Looking for Santa” and “I Believe in Christmas,” follow in the same tradition of blending nostalgia with modern-day sentiments. These tracks reflect Nic’s deep connection to the Christmas spirit, exploring his personal wish to find the real Santa Claus—a dream shared by many who seek to capture the magic of the season. As he shares, “Everyone who believes in Christmas has a Christmas wish. Mine is to find Santa, even if it’s only in a dream.”
Nic’s holiday songs promise to resonate with listeners of all ages, as they evoke memories of childhood wonder while offering a sense of warmth and joy that’s perfect for the festive season. His ability to evoke emotion, whether through a love song or a holiday classic, speaks to his artistry and his understanding of what makes music timeless.
Performing at iconic venues such as the Stone Pony and the House of Independence, Niccharles has earned a reputation for his engaging and soulful live shows. His two albums, Just Call It Love and Nic Charles Live at Lakehouse, showcase his mastery of both jazz and pop standards, weaving together the best of the past while ensuring his own voice shines through.
In an era where trends come and go, Niccharles remains a steadfast reminder of the timeless beauty of classic ballads, smooth jazz, and emotional authenticity. Whether he’s revisiting a cherished standard or unveiling a new holiday tune, his music stands as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the music of the past continues to live on, breathing new life into the present and future.