I’ve know Nick all of my life – he’s my brother. I am not biased when it comes to his musical ability. He is seriously good and I’m not the only one who thinks so!
“Parnell wields the mallets with the nonchalance of mastery … virtuosity worthy of the highest praise.” – The West Australian
“Dazzling dexterity … balanced with supreme delicacy.” – The Advertiser.
Nick started his musical career by hitting empty Milo cans. He graduated to a drum kit and funnily enough, he never once drove any of our family, or neighbours, mad with his drumming. I think we all knew he had a talent, even back then.
He’s about to embark on a tour that will cover WA, SA, NSW and Victoria – look for him at a venue near you. Being a country boy, he takes his tours to the rural areas as well as the city.
Here, Nick answers some questions about being a professional muso, but before that, here’s just a bit about his tour:
Award-winning percussionist Nick Parnell is one man with 50 instruments in a high-energy performance of festive Brazilian rhythms, ethnic drums, soaring Bach and Gershwin melodies. Following a sell-out 2010 Fringe Festival season, Parnell is joined on stage by visiting US pianist Graeme Burgan for a national tour of Bach to Brazil. Opening on 10 September until 10 October, this latest tour traverses Western Australia, SA, VIC and NSW, seeing him visit both regional and metro venues.
Audience members will be entranced by tuned wine glasses, bamboo chimes, ethnic drums, woodblocks, piano and vibraphone, as they all get a serious work out. The highlight of the evening is Parnell’s interpretation of Brazilian composer and percussionist Rosauro’s 27-minute masterpiece Brazilian Rhapsody.
Parnell’s innovation and precision playing heralds him as one of a new generation of Australian musicians stepping into a glittering career as a master of percussion.
Nick Parnell
Tell us a little about yourself
Well, I’m a concert percussionst. So I hit things for living!
I grew up in country SA in Orroroo and went to boarding school in Adelaide, where I now live. But I’ve enjoyed living for short periods of time in London and Denmark. These times were all music related and gave me a real sense and direction with my percussion. I have a wife and a dog! I’m passionate about striving for excellence with my music and giving audinces all over Australia a real experience when they see one of my shows.
When did you know (and why) that you were going to make music your life?
It was about year 8 at school. I knew I loved playing music, but then I didn’t know exactly what avenue of music I would persue. I orrignally wanted to be a rock drummer, then jazz drummer but ended been a percussionist that plays a lot of classical and world music.
What instruments do you play?
I play most percussion instruments. Most of my music is actually “melodic” in nature and played on the vibraphone or marimba (which look like a xylophone but sound like a piano). But I also play all sorts of drums, gongs, cymbals, bongos etc. Some of the more unusual instruments include tuned wine glasses and bird whistles. In this coming tour (Bach to Brazil), I’m actually playing over 50 different percussion instruments!
What study have you done to get where you are?
I’ve just completed my PhD in percussion performance. So I’ve done a lot of study. But music is really a life time of study. You are always learning and refining your art. Theres no way I could learn everything about percussion in my life time.
What does a normal day for you entail?
Everyday seems to be different. Somedays I’m performing, or travelling to a performance, or taking a school workshop or in the recording studio. But most I make sure I get a few hours of practice done.
If you could chose one musician to play with, who would be it be and why?
There are so many musicians out there who are great, that I cant answer that. But my musical hero is rock guitarist “Slash”, there is just something about the way he plays that gets me…. I can’t explain it.
Who is your inspiration?
In terms of percussionists – Gary Burton (American Jazz Vibes player), Safri Duo (amazing multiple percussinist from Denmark). But I get inspired by listeneing to all sorts of music (classical , jazz, world, pop) and musicians. Right now I’m listening to Santana album that someone leant me – and its making me want to go a hit some drums!
What is your ultimate goal/challenge?
To have a complete mastery of my instruments. I’m not sure if “complete” mastery is possible, but its what I strive for.
NICK PARNELL: BACH TO BRAZIL – TOUR DETAILS
Friday 10 September Jerdacuttup , WA – Community Hall
Sunday 12 September albany , WA – Town Hall Theatre
Wednesday 15 September Bunbury , WA – Entertainment Centre
Friday 17 September dalwalliNu , WA – Town Hall
Saturday 18 September WYALKATCHEM , WA – Town Hal
Wednesday 22 September thornlie , wa – Don Russell PAC
Thursday 23 September esperance , WA – Esperance Civic Centre
Sunday 26 September MURRAY BRIDGE, SA – Christ Church Lutheran
Tuesday 28 September MELBOURNE, VIC – Melbourne Recital Centre
Wednesday 29 September WAGGA WAGGA, NSW – Riverina Conservatorium
Thursday 30 September Sydney , nsw – NSW Art Gallery
Friday 1 October ORANGE, NSW – Orange Conservatorium
Saturday 2 October Yass , NSW – Memorial Hall
Wednesday 6 October NOWRA, NSW – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
Friday 8 October muswellbrook, NSW – Upper Hunter Con. (School Hall)
Sunday 10 October Byron Bay, NSW – Community Centre
What a lovely insight into another artist’s world, Fleur! Talented family 🙂
Shame Nick’s not making it north of the border in to Queensland…
Long time viewer / first time poster. Really enjoying reading the blog, keep up the good work. Will most definitely start posting more oftenin the near future.