An interview with Reed player Nicole Johänntgen: Nicole Johänntgen Solo II at Gotthard Hospice chapel


Janice:  Nicole, can you share with us the inspiration behind your soon to be released solo album?

Nicole: It is about the slow down. To be aware of the moment. Wherever you are, depth and inner peace.



I wanted to share this moments on the album with lots of human beings. It can help you to feel yourself again. To feel time more slowly.

It doesn't matter where you come from, who you are, whether you like classical, jazz, rock or pop. I believe that this music helps you to help yourself.

Janice:  I know you are very much engaged with encouraging young women musicians through your workshops with SOFIA.  Can you share with us when and how you became involved.  

Nicole: I  was in 2003 part of the Sisters in Jazz IAJE meeting for more than one week in Toronto. I played with five  more American female jazz musicians. 

We played at the Mary Lou Williams Festival and much more. We met Oscar Peterson and he listened to our concert. Usually it is the other way around. I gained so much energy over there and came back with lots of great experience. 

The program was stopped a couple of years later. I was very sad about that. More in the fact, that other young female musicians can not experience the same. So I started SOFIA in 2013. 

Music but with the additional fact learning about self management, networking, music business. I want to share knowledge. I want to share experience!


Many thanks from Switzerland,
Nicole


https://youtu.be/jtT9ddCCgWE


Nicole Johänntgen has absorbed music from an early age, runs several permanent bands and is currently
again tirelessly on live tour. Her solo project is an elevated endeavour that began with her first solo record in
2019. Solo II came into being on a light-filled morning. „When I stepped out of the chapel into the glistening
midday sun after an hour and a half of concentrated playing, I felt incredibly light.“
Solo Tournee 2022

22.06. Solothurn, Alte Spitalkirche
23.06. Bern, Église française de Berne
24.06. Murten, Französische Kirche
25.06. Interlaken, Schlosskirche
26.06. Wassen, Kirche von Wassen
27.06. Nottwil, Parrkiche St. Marien
28.06. Romont, Paroisse catholique de Romont
29.06. Biel, Stadtkirche
09.07. Fischbach-Quoerschoed, Kirche St. Josef
29.07. Zürich, Wasserkirche
Please visit the webpage to see more shows.

“Nicole has something very special in her playing – a big and generous heart. An exceptional energy!” David Liebman

www.NicoleJohaenntgen.com



Comments

Gary Quinn said…
Very interesting reading this, what a talented lady Nicole is, and after watching the posted link on you tube, I was mesmerized. You have a new fan today! Love your blogs Janice, you bring so many talented people to our attention.
Unknown said…
Janice, thank for your interview with Nicole Johanntgen and her very beautiful playing. I have to mention the surrounding magnificent mountains of Switzerland as Nicole's inspiration and her warmth of tone. Simply lovely.
Gary Reeves said…
Having watched the YouTube clip of Nicole, one can fully appreciate both her skill as a musician and the concept she is exploring of slowing time and trying to be in the moment.
In a world where it always seems that there is such pressure to achieve, it's a good discipline to stop once in a while and just 'be' - so important , not only for one's mental wellbeing but also for the creative process.
Enjoyed reading about her experiences. What she is doing through SOFIA is exceedingly important and I wish her every success.
Gwen Byng said…
So interesting to learn of people.doing wonderful things that I
Would otherwise never hear about. Inspiring human being
Annette Scott said…
It was a joy to listen to Nicole play, and read about her journey. I really believe in her mantra of music helping you to be yourself, and what a wonderful gift to give other people opportunities and to teach them all that you have learnt.
Nicole said…
Wow, many thanks for the time you spent to listen and watch the video! I am sooo grateful. Janice, you paint bridges with your blog! Magic! Many thanks! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Nicole

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