Jazz News by: Susan Frances
With the sultry eyes of Elvis Presley and the pouty lips of British actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, singer-songwriter Nicola Congiu has the sculpted features of a star. He was born in Sardinia and resides in Cagliari, Italy today with his family. Widely known as “Niko” in his native land, Congiu is a three-octave range vocal powerhouse and can sing in both English and Italian. His latest release Per Te (2007) is self-produced and displays his talents as a composer, lyricist, guitarist, and piano player. He is the Michael Buble of Italy, venturing into songs that have fringes of modern pop, soul jazz, soft rock, and contemporary classic paradigms.
With song titles like “Amore Mio” and “A Love So Beautiful,“ Congiu assuredly awakens people’s romantic fancy. His voice has a paramour’s touch liken to Tom Jones with arches that resound like Josh Groban and the honeyed-toned elegance of Rosie Carlino. His vocals curls have the finesse of Alejandro Sanz on the silky aureoles of “Schiavi,” and a matador's control on “La Voce Del Silenzio“ that recalls of Luis Miguel. Congiu’s rendition of The Hollies classic tune “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” is so spot on to the rhythm & blues voicing of Elvis Presley that it causes you to pause and make a double take of that voice.
Nicola Congiu developed a large fan base in Italy by participating in nationally televised singing competitions such as “Sanremo” and “Castrocaro.” He made his North American debut on October 27, 2007 with the 100-piece Chicago Pops Orchestra, opening for adult contemporary songstress Jewel in a sold-out show at Chicago’s Rosemont Theatre. He has additionally made private appearances at Ivana Trump’s Engagement Party in New York City and the Leo Burnett Agency in Chicago, and he played two showcases in Beverly Hills, California where his appearances caught the attention of Gibson USA, who signed him to an endorsement deal.
On February 14, 2008, Congiu opened for Celion Dion on the eve of her 2008 “Taking Chances” World Tour at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg, South Africa. On April 28, 2008, he played Carnegie Hall for the first time at an event honoring the New York Yankees. He is scheduled to open for The Doobie Brothers and Chicago in the Summer 2008. Tickets are on sale now at www.nicolacongiu.com/en/tour
Tour Schedule:
6.3.08 Dodge Theatre Phoenix, AZ
6.5.08 Gibson Amphitheatre Universal City, CA
6.6.08 Gibson Amphitheatre Universal City, CA
6.7.08 Sleep Train Pavilion Concord, CA
6.10.08 Sandia Casino Amphitheater Albuquerque, NM
6.11.08 Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre Englewood, CO
6.12.08 Starlight Theatre Kansas City, MO
6.14.08 Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Woodlands, TX
6.15.08 Superpages.com Centre Dallas, TX
6.17.08 Riverbend Music Center Cincinnati, OH
6.18.08 Hersheypark Stadium Hershey, PA
6.20.08 Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island Chicago, IL
6.21.08 DTE Energy Music Theatre Clarkston, MI
6.22.08 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre St. Louis Maryland Heights, MO
6.24.08 Chastain Park Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA
6.26.08 Susquehanna Bank Center Camden, NJ
6.27.08 Nikon at Jones Beach Theater Wantagh, NY
6.28.08 Borgata Event Center Atlantic City, NJ
6.29.08 Bethel Woods Center For The Arts Bethel, NY
7.1.08 Bank Of America Pavilion Boston, MA
7.2.08 PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel, NJ
7.3.08 Saratoga Performing Arts Center Saratoga Springs, NY
7.4.08 Mohegan Sun Arena Uncasville, CT
7.6.08 Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion Gilford, NH
7.8.08 Plain Dealer Pavilion Cleveland, OH
7.9.08 Filene Center At Wolf Trap Vienna, VA
7.12.08 Dover Downs Hotel & Casino Dover, DE
www.nicolacongiu.com
www.myspace.com/nicolacongiu
For more information: www.nicolacongiu.com
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