Soul-jazz band Nooky Jones plays Sunset Concert Series
EGG HARBOR - Nooky Jones brings its unique blend of soul and jazz with undertones of hip-hop to the Peg Egan Performing Arts Center for Sunday night's installment in the Sunset Concert Series.
The Minneapolis-based band was described by National Public Radio as "equal parts Stevie Wonder, D'Angelo and Prince." The horn-driven sextet released its self-titled debut album last summer.
Frontman Cameron Kinghorn started piano lessons at age 4, but it was in the church (he was raised a Mormon) where he began learning about harmony. By the time he hit elementary school, Kinghorn was reading sheet music in choir and learning all of the harmonizing parts to each song. Additionally, his mother was an important influence, teaching him that music is about more than notes on the page and always emphasizing the importance of passion in performance.
After high school, rather than enter the Mormon mission, Kinghorn attended the University of Minnesota where his eyes were opened to a different world and he discovered a deeper, personal passion for music, regularly sneaking into rehearsal rooms after hours and playing piano until 2 a.m.
In early 2014, a year after Kinghorn graduated from Minnesota, he was tapped by drummer Reid Kennedy and trumpet player Adam Meckler to front their soon-to-be-founded band. At the time, Kinghorn was mostly working as a trumpet player and singing in cover bands around town. Kinghorn and Kennedy quickly forged a special musical partnership, writing song after song together.
Joining Kennedy, Meckler and Kinghorn in the band are bassist Andrew Foreman, keyboardist Kevin Gastonguay and trombonist Ryan Christianson.
Nooky Jones is in concert at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Peg Egan PAC, located in Eames Cherry View Park on Church Street, one block east of Wisconsin 42, Egg Harbor. The outdoor amphitheater offers sweeping landscapes and sunsets over the harbor, with room for 2,500 concertgoers. There are no seats, so concertgoers should bring blankets or lawn chairs. Carry-ins are allowed. Admission is free. In case of rain, shows move to Calvary Methodist Church, 4650 Country E, Egg Harbor.
For more information, call 920-493-5979 or visit www.eggharbordoorcounty.org.