What they are saying about Nigel Parry;

 

"Nigel Parry with his elegant, fluid style is a name to watch out for....

...a whole spectrum of emotion with Nigel particularly excelling in his ability to present each song as a story, his mellow vocal tone ideal for performing everything from shanties and ballads to childhood rhymes.

"The hurdy gurdy in Roll on the Day lifts the whole track with its quirky sound and unique harmonies. Indeed the ocarina in She Moved Through the Fair ... is certainly the perfect choice for a song ghostly and haunting by nature.

"Nigel seeks to reignite well-loved songs as well as demonstrate his own creative flare, showcasing such compositions as Ship of Dreams and In the Dawn. 

 - Rebekah Foard, Bright Young Folk

 

"Parryphonalia were as good as their word – they promised tight vocal harmonies and a collection of new and old instruments to traditional and modern folk songs. They did what it said on the packet and more, lovely simple arrangements that brought out the best in the songs and had us singing along with enthusiasm. And what a joy to be able to hear every word and every harmony."

- Janette Munneke, AR Monthly

 

Hailing from New Zealand, Nigel Parry is a folk songer-songwriter who writes thoughtful tunes based around acoustic finger picking and some lovely harmonies. His 9 track album ‘Row Out to the Ship of Dreams’ is a real mellow treat, and well worth your time.

- Songwirter Spotlight

 

“Nigel Parry’s closing set was a delight – a nicely balanced selection of songs, beautifully sung and played and enhanced by some very accomplished accompanists: Julian Ward on guitar , Philippa Boy on ocarina and hurdy gurdy, and Niels Gedge and Sue Rose on backing vocals. James Taylor’s ‘Millworker’ got an airing, and Alan Taylor’s ‘Roll On the Day’, but the highlights for me were Nigel’s own songs. ‘Ship of Dreams’, with Julian’s harp-like guitar backing had its first public performance and ‘The Road is Long’ was given the full, rich a cappella treatment. I can see that one becoming an old friend..”

- Acoustic Routes

 

“...an established player around Wellington, bringing his strong, mellow voice and sympathetic guitar sounds to songs old and new, traditional and his own compositions.”

- Balladeer

 

“A prominent singer/guitarist with a big strong rousing voice that lends itself equally well to heartache ballads, rock & roll and sea shanties.”

- Mainly Acoustic

 

“Playing ukelele and guitar, Nigel skillfully entertained and engaged the audience. I know it was skillful because I found myself being musically urged to “Shut up and bugger off.” And liking it. Additional musical highlights for me came from an eclectic set list: “Fields of Athenry” – long been one of my favourites; the classic “Summertime” by George Gershwin – highlighting the singer’s musical versatility; Bill Monroe’s “I Wonder Where You Are Tonight”; “Sloop John B” and “Brown-eyed Girl” topped it off. Irish modern folk to American jazz/blues to bluegrass to New England folk and back to modern Irish pop. Well done, Nigel – I enjoyed the musical journey.”

- Peter Dyer, The Balladeer