John Nilsen's Wild Rose a collaboration of many

ROYAL CITY - On occasion, an artist delivers something special and unique by separating himself from others. Such is the case with pianist John Nilsen's newest CD, Wild Rose.

Nilsen, a leading classical and pop artist, will give a piano concert at the Royal City United Methodist Church at noon on Saturday, Aug. 9. The church is located at 305 Royal Road.

A take off on Portland, The City of Roses, Wild Rose is a collection of 10 Nilsen compositions, each featuring a different band.

"I thought working with people I had worked with throughout my career and with others I hadn't ever worked with would be an intriguing way of carving new musical ground," he said.

Nilsen brought in Dave Captein, long time musical collaborator Phil Baker of Pink Martini and Damian Erskine on bass, The Decemberist's John Moen to play drums, high school friend and occasional musical collaborator Greg Georgeson, all the guys in Swimfish and others.

John Nilsen and Swimfish is a folk-rock band with strong emphasis on vocal harmony and originality. The late, original member of the hit-making band, AMERICA, Dan Peek wrote:

"John, major kudos on your John Nilsen and Swimfish CD. The music is superb, the lyrics inspired and the production/arranging is top notch. The songwriting hangs together well and the tracks flow, carving out a groove as natural as a river carves a canyon. You deserve to be heard."

One of the Northwest's largest selling musical artists, Nilsen has long been in the KINK stable of Oregon artists, recording a track on three KINK Lights Out CDs and having done many in studio live performances.

Famed guitarist Guthrie Thomas is credited with launching Nilsen's music career 29 years ago. He invited Nilsen to record on his Eagle Records label in Los Angeles, and there a career was born.

With 240 annual performances and national tours of the United States, including performances in all 50 U.S. States, Europe and Asia, the rewards of Nilsen's diligence are unmistakable. He has earned a devout following of listeners and, with his international distribution, his popularity continues to grow.

"As a performer, I like exploring beyond the boundaries of my recorded songs," Nilsen said. "It gives me the chance to offer something special, spontaneous and personal to my audience. The entire performance hinges on the connection not only between the players, but with the audience as well."

It is the intense clarity with which Nilsen is able to translate his experiences into music that distinguishes him.

From the bustle of a French café to the torrent of a raging stream, Nilsen's music inspires listeners to look more carefully, to feel more deeply and to celebrate life.