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NoMad Dreams

Nomads. Strangers from different corners of the earth who’ve come together in Boston. They carry with them a large suitcase filled with quiet Russian lullabies heard in distant childhood, Middle Eastern tunes and African rhythms, French torch ballads and the Spanish penchant for the dramatic. Their songs reveal by turns a sense of humor, glimpses of pain and darkness, and a kaleidoscope of different music styles they’ve picked up on the way.

Singer Vlada Brofman and pianist Georges Nile started performing and writing songs together nearly 5 years ago. Along the way, they were joined by drummer Wing La. NoMad Dreams played for a large crowd on the Times Square (Best of France festival) and for a sick woman in her living room, for passers-by on the streets of Boston and New York, in churches and synagogues, restaurants and parks, at weddings and birthdays. They carry with them a festive mood, a smile, a few masks, a pipe, a pack of cards… And their instruments.

About the Album

Last year, after a very successful kickstarter campaign, NoMad Dreams recorded their debut album. Fittingly, their music draws on many traditions and genres – jazzy chords, French melodies and world rhythms. With thoughtful lyrics and breathy, lush vocals, they create a sound both refreshingly new and soothingly retro.

Though relative newcomers on the scene, on their first self-titled album, they worked with a superb team of producers/engineers and musicians. The record was brought to life with the help of All-Star Producers Sean McLaughlin (New England Music Awards Producer of the Year 2013) and Benny Grotto (Aerosmith, Amanda Palmer, “Weird Al” Yankovic). Their creativity and steady hand helped NoMad Dreams achieve their vision. Mastering was done by perfectionist Jeff Lipton (Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, Josh Ritter).

Equally lucky in their choice of musicians, NoMad Dreams collaborated with incredible saxe and flute player Dave Birkin who has shared the stage with many masters such as Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Frank Zappa, and Cecil Taylor.

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Nomad Dreams mixes regular cabaret and jazz pop, but they do it so deliciously that I cut them slack for lacking originality. This album is scrumptious! Their Russian singer Vlada has a voice of verve and sass, and even though I was listening while doing other work, lyric upon lyric kept jumping out at me. Unlike most jazzy acts, the lyrics are not poetic and instead punch you in the face with sly wit. Example: “I’m un-employyyyed / don’t-know-where-i’ll-sleep-tomorrow” and “don’t-ask-me-for-how-long… I lost count / when my insurance ran out”! This album is fun from start to finish

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