Nicole Ockmond: Bio
The Nicole Ockmond Trio
The Nicole Ockmond trio have been performing together since January 2003. Nicole is the singer songwriter and these two gentlemen are the best musicians a girl could ask for. "I'm so lucky to have them as friends and bandmates. Together we have a sound that is really beautiful".
Brad Hallenbeck fronts his own blues band. He is originally from North Carolina where he performed with his band.
Adam Coolsaet is a jazz trained drummer who also subs in various bands (all types of music) around New Orleans.
"The songs that I write are basically folk/pop but they take on a whole new dimension when these guys get a hold of them. We all have so many different influences and I think everyone brings something unique and vital to the music that we make together".
The Nicole Ockmond trio is curently performing in and around the New Orleans area.
Nicole Ockmond - Vocals/Guitar
What is the one philosophy that drives Nicole? She believes that no matter where you go, you can always enjoy the simple pleasure of a good song. At home, driving in your car, out with friends, or perhaps in some foreign land, your favorite song can greet you like an old friend. After all, music transcends all cultural boundaries, it can blur the lines between race, religion, age, & politics.
In the begining
As a child, Nicole Ockmond listened to the music of her siblings, parents, & grandparents. Exposure to all of these different types of music helped to shape her own eclectic taste in music.
Searching for a way to pay for college, Nicole joined the Army National Guard. She discovered her talent for singing while in boot camp. Her voice helped her to escape the mental and physical demands of the training. The drill sergeant told her she should be singing with a band back in New Orleans.
When she returned home, a friend mentioned that his band was looking for a singer. She auditioned and got the job. While in this band, Nicole decided that music was to be her life's work. After the band broke up she learned how to play guitar, write her own songs, produce & record her music, & Nicole started her own independent record label, Emovere Recordings.
And the Music
Nicole has applied the knowledge she learned as an intern at Ultrasonic Studios. As a quiet observer she learned the ins & outs of the recording process. She set high standards for her music and never compromised. She selected the best musicians (Mike Barras-Drums{Joe Crown Organ Combo , Mulebone, Beatin Path}, Benji/Bass{Mulebone}, John Gros/Keys{Papa Grows Funk, George Porter & the Runnin' Pardners} Lu Rojas/Guitar{Twangorama} & recording engineer (Steve Reynolds/ Ultrasonic Studios, Inc.)to work with. They set the standard that she would have to match. The basic tracks were recorded in 2 days but it would take Nicole & Steve Reynolds almost 2 years to overdub her vocals/guitar & mix/master the project.
All these efforts were made so that Nicole could release her debut recording In My Head.
There are so many artists to choose from, but if you like your music to be from the heart, soul, & mind, Nicole has gone to extraordinary efforts to ensure that In My Head is the best possible recording. The quality begins at first listen. Enjoy .....
Brad Hallenbeck - Guitar
Born in Connecticut raised in North Carolina; Brad has always held an interest in music. His Dad taught him how to play on his first guitar which he bought for himself at the age of 15 out of some guy’s trunk at a Van Halen concert. He got his first taste of playing professionally at the age of 16 playing oldies with a 50’s cover band. Brad latter attended the Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles. After graduating he played in several bands D.B. Cooper & the Hijackers. Delta Haze, and Sugarcoma to name a few.
Brad, while proficient at most musical styles holds a special place in his heart for the blues “I’m not sure why I like the blues so much, tradition, feeling, soul, and probably because we have a lot of top level blues players in this (North Carolina) area, so I guess I just got into the local flavor.”
Brad moved to New Orleans in April of 2005, 4 months before Katrina. After a short evacuation He returned to New Orleans because “Loved it before, still loved it after.” While living in New Orleans he played with Grape ape, Andre Bouvier & the Royal Bohemians, pianist Brett Guillory, the Nicole Ockmond trio, & also did work in the local theatre community.
Brad and his girlfriend recently moved back to North Carolina to raise his two lovely twin daughters. He has taught guitar for 15 years and is currently playing gigs in and around the North Carolina area.
Adam Coolsaet - Drums/Percussion
Adam Coolsaet began playing the drums in his hometown of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Early in his musical pursuits Adam acquired a love for jazz and auditioned to play drums for The Hamilton All-Star Jazz band under the direction of Russ Weil. For six years Adam played drums for the city wide big band organization.
After high school Adam moved to Montreal, Quebec to study jazz performance at McGill University with Prof. Chris McCann.
Since 1997 Adam has been co-leading the jazz ensemble “The Coolsaet Five” with saxophonist and clarinetist David Levy. The Coolsaet Five was heard regularly at the Bean Bar in Hamilton on Friday nights from ‘97 to 2001. The combo has performed in Toronto, Montreal, Detroit and all throughout southern Ontario.
Yargh! In search of treasure “Cutthroat” Coolsaet left Canada for the seven seas. Adam spent 2004 performing on the cruise ship “The vision of the Seas” (Royal Caribbean) cruising between the Mexican Riviera and Alaska. On the ship Adam played drums with various entertainers such as Monty Banks, Sherri Cafaro, The Coasters, The Lettermen, & the Vision of the Seas Orchestra under Larry Taylor.
Currently Adam has left the high seas to live in New Orleans. He has been in the Crescent city since October of 2004 and has no intentions of leaving. Spending his time reading, watching movies, studying music, subbing in various groups around town and of course performing in the Nicole Ockmond trio regularly.
Don Williams - Guitars/Harmonica/Vocals
Don Williams was born and raised in upstate New York. His interest in music began at an early age and his professional career eventually led him to New Orleans. For over 14 years Don has continued to display great musical diversity through his careful study and appreciation for all forms of music. While traveling through Brasil, Don fell in love with the music and culture of the region.
Don brings to all his projects years of solid performance experience and his own unique musical influences. Since 1997 Don has fronted his own band (Ya Ya Sol-a distinctly latin sound layered with brasilian rhythms,bossa nova, & a touch of the caribbean), been a member of The Revealers, performed regularly with Riccardo Crespo & Sol Brasil, the Bourbon Cowboys, Almas Gemelas, Maidenhead, and the Nicole Ockmond trio.
Skilled on several instruments (acoustic guitar, dobro, harmonica, cavaquinho, and voice) his artistry is a vital component to every project he is involved in.