Using electronics, Victor Nicholls has developed a unique approach to the fretless bass and electric guitar, creating abstract soundscapes that are often beautiful and violent. An experienced improviser, he has challenged preconceptions about the instrument, expanding the musical colours used in ensembles in free improvisation and traditional music settings.
Victor has over forty years experience working with an eclectic range of musicians including theatre orchestras, military and brass bands, and post-punk groups. He was a member of Anglo-French group, Scarp, whose fiery, rhythmic and contemporary take on traditional music earned the World Music Album of the Year in France and one of the Bands of the Decade for Radio 3’s “Mixing It”. He was a part of the Pandaemonium and Mandragora bands, led by Tim Hill (Tongues of Fire) playing Albert Ayler/Ornette Coleman-influenced noise.
Victor has over forty years experience working with an eclectic range of musicians including theatre orchestras, military and brass bands, and post-punk groups. He was a member of Anglo-French group, Scarp, whose fiery, rhythmic and contemporary take on traditional music earned the World Music Album of the Year in France and one of the Bands of the Decade for Radio 3’s “Mixing It”. He was a part of the Pandaemonium and Mandragora bands, led by Tim Hill (Tongues of Fire) playing Albert Ayler/Ornette Coleman-influenced noise.
Victor is one half of duos Big Hair with Harry Dawes of Tongues of Fire and Pram (trombone and theremin), The Difference Engine with Jo Freya (voice) and a new project with composer Martin Pyne (percussion, vibraphone). Currently he is a member of Paul James and the Drowned Lovers, Evening Star with bouzouki player Carlos Beceiro (La Musgaña), accordionist Luke Daniels, and hurdy hurdy star, Patrick Bouffard (La Chavanee, Giles Chabanat), Gigi Biolcati (Ricardo Tesi, Banditalia). and Paul James (Blowzabella)
Most recently, Victor’ has joined the Playford Liberation Front and his tuba playing has anchored a 90-strong community wind band.
He also plays the lapsteel…
He also plays the lapsteel…