On the last Sunday in February I found myself at Dodsworth Bar in Old Pasadena listening to Nocy, a flamenco guitarist and vocalist of French Lebanese descent.
The second set started with an improvised solo, breaking into "Flames Of Spain," an original composition by the guitarist. Nocy led bassist
James Cleaver and drummer Les Falconer through a variety of original tunes. An original entitled "String Fellows" was my favorite of the set.
This song featured Nocy's virtuosity as he played a barrage of the improvised notes, while still strumming the guitar. Afterwards the trio
traded fours to showcase all talents within the group. Everyone present enjoyed this intimate show, including the people outside on the sidewalk
who stopped in their tracks to listen in from a large window at the bar.
Nocy is getting national radio play on KCSB and KPFK and on California Jazz Now Radio Magazine, as well as international television coverage
on NBC's Today Show Weekend Edition, Ritmo Latino, Korea TV's Johnny Yune Show, and Arab American television. This musician should be a serious
contender for industry attention.
Bradford J. Stein, California Jazz Now