EnChante

Bio:

..

..We come from different countries, cultures and backgrounds. Whilst Nick was touring UK with his Folk/Rock band in the 70s, I was a budding singer songwriter trying to make it in my home city Paris. A very long story and three decades later, Fate brought us together, romantically and musically. It’s a bit of a miracle, really. I write our lyrics and the melodies. We sort out the arrangements together. I accompany our songs on my forty-year old Spanish Guitar whilst Nick’s ‘Big Girl’, his wonderful German double bass adds a haunting and very charismatic touch to our compositions and suits our style of music beautifully.

It is hard to stick a label to our style. My influences lay mostly in the old French classics whilst Nick’s heart belongs to Country. As a result, our songs are very lyric based. They tell stories and are a touch theatrical. Our set includes some covers in French and Spanish.

We enjoy playing in local acoustic clubs, pubs and festivals, and of course, AT OUR ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC VENUES, EVERY MONDAY ,"THE UXBRIDGE MUSIC BAR" IN HEDNESFORD, CANNOCK (see friends)and EVERY TUESDAY, "THE FEATHERS" BEACON STREET, LICHFIELD.
The atmosphere there is really friendly and relaxed. The stage set up and sound are just amazing. Of course it helps that Nick is a qualified sound engineer with 35 years experience under his belt. We have a lot of fun there and we invite all of you musicians and performers to come over and do a few songs. Email us and let us know or if you're not too far, just turn up and say you want to play. You'll always receive a big welcome, so don't be shy!

Every 1st MONDAY OF THE MONTH, at the Uxbridge, and every 1st TUESDAY OF THE MONTH at "The Feathers", we are giving a HALF-HOUR SPECIAL GUEST SPOT to a performer. This may well lead to a paid gig if the landlord is impressed!



And when we're not doing any of the above, we run our ACOUSTIC RECORDING STUDIO, THE SHED, IN BURNTWOOD NR LICHFIELD. With our customers talent and Nick's expertise with his Yamaha desk, we've had some pretty amazing results and lots of very happy performers going away with a brilliant CD to show off their music. So performers, when you are ready to record that next album, EP or demo CD, contact us. You won't regret it! Please visit our website www.theshed-recording.co.uk for more details.

Member Since:

June 16, 2009

Members:

Well, there are four of us really...

HIM: Nick Thompson, English, otherwise known as Tic-Toc. Many years ago, Nick was founder member and bass guitarist in the renowned band Zeth, now double- bass player and metronome in trousers, hence the nickname! Nick is also a great sound engineer and runs The Shed Acoustic Recording Studio. Quiet kind of chap, on the shy side. Doesn't talk much, doesn't remember names and tel nos. It's a wonder he ever got a date! Nick handles the technical side of eveything we do and plays a large part in our songs' musical arrangements. Loves chip butties but hates tin tuna.



Then there's 'The Big Girl', Nick's beloved German double-bass, war-worn and tired but she keeps him upright, and keeps Jocelyne's timing in check or at least she tries! ..




HER: Jocelyne Thompson, French, that's me. The creative half of the duo. Sing and write song lyrics, find tunes for them, usually while driving so phone home and sing to answaphone to make sure I don't forget them, then hand them over to Tic-Toc for squaring up. Much better cook than guitarist but unfortunately cannot tune or plug frying pan into PA! Continually argue with Tic-Toc about 3/4, 4/4 6/8 issues. 'There's nothing wrong with my timing', I say, 'It's just... continental.' 'Yes, like your driving!' he says. Love tin tuna but really can't see the point of chip butties. What's that about?



Last, but not least is 'The Old Girl', Jocelyne's beloved Spanish guitar. 40 years old and sounding lovely. She's travelled 4 decades and 3 countries to make it here. She's full of character, unpredictable, and temperamental but we love her. She's staying!



We almost forgot Mr Tib! The Band Manager. Has an opinion on everything. Doesn't like us to stay out late but will let us gig just about anywhere so long as we bring back a doggy-bag! His bark is far worth than his bite. Will be anybody's for a fuss or a rubber chicken!

Influences:

HIS: Crosby Stills and Nash, Richie Havens, Neil Young, Country Jo McDonald, Greg Brown

HERS: Jacques Brel, Georges Brassens, Maxime Le Forestier, Edith Piaf, Barbara, My Grandmother, Leonard Cohen, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Joan Baez, Eva Cassidy, Janis Ian, Elysa Gylkison, Katie Melua, Spain.

Sounds Like:

An interesting dish of mixed genres, interpreted a very individual, charismatic style; European flavours, from the mellow poetry of the classic French ballads to the spicy rhythms of Spain, with the odd pinch of Jazz to cool things down. It is different, very unique and, we hope, oh so seductive! Our songs tell stories in the old fashion way, capturing your imagination and your heart.