Music Industry News

Jazz and R&B singer/songwriter Marjan Nelson, is announcing her first solo show in 6 years where she will perform her debut album, Noor which was released earlier this year. Marjan will perform as part of The Art House Trust Sunday Series on November 17th. Inspired by her own experiences, Noor explores the many facets of life’s journey, from struggle and surrender, to love and empowerment and her own journey through motherhood.

The show will include the full album as well as a range of new songs that have not yet been released, performed with a five piece band of locally reknowned Jazz musicians. A versatile and distinctive entertainer, Marjan brings a strong onstage presence, seamlessly incorporating traditional Persian instruments into her music with modern jazz and neo-soul elements.
It’s been a long- time coming for the Auckland based mother of two, who is finally putting her music out to the world. Marjan’s journey to Noor was a long and winding path, with two pregnancies and a pandemic shifting the goalposts.

Marjan began working on the EP in 2018 in New York City, where she recorded the EP amidst the bustling music scene at The Bunker Studio. Marjan’s passion for classic R&B and jazz recordings shaped the sound of the EP, with a band of exceptional musicians from both New Zealand and New York including the resident bass player from the Broadway hit musical Hamilton Richard Hammond. Richard also brought in two other Hamilton musicians, drummer Antonio Rivera and Guitarist Ryan Scott.

The word Noor, meaning ‘light’ in her mother tongue, Persian, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this EP. Marjan’s music serves as a ray of light, transcending language barriers, and offering a profound and heartfelt connection to her listeners.

Marjan’s musical influences include legends like Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, and many more, reflecting her diverse and soulful style. Her vocals and songwriting draw inspiration from the likes of Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and a host of other iconic artists.

The music video for ‘Desert Remains’ is a visual masterpiece that captures the song’s sombre undertones and Marjan’s Persian heritage. Shot amidst the dramatic backdrop of Auckland’s west coast in the middle of winter, the video showcases Marjan in a stunning blue dress, performing traditional Persian dance movements, creating a mesmerising visual contrast.

“I do believe that Art in its truest form is a vessel of light. It has the ability to transform minds and hearts, to heal, to unite, to transcend. And when you create Art with that intention, and you let full self expression to be released I believe you become that vessel for bringing that light, it’s powerful. So I named my EP Noor meaning light in Persian, for that reason. Despite what the themes of the songs end up being, the underlying intention is always the same.”

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