Meet Jon Nickoll, Musician at The Chesterfield

Introducing Jon, an exceptional musician who will be gracing The Terrace Bar with his talent every Friday and Saturday night. Join us as we enjoy his beautiful melodies and electrifying performances. You won't want to miss a single note!

What is your favourite thing about performing live music? 

The connection that performance can bring about with people never ceases to amaze me. To be in a room full of folks I’ve never met before who, through the sneaky magic trick of a song, suddenly become friends and confidantes. I never take that for granted, it’s incredible.

What was your background before coming to The Chesterfield? 

For the last 17 years I’ve been the resident musician at The Savoy Hotel's American Bar. However, through the tempestuous waters of the pandemic, that bar has been closed for over a year (although soon to re-open). I look forward to performing both there and at my wonderful Chesterfield Hotel HQ!

What was your first experience of performing?

Probably a talent show at aged eight, I was dressed in denim, played a guitar several times bigger than me, and sang the Elvis hit 'Return To Sender' and 'Love Hurts' by the Everly Brothers. I came second place, lost out to a girl who sang 'The Ugly Duckling'. I probably need therapy to talk this out further…

Tell me something about you that people might not know. 

I’m an obsessive record collector and I’ve been hosting a vinyl only radio show on Ramsgate Radio (The Vinyl Voyage) for the last 12 months. Each episode is an hour and a half, and I play all the weird, wonderful and obscure music from my own collection.

What does a typical day look like for you?

If it’s a weekday, I start the day off by getting the kids to school (they're 11 and seven years old) then go home and make a coffee. Then it’s either composing time at the piano, gig diary admin, planning my next radio show episode, or pretending I’m working whilst perusing my shelves of beautiful records. 

What’s your favourite kind of music to listen to? 

Mid 20th century right up to now. Jazz, rock and roll, singer songwriters, folk, progressive rock, and weird library music. I’m a huge Elvis fan, also the Beach Boys, and loads of 60s groups: Kinks, Hollies, Lovin’ Spoonful etc.

What do you do to relax when you are not working? 

I’m lucky to live opposite the sea in Ramsgate, so a walk on the beach is probably my go to relaxation activity.

What three words would you use to describe the music you play? 

That’s a tough one! Rhythmic, positive, and heartfelt.

What do you love most about performing at The Chesterfield?

I have played in hundreds of hotels and bars around the world and I can honestly say The Chesterfield is one of the friendliest hotels I’ve ever had the pleasure to perform in. The staff are amazing, the guests are lovely, and let’s not forget the amazing location, right in the heart of Mayfair. I’m definitely a Chesterfield fan.

 

Please note that our Gin & Jazz evenings are currently unavailable. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.