International musician returns to his roots

A North East musician who has performed at some of the world’s most celebrated venues is bringing his talents closer to home with a new series of immersive experiences focused on relaxation and wellbeing.

Nick Able, who grew up in Gosforth, in Newcastle, has spent more than two decades performing internationally, including alongside legendary Indian sitar musician Pandit Ravi Shankar and his daughter Anoushka Shankar.

Nick’s career has taken him to venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall in New York, Sydney Opera House, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Now living in rural County Durham, Nick is turning his attention to a different type of performance, developing what he calls ‘sound journeys’ for hotels, spas, country houses, care settings and wellbeing venues across the North East.

Nick’s interest in Indian classical music began in his early twenties and led him to travel to India in 2003.

Within weeks of arriving, he was invited to perform in Mumbai alongside Ravi Shankar and Anoushka Shankar, beginning an international career that would span Europe, America, Asia and Australia.

Nick said: “I was a guitar player from Gosforth who became fascinated by Indian music. 

“Through a few emails and a lot of persistence, I was invited to live and study at the home of Ravi Shankar in New Delhi. 

“It wasn’t just about learning music – it was about immersing myself in another culture and a completely different way of life.

“It was surreal. 

“One minute I was studying, the next I was performing alongside musicians I had admired from afar.”

Nick added: “It was an incredible apprenticeship. 

“Often I was in the background, playing tanpura or creating musical textures, but it gave me a front-row seat to witness how the very highest level of the music industry operates.”

Nick remained part of Ravi Shankar’s touring ensemble until the musician’s death in 2012, before continuing to perform internationally with Anoushka.

Alongside concert appearances, he has performed at private and VIP events for organisations including Rolex and PETA, as well as at the United Nations in New York.

Over the past 18 months, however, Nick has increasingly focused on composing original music for the growing wellness market.

Combining ambient soundscapes with acoustic instruments, his extended compositions are designed to provide immersive experiences that allow audiences to relax and engage with the music at their own pace.

Nick added: “I don’t really like using the word healing in this context. 

“For me it’s about creating a peaceful environment where people can switch off from the stresses of everyday life. 

“Music has an incredible ability to change how we feel. 

“It can lift your mood, calm your mind and create powerful emotions. 

“Wellness and music are very closely connected.”

One of his latest performances will take place at Wentworth Grange in Riding Mill, where he will combine music, meditation and storytelling in a special event that will also raise money for an Alzheimer’s charity.

The residential and nursing hotel has also commissioned Nick to compose a collection of original relaxation and wellness music, incorporating healing frequencies, which will be used throughout the venue for guests.

Nick added: “At Wentworth Grange I want to offer guests something genuinely different, an experience created especially for this unique setting. 

“I’ll share stories from my career and perform music that allows people simply to relax and enjoy the moment. 

“Whether someone wants to sit and watch or close their eyes and become immersed in the experience, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy it.”

Nick with Jeff Lee, managing director and Jo Stichbury, corporate events manager at Wentworth Grange. Credit: Steve Brock Photography.

Nick now plans to take the concept to other luxury hotels, spas, country houses and wellbeing destinations across Northumberland, County Durham and Teesside as interest in immersive wellness experiences continues to grow.

The move marks a new chapter for a musician whose career began in the North East before taking him around the world.

Nick is also developing a new website where audiences will be able to listen to his original work and find details of forthcoming performances, as he looks to use his international experience to create more intimate musical experiences closer to home.

He added: “When people come to one of my events they often lie down with blankets, cushions and eye masks. 

“The music gradually takes them on a journey. 

“It’s peaceful, dreamy and atmospheric. 

“I think about the images and emotions I want people to experience just as much as the notes I’m playing.

“People often arrive with busy minds, thinking about work or everything they must do that day. 

“Over time they settle into a deeply relaxed state. 

“That’s what this music is designed to encourage.”

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