Franz Nicolay may be best known as the keyboardist for The Hold Steady, but his breakout solo effort Major General really displays the influence this talented musician has within that band, and in turn, its influence over him.  His solo work is maybe the bastard love child between his well-known project and his other not-so-wll-known project, The World/Inferno Friendship Society.  Nicolay displays the kind of storytelling and bar room gristle that is so attractive within The Hold Steady, but accents it with gypsy punk influences that are so obviously derived from the other caberet/art-house punk project.

Within this session you can see Nicolay's talent as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist clearly on display.  The last song, Cease-Fire, Or, Mrs. Norman Maine, was written because Nicolay "really just wanted to try a banjo song."  Whether behing the keys, guitar, banjo or accordian, Nicolay obviously has no fear of experimentation. 

Nicolay is charming with a smile and a look that pulls you in with a desire to find out more.  He wins you over with his skilled musicianship, interesting arrangements and engaging stories.

Special thanks to Savvy Salon.

MP3 Session Downloads:

Franz Nicolay - Jeff Penalty
Franz Nicolay - Do We Not Live In Dreams
Franz Nicolay - Dead Sailors
Franz Nicolay - Cease-Fire, Or, Mrs. Norman Maine

Bonus Studio Album MP3 Download:

Franz Nicolay - World/Inferno Vs. the End of the Evening 

Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by Jeff DuPont
Filmed and Edited by Doug Fellegy, Chris Granger, and Stacie Grissom