All molds and genres aside, you can’t deny a downright rapturing display of musicianship when you see one. A little bit of soulful R&B, jazz, reggae, and jam, The Nth Power is winning over hearts and minds with their enlightening sound that we can’t help but admit, just has that something special to it. These powerhouse artists have collectively played with everyone from Chaka Khan to Ivan Neville, and even Queen B, but together they’re opening hearts and minds with their truly unique sound.
Despite a grueling tour schedule, bassist, Nate Edgar was kind enough to let us pick his brain on the topics of The Nth Power’s new band member, influencers, and how the group got together at the legendary Jazz Fest just a few years ago.
Tell us about how the band first got together at Jazz Fest 2012.
We first got together at Jazz Fest as a support for our friend Jennifer Hartswick. Nick Cassarino (guitar/vocals) had been in the band since forever, and Nikki had been Jennifer’s drummer for many years as well. On that faithful eve, Jenn needed a bassist and keyboardist for her late night set, and I was already down there playing other gigs with Nikki and Nigel, who I’ve known since a 2002. So when Jenn asked Nikki if she knew anybody to play bass and keys she said, “Sure do!” So Nikki really put the whole band together behind Jenn.
Jenn wasn’t even onstage for the first part of sound check, but as we were practicing we started to get into some music…as musicians tend to do, and we really started to get down. At the end of that one jam, which later became a song we played with Nigel every night, we all just looked at each other like, “I think we have a new band.”
New Orleans and gospel music have both had such significant influences in your style. What other factors have played roles in shaping The Nth Power sound?
We all bring our own history of playing different styles of music into this band. One rule we have is if somebody has an idea for a song (and the style is left of center or far-far left of center) we will still work on it and play it live.
Nikki brings the heavy left hand and foot from playing funk and being a self described funk drummer. Nick came from a heavy jazz background from a very young age. Weedie, being from Ghana and a master djembe drummer, brings a heavy west African vibe to the band. Courtney came straight from the church and R&B background, and myself, I played reggae for years as my main expression and vibe. I’ve played all sorts of sub generes and roles in making reggae music happen. So I think it’s safe to say there is a bit of a militant reggae approach in staying true to the groove.
How have you been preparing for your Earth, Wind, & Fire tribute set coming up at Jazz Fest?
We’ve been preparing for the Earth, Wind & Fire set since the day we came up with the idea. Even before the gig was booked. We all absolutely love EWF, they have been an influence on us each individually and as a group forever. Nikki started drafting a set list as we were driving in the van with our manager KP on the first phone call with Paul Levine trying to find a venue to play for the tribute night.
How have dynamics shifted with Nigel leaving the band, and the addition of Courtney Smith?
Nigel, being a true musical force, and an old friend of Nikki and I, it definitely changed the dynamics of the band when he left. In the beginning, if Nigel wasn’t part of the Jennifer Hartswick gig The Nth Power may not have even be a band. He was so excited and all in on the writing and the formation of the band.
Since Nigel decided to leave we were lucky enough to have such an energized, talented and open-hearted dude like Courtney Smith. He has brought his own vibe and voice to the band that has really been starting to shine over the last six months on the road. We’ve played many more shows by now with Courtney than the band did when Nigel was still here. So the growth in new directions is real.
All of you come from such strong backgrounds it feels silly asking what your most memorable experiences on stage have been since I’m sure they would be so different. However, is there a significant moment you’ve collectively shared together as a band that you can think of?
Having one of our heroes, Bernard Purdie, shed tears of joy on the side of our stage during our Sunday set at Bear Creek was one that we all felt and will never forget.
What artists are you listening to right now?
Earth Wind & Fire all day! Having a tribute show is a great way to completely nerd out on a band… and nerding out hard we are.
Don’t miss The Nth Power’s “Abundance” Tour coming to a city near you soon, and if you’re lucky enough to find yourself in New Orleans Jazz Fest this month be sure to check out their highly anticipated late night Earth Wind & Fire tribute set at One Eyed Jacks featuring members of Dead & Co, Trey Anastasio Band, Tedeski Trucks Band, and more.
Connect with The Nth Power:
https://www.facebook.com/TheNthPower/?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/TheNthPowerVibe
https://soundcloud.com/the-nth-power
http://thenthpowermusic.com/
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