"Bearde's interpretations are as affecting

as they are elegant..."

-christopher loudon - Jazz times

Award winning recording artist, Nicolas Bearde is a singer-songwriter, actor and educator whose career has spanned over 35 years.  From his humble beginnings,( born and raised in Nashville, TN, the second of 7 children) to touring the globe with many of today’s jazz legends, Bearde has travelled many roads. His style is likened to Lou Rawls, Nat King Cole and Bill Withers and he is known for his “velvet voice”, wit and engaging rapport that has drawn audiences into his live performances around the world.

These last few years have been very busy for Bearde.  As a solo artist he headlined venues from San Francisco, Miami , Savannah and New York to London and Paris, And… as the vocalist/narrator for sax legend, Vincent Herring’s “Story of Jazz Orchestra” - a 10 piece ensemble of jazz luminaries, (Eric Alexander, James Carter, Jon Faddis, Jeremy Pelt, Steve Turre, Mike Le Donne, Kenny Davis and Carl Allen), toured most of Europe presenting Jazz music’s 100 years of recorded history.

Bearde released his 6th album, “I Remember You – the Music of Nat King Cole” in August of 2019, featuring another sax great Eric Alexander, that garnered rave reviews at home and abroad, and…was the featured vocalist on 3 cuts on Vincent Herring’s chart-topping CD, “Hard Times”. 

In November 2023 he released his first holiday EP. “Christmas Melodies” that includes his original tune, “Snowflakes” and is working on his 7th studio album to be released in 2024.

As an educator, Nicolas has worked with the California Jazz Conservatory and Jazz Camp West teaching “Vocal Intensive” workshops, and was the chair of “popular voice” for the Young Arts Foundation in Miami, Florida for 5 years.

Nicolas’s story begins at a very young age. Singing as long as he can remember, Nicolas’ love of Jazz and R & B classics can be laid at his mother’s feet.  He remembers: “My Mother and her crew loved to have card parties, listen to late night radio, finger-pop, whoop and shout “Honey, hush” while listening to Billy Eckstine and Cab Calloway, And…Oh how they loved a good ballad!!  One of her favorites “Moonlight in Vermont”, stayed in Bearde’s head for over 40 years before he recorded it on his sophomore album, “All About Love” in 2005.

Leaving home in his teens, after a short stint in college, Bearde began singing in earnest while living in Japan during his military service, and after a few years in the LA music scene, made his home in the San Francisco/Bay area where he began developing his jazz chops and a more intimate approach to performing.

His life took another creative direction in the early 80’s when he became part of “Jukebox”, a staged radio play starring Danny Glover. At glover’s recommendation, Bearde began studying with renowned acting teacher, Jean Shelton, and a year later went out for his first audition and was cast in the Athol Fugard play “Master Harold”…and the Boys. He then went on to do 3 more plays that first year, and knew he was on a new path. Even as Bearde concentrated on acting – first theatre, then expanding into film (Final Analysis w/Richard Gere and Kim Bassinger,) ( True Crimes w/Clint Eastwood), and television (Nash Bridges and Monk), music continued to be his dominant muse.

Nicolas made his mark in the world of Jazz as an original member of Bobby McFerrin’s innovative a cappella ensemble, “Voicestra” (1986-2005), while carving out his own distinctive career, and in 1997 he started Right Groove Records in order to launch his solo projects.

His1998 breakout album, “Crossing the Line”, was a superb showcase for his songwriting skills as well as his masterful singing, and it landed on the Top 10 on British Soul charts, garnering glowing reviews on both sides of the ocean. One song in particular, “Can We Pretend” written by actress Denise Nicholas  (Bill Withers X-wife) is one of his most requested songs to this day.

In 2005, Bearde produced his follow-up album, “All About Love” with a more unabashedly romantic repertoire and his original tune “Summer Sunday” hit #1 on the Beach Music charts for 8 weeks In 2005,

His third album, "Live at Yoshi's - a Salute to Lou" in October 2008, was recorded live, in-concert, at Yoshi's, (Oakland, CA famed jazz club), and produced by legendary radio personality, Bud Spangler...  It continues to be a favorite on jazz radio worldwide. 

"Visions", his 4th CD, released in February of 2013 is a vibrant, up-tempo, soulfully driven collection of jazz originals and standards that covers a wide range of materials and speaks volumes about Bearde's diverse musical influences. Produced by Grammy musical director, Larry Batiste, and backed by a varied roster of all-star musicians, including Alphonso Johnson, David Garfield, David K Mathews, and Will Kennedy, Chris Spector -Midwest Record Review says, “This cat has hit one out of the park", and...  Brian Soergal of Smooth Jazz, says, “Bearde amazes with sparkling vocal dexterity.”

His 2016 release -"INVITATION" - Nicolas' 5th outing on the Right Groove Record label, released in January, received Grammy consideration and soared to #16 on the Jazz Week Charts. It is highlighted with arrangements and fiery performances by grammy-winner, pianist Nat Adderley Jr. and sizzles with selections from the classic jazz songbook, and smoking rhythm sections from both the East and West Coast.

For Booking and Information, please contact darlene@nicolasbearde.com