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Michael Nickolas

Originally from Southington Connecticut, I moved to Boston in 1980 to attend the Berklee College of Music. After graduating Cum Laude in 1984, I was a founding member, guitarist, and leader of what would turn out to be one of Boston's most successful local acts, 'High Function'. With High Function, I played extensively at clubs and colleges throughout the New England area. Other performance experience's included a tour of Switzerland, appearances in New York City, recording an eight song album in Chicago, and performing in a marketing film produced by the Bose Corporation.

After leaving High Function, I went on to co-found and play guitar for the Boston Music Award winning R&B band 'Universal Language'. Another very popular local group, nominated for awards each year of their existence, Universal Language credits include performances in the Boston Garden, Fleet Center, and at The House of Blues in Cambridge. I was also the Co-Executive Producer of their CD entitled 'One People'; a release well received on the local music scene, including a positive review in the Boston Globe.

In addition to playing with the bands, I was teaching myself the art of recording, and during 1997 I built a recording studio in my home. I have also worked outside the house as a freelance recording engineer, and have been published numerous times in the international periodical 'Recording Magazine'. The home studio, named 'Studio Nine Productions', is where my solo guitar release 'Ever Faithful' and my guitar/vocal duo CD 'We Got By' were recorded. Clients come to Studio Nine to work on everything from voice over narration sessions to digital audio editing and CD creation. My knowledge of recording was also put to use through part-time work with a major music software company, which included telephone consulting with Jon Anderson of 'YES'.

As a composer, I have licensed original music for NBC, ABC and CBS television's daytime programming. In prime time, I has licensed music for use on the Showtime cable network. Other composition clients include Macmillan Educational Publishing the Mexico and UK branches.

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Album Review

Michael Nickolas & Ray Greene: We Got By

Read "We Got By" reviewed by Jim Santella


Spirituals and soulful ballads comprise this first duo album from guitarist Michael Nickolas and singer Ray Greene. From Boston, the pair has worked together on other ventures: 17 years. Their empathy shows up in the seamless manner they employ to interpret each smooth song. Theirs is a mature product. Greene sings these comfortable melodies with a sensitive touch and heartfelt accuracy. Nickolas accompanies on both acoustic guitar and a blues-filled, amplified model with down-home charm. Together, they've put together a ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

We Got By

Studio Nine
2002

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We Got By

Unknown label
2001

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We Got By

Studio Nine Productions
0

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When I Fall In Love

From: We Got By
By Michael Nickolas

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