Pianist Nico Rhodes was always surrounded by music as a child.
As the son of Canadian singer-songwriter-actor Joëlle Rabu, Rhodes was exposed to music at a very young age. He grew up on the road, along for the
tours with his mother.
“Music for me was kind of a natural experience. It was in my environment,” said Rhodes. “I started composing music … just by osmosis, being around her playing and singing all the
time.”
Rhodes started to play music when he was five and by 10 he knew he wanted to pursue it as a career. He writes and performs songs with the Nico Rhodes Trio, works with theatre companies throughout the province arranging music and has also worked with the Vancouver Island
Symphony creating music arrangements.
Rhodes said it’s tough making a living as a musician, which is why also works with theatre companies in Canada. Theatrical experience has influenced his own musical
compositions with the addition of storytelling aspects in his songs.
Rhodes performs with Sean Drabitt, bass, and James McRae, drums. Members write their songs individually, then they come together and collaborate to
finish the piece.
“It’s co-operative,” he said.
Rhodes and McRae have been performing together for about 10 years. The trio is known for its original jazz compositions, but Rhodes said it goes beyond the typical jazz performance. The trio is also performing modern arrangements of classical pieces such as Chopin’s nocturnes and old jazz
songs with modern twists.
“The three of us together it is gonna be bombastic,” said Rhodes. “There is going to be a lot of energy.”
The trio performs at the Vault Café on Thursday (Jan. 7) at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 or $10 for students and are available at the door.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
