“If there is a MVP in Nashville for the past handful of decades, it has to be Gary Nicholson.The man’s new album, aptly called COMMON SENSE, is so strong and compelling that it feels like an all-time accomplishment, even with the knowledge that the next release could best even this latest one. That’s because this is a musician who really does live in the now. Nicholson has a way of addressing what is standing before him at this time, and can zero in on musical styles, philosophical hierarchies and and even current events in a way that very few other songwriters can. In fact, on this new release it feels like everything that is going on in America right now flashes before our craniums in ways that spreads warmth and hope in ways that few other musicians can equal today. And the music that wraps itself around the songs themselves creates a feeling that no matter what, there will be ways to expand how the final result of COMMON SENSE will provide an elevation to how humans can expand their consciousness no matter what side of the striped line they stand on. That’s because songs like “What a Little Love Can Do,” “Make Good Trouble,” “All That Makes Me Happy is the Blues and “Woody’s Dream” feed the soul with understanding. Which is not an easy thing to do in today’s unlimited confusion that seems to have grabbed the wheel. Giving an open heart to what Gary Nicholson has accomplished here seems like the smartest thing an audience can do right now to find the bridge over the raging river rushing through America. Music is the mightiest healer, and the proof is on these dozen tracks. In fact, COMMON SENSE’s final selection, “There’s No Them,” is a clear musical offering of belief. To take the song into the deepest levels of the soul is to hopefully discover what is possible in the hands of a healer. Nicholson’s best yet.”

– Bill Bentley / Bentley’s Bandstand 

 

“A fine new album! (Nicholson) is an ace guitarist and a comfy singer, and both skills are flying high on this sprightly country rocker. Charming as can be!”       

– Robert K. Oermann / Music Row DISClaimer 

 

“Common Sense is an excellent collection of original songs that reflect the complex times we are living in while maintaining a positive attitude.  A solid album that bears repeated listening.”

– Roy Montana / Nashville Musician

 

“Nicholson proceeds to approach our time as he has approached other topics in his career: with humor, sardonic and otherwise; directly and with unflinching honesty; with abundant and deeply felt humanity; and with urgency for the moment.  At its beating heart, Nicholson’s new album comes down on the side of optimism for the future, suggesting faith in common sense and common decency prevailing in the long run.”

–David McGee / DeepRoots

 

“Gary Nicholson is one of the finest, most searching songwriters of the day. His songs are filled with colourful commentary and a songwriter’s pointed world view. While the songs have a familiar straight forwardness, he isn’t afraid to play with sounds. This is another impeccable effort from a guy who never mailed it in, and whose session band of musical friends thrive and excel, despite the revolving door of talent that is featured on this wide and varied range of musical instrumentation.”

– Alan Cackett, noted British critic

 

“Gary Nicholson could be credited with making the most meaningful album of his entire career. Common sense seems in short supply these days, but thankfully this particular Common Sense provides us with a powerful perspective.”     

– Lee Zimmerman / The Alternate Root

 

“Common Sense is a simply fabulous release! Hugely recommended!”     

– Rhys Williams / BluesBlast

 

“As you can probably intuit, the album can justifiably be interpreted as a commentary on life under the incoming Vic Hitler Jr. administration. But even forgetting that, it's a splendid piece of acoustic-ish Americana songwriting, and it also just sounds great, thanks to the instrumental contributions of such worthies as guitarists Rick Vito and Anson Funderburgh. I should add that it has now become an entry in my surprisingly short list of Albums of the Year.  Seriously -- it's that good.”

– Steve Simels / PowerPop

 

“In this recording, (Nicholson) focuses on politics and the divisions in our country through his sparkling country-rock songs.  Nicholson uses hope, humor and perspective wisely.  The set is filled with sensible songs but they’re filled with entertaining creations and on some it’s soulful, down-to-earth and funky - as if he recorded it in a Muscle Shoals environment.”

– John Apice / Americana Highways

 

“Like a fine dram, this album will warm soul as winter begins to draw near!” 

– Graeme Scott / Blues Matters

 

“With the release of Common Sense, a twelve-song collection about the current polarity in politics, Nicholson speaks of the divisions with hope and laughter.  We can all use some of that.  Thanks Gary Nicholson.”

    – Richard Ludmerer / Making A Scene!

 

“This is one of those rare albums that hits all the sweet spots, Blues and Americana blending beautifully.  A wordsmith of the highest order, Nicholson brings it all into perspective, puts his own spin on it and somehow makes the world we live in just a bit more bearable. This is one of those albums you can listen to repeatedly and hear something new every time.”        

– Bill Wilson / Reflections in Blue

 

“(Nicholson’s) solo albums never disappoint. With his lastest recording, Common Sense, which, as the title shows, wants to point out the political polarity and the division that this country is now suffering, he displays in a humorous and hopeful way, making a call for common sense.”

– LHDB