FAN REVIEWS
"I've never seen a crowd go so crazy in a show room lounge in Las Vegas like when I heard Nocy play. I asked the show room manager if it's like that every night during Nocy's performance. The host responded that it is like this every night. My reaction was - what's going to happen when Nocy starts touring?"
Ted Cohen, former manager
of David Benoit
"Dear Nocy, it was nearly 4 years ago, I experienced a 'musical movement of clarity.' I was in the luxurious Fontana Lounge at Bellagio and was privileged to witness a true musical genius. I sat with bated breath as a performance unlike any I had or have ever seen or heard unfolded before me. The artists soul searching guitar sent crystalline notes into the universe and into my soul, the music was matched only by his aura of quality and humility."
Ken and Lucille Jones
"You are an amazing guitarist. I want to thank you for your commitment to the guitar. Your commitment really shows up in your music. I have heard guitar players, but you, Mr. Nocy, are truly incredible. I sometimes can't believe what I am hearing. The sounds are amazing. Thank you, Nocy." Alvaro
"Dear Nocy, In our first guitar lesson, you shared with me that the guitar can impact people, that one can draw people in with rhythm and with passion. Nocy, just like the guitar, you have had a profound impact on me. You have drawn me in to the world of music and of our friendship, and what I see and feel when I play can only be described as beautiful. I want to thank you for sharing your love for the guitar with me. You are an amazing person, and each lesson you energize me with positive energy and encouragement. I will always be there watching, learning, and emulating you."
Your student and friend, Sean
"You are a Genius, Nocy... your music moves me in ways that are difficult to articulate. I am privileged to have witnessed your God-given gift, as it unfolded before a captive audience in the Fontana Lounge in Bellagio. The beauty of your music resonates in the essence of me and all men who are moved beyond themselves through your music.
Of all the music in the world that could be used on my artistic website, your music, Nocy, is the music that inspires and represents the essence of my art. Thank you Nocy, from all that I am, your music reaches the inner self and the world is finer because of you."
With admiration and respect,
Ken Jones
"Hi Nocy, I spent most of the day and evening in the car yesterday and let "Sensual Nights" play three or four times while I drove. You really do amazing work. I especially like "Flamenco", "Love Birds" and "Don't Mess Me Up," but the whole collection is so strong that I couldn't possibly pick a favorite. And to realize that they are all your own compositions just blows me away. I wish my father was still around for me to share your music with. He was a painter and taught me how to see and appreciate the world as an artist, and he truly loved guitar, both flamenco and classical. Dad would have loved what you do.
I've photographed between 450 and 500 events and have never seen a crowd respond the way they do to your music. The passion and energy that you pour into your performance is truly a pleasure to experience."
Vernon T. Williams
"Hi Nocy, I admire your creative spirit, your positive attitude and your freedom to express. I also admire your passion, kindness, gentleness and you as a person and artist. I feel extremely lucky to know you."
A fan, Jing from UCLA
Ted Cohen, former manager
of David Benoit
"Dear Nocy, it was nearly 4 years ago, I experienced a 'musical movement of clarity.' I was in the luxurious Fontana Lounge at Bellagio and was privileged to witness a true musical genius. I sat with bated breath as a performance unlike any I had or have ever seen or heard unfolded before me. The artists soul searching guitar sent crystalline notes into the universe and into my soul, the music was matched only by his aura of quality and humility."
Ken and Lucille Jones
"You are an amazing guitarist. I want to thank you for your commitment to the guitar. Your commitment really shows up in your music. I have heard guitar players, but you, Mr. Nocy, are truly incredible. I sometimes can't believe what I am hearing. The sounds are amazing. Thank you, Nocy." Alvaro
"Dear Nocy, In our first guitar lesson, you shared with me that the guitar can impact people, that one can draw people in with rhythm and with passion. Nocy, just like the guitar, you have had a profound impact on me. You have drawn me in to the world of music and of our friendship, and what I see and feel when I play can only be described as beautiful. I want to thank you for sharing your love for the guitar with me. You are an amazing person, and each lesson you energize me with positive energy and encouragement. I will always be there watching, learning, and emulating you."
Your student and friend, Sean
"You are a Genius, Nocy... your music moves me in ways that are difficult to articulate. I am privileged to have witnessed your God-given gift, as it unfolded before a captive audience in the Fontana Lounge in Bellagio. The beauty of your music resonates in the essence of me and all men who are moved beyond themselves through your music.
Of all the music in the world that could be used on my artistic website, your music, Nocy, is the music that inspires and represents the essence of my art. Thank you Nocy, from all that I am, your music reaches the inner self and the world is finer because of you."
With admiration and respect,
Ken Jones
"Hi Nocy, I spent most of the day and evening in the car yesterday and let "Sensual Nights" play three or four times while I drove. You really do amazing work. I especially like "Flamenco", "Love Birds" and "Don't Mess Me Up," but the whole collection is so strong that I couldn't possibly pick a favorite. And to realize that they are all your own compositions just blows me away. I wish my father was still around for me to share your music with. He was a painter and taught me how to see and appreciate the world as an artist, and he truly loved guitar, both flamenco and classical. Dad would have loved what you do.
I've photographed between 450 and 500 events and have never seen a crowd respond the way they do to your music. The passion and energy that you pour into your performance is truly a pleasure to experience."
Vernon T. Williams
"Hi Nocy, I admire your creative spirit, your positive attitude and your freedom to express. I also admire your passion, kindness, gentleness and you as a person and artist. I feel extremely lucky to know you."
A fan, Jing from UCLA
Read more:
Sorays Navroz
Jacquie
Steve
Nathan
George
Richard
John, Isabelle
Maria
Eduard
From Bonn, Germany
Kerstin Hansen
Rod Stewarts stage/lightn. mgr.
David Gilmour, Pink Floyd
Ernie
Sorays Navroz
Jacquie
Steve
Nathan
George
Richard
John, Isabelle
Maria
Eduard
From Bonn, Germany
Kerstin Hansen
Rod Stewarts stage/lightn. mgr.
David Gilmour, Pink Floyd
Ernie
PRESS REVIEWS
"Picasso Restaurant at the Bellagio Resort and Casino is a world class establishment that has enjoyed having Nocy and his talented band members perform each New Year's Eve for the past 10 consecutive years. His music is amazing and our guests at Picasso love and look forward to his being a part of our festivities each year. In fact, many of our returning clients book their New Year's Eve reservations only if Nocy is going to be performing that evening. Not only has Nocy sustained an excellent business association with Picasso Restaurant, he as well has garnered our friendship and respect. "See you next year, Nocy!'"
Ryland Worrell,
Manager, Jan. 2008
" Hailed as an "Orchestra On Six Strings" by the Pasadena Weekly, Nocy displays his masterful guitar-playing in the Lagoon Saloon at the Mirage this week. Nocy's music is a rich blend of classical and contemporary guitar styles, influenced by a number of different cultures. Born in Lebanon and schooled in France, he absorbed a wide range of musical traditions from Gypsy guitar to Spanish fandangos..."
Pasadena Weekly, Aug.98
"...Performing with a small ensemble of bass, guitar, and percussion, Nocy plays all the lead-and rhythm-guitar segments - it's hard to tell if there is any overdubbing. The Gypsy raveups, Spanish fandangos, quiet romantic instrumentals, and ensemble rhythm juggernauts are all quite wonderful; this music has a life force coursing through it." Kirk Silsbee, LA Reader
"All of us involved with the Santa Barbara International Jazz Festival want to thank you for the extraordinary (explosive!) appear-ance you made as a headliner at our Labor Day Festival. There are few acts that can turn an event into a dancing, raging love fest and maintain the high energy level for a full set and encores. We have great respect for your talents and your excellent band.
We'll look forward to a reunion at our future festivals."
Jack D. Butefish,
Festival Director
"I just wanted to send you a quick personal note to thank you and your band for being on the show. Once again, you were fantastic! Our phones were off the hook! And our numbers that day were huge! I was very pleased with both the music and the interview. All went well, thanks to your professionalism and performing skills. Again, thank you for being on "Today in LA, Weekend," and good luck to you in the near future. If the reaction from our viewers is any indication, I bet you're going to be doing a lot of television in the future."
Sincerely, J. Cyrus Smith
Producer
Today In LA, Weekend
"To the Editor: Anyone who was at the delightful Marina Food and Wine Festival Saturday night heard Nocy Karkour, a guitarist and songwriter whose playing was outstanding. I understand he tours in the U.S. and I urge folks to run - not walk - to hear him."
Jack Keady to The Argonaut
Marina Del Rey, Aug. 97
"Guitarist Nocy Karkour, who performs simply under the name Nocy at the Fontana Lounge inside Bellagio, said he doesn't mind the weekly commute he makes between Las Vegas and his home in Los Angeles. "I've been touring all my life," he told Showbiz. "At the same time, it gives the opportunity for people in other places to get to know me." Nocy, whose guitar work is a unique and indescribable blend of styles, began playing at the Mirage before he moved to Bellageio recently. His playing is truly an unusual mix, including touches of blues, folk, classical, flamenco, salsa and jazz, among other styles. His style is a question Nocy said he gets asked about a lot because people can't quite figure out how to classify him. And Las Vegas provides him with the perfect place to play for international audiences in each setting...."
Todd Peterson
Showbiz Weekly, Sept., Nov., 99
Ryland Worrell,
Manager, Jan. 2008
" Hailed as an "Orchestra On Six Strings" by the Pasadena Weekly, Nocy displays his masterful guitar-playing in the Lagoon Saloon at the Mirage this week. Nocy's music is a rich blend of classical and contemporary guitar styles, influenced by a number of different cultures. Born in Lebanon and schooled in France, he absorbed a wide range of musical traditions from Gypsy guitar to Spanish fandangos..."
Pasadena Weekly, Aug.98
"...Performing with a small ensemble of bass, guitar, and percussion, Nocy plays all the lead-and rhythm-guitar segments - it's hard to tell if there is any overdubbing. The Gypsy raveups, Spanish fandangos, quiet romantic instrumentals, and ensemble rhythm juggernauts are all quite wonderful; this music has a life force coursing through it." Kirk Silsbee, LA Reader
"All of us involved with the Santa Barbara International Jazz Festival want to thank you for the extraordinary (explosive!) appear-ance you made as a headliner at our Labor Day Festival. There are few acts that can turn an event into a dancing, raging love fest and maintain the high energy level for a full set and encores. We have great respect for your talents and your excellent band.
We'll look forward to a reunion at our future festivals."
Jack D. Butefish,
Festival Director
"I just wanted to send you a quick personal note to thank you and your band for being on the show. Once again, you were fantastic! Our phones were off the hook! And our numbers that day were huge! I was very pleased with both the music and the interview. All went well, thanks to your professionalism and performing skills. Again, thank you for being on "Today in LA, Weekend," and good luck to you in the near future. If the reaction from our viewers is any indication, I bet you're going to be doing a lot of television in the future."
Sincerely, J. Cyrus Smith
Producer
Today In LA, Weekend
"To the Editor: Anyone who was at the delightful Marina Food and Wine Festival Saturday night heard Nocy Karkour, a guitarist and songwriter whose playing was outstanding. I understand he tours in the U.S. and I urge folks to run - not walk - to hear him."
Jack Keady to The Argonaut
Marina Del Rey, Aug. 97
"Guitarist Nocy Karkour, who performs simply under the name Nocy at the Fontana Lounge inside Bellagio, said he doesn't mind the weekly commute he makes between Las Vegas and his home in Los Angeles. "I've been touring all my life," he told Showbiz. "At the same time, it gives the opportunity for people in other places to get to know me." Nocy, whose guitar work is a unique and indescribable blend of styles, began playing at the Mirage before he moved to Bellageio recently. His playing is truly an unusual mix, including touches of blues, folk, classical, flamenco, salsa and jazz, among other styles. His style is a question Nocy said he gets asked about a lot because people can't quite figure out how to classify him. And Las Vegas provides him with the perfect place to play for international audiences in each setting...."
Todd Peterson
Showbiz Weekly, Sept., Nov., 99
Read more:
Showbiz Weekly-1
Showbiz Weekly-2
Showbiz Weekly-3
Los Angeles Reader
Pasadena Weekly
California Jazz Now
Today in LA, Weekend
Alternate Music Press
The Argonaut
The Los Angeles Garlic Festival
The Santa Barbara International Jazz Festival
D.C. Entertainment