Norman Nardini

Rock’n’roll is a notoriously cruel master but some have learned to carve out their niche and thrive, despite its notoriously unforgiving laws. Norman Nardini is the poster boy for survival, weaned on the demanding, take-no-prisoners club circuit from Cleveland to Jersey and fuelled by the just rewards gleaned from devoted fans. The Pittsburgh-based rocker’s Redemption is simply that: a deliverance of sorts and a look back at a body of work that is too good to be ignored and too ignored not to be good. Norman’s deals in Heartland rock’n’roll — the blue collar bar rock that rolls with the punches and, with the aid of a few well-tipped pints, gets you through your day with a smile on your face. Nardini started his first band after graduating from years spent with rockers Diamond Reo — Norman Nardini & the Tigers, releasing his first record, Eatin’ Alive in ’81 and five records since. His debut earned a nod from Rolling Stone and the chance to rub shoulders with the likes of Jon Bon Jovi, Dr. John and Rick Derringer. Nardini honed his act and stage personality and is as much character as he is consummate rocker. His bling-free, high-torque shows are delivered with punk-like energy and laced with blues, rockabilly and everything in-between. From "Can’t Kill Love with a Gun,” the prophetic "Nothing to Lose,” or the infectious "Heat of the Night,” Nardini hits hard and low every time. At the core of his music is a youthful heart that never wanted to do anything else but play — and that’s what he does best. Get a taste of the man voted "most likely to succeed” but who never did — in conventional terms. At the same time, he’s more musician than most people could ever dream of being. Redemption proves it.