NU SHOOZ Orchestra

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Even musicians have to grow up sometime. And sometimes the results can yield something simultaneously unexpected and wonderful.

Two decades after their 1986 No. 3 hit single, “I Can’t Wait,” took worldwide dance floors by storm, pop sensation NU SHOOZ is back to thrill old and new fans alike with a new single, an autobiographical DVD, an upcoming album, and their first live appearances since the ‘80s.

“It’s always difficult to remake a classic. What NU SHOOZ has done is something that no one else has been able to accomplish: they’ve . . . done something completely different, which is exciting.”
—Dennis Constantine, Program Director, KINK fm102

First formed in 1979, Portland, Ore-based NU SHOOZ has varied its line-up over the years, but in all of its configurations, it has pushed the boundaries between black and white, pop and soul. Now, with the formation of the NU SHOOZ Orchestra, the group takes yet another bold step beyond the sonic pale with an eclectic sound that is at once part funk, world beat, R&B, jazz, and avant garde movie soundtrack.

This fresh new melding of moods is an exploration of the varied, individual musical experiences of band leaders John Smith and Valerie Day since the NU SHOOZ flavors of yesteryear. Day comments, “I don’t think we’ve missed a day of being musicians in twenty years,” a fact that clearly rings through in the scintillating intensity of their sophisticated, yet playful, new sound.

“Day and the Nu Shooz Orchestra strike a tasty balance between jazz-informed, jet-set vintage pop and in-the-pocket shuffle-funk and the results are warm, and deliciously infectious. Day’s blithe voice — a honeyed blend of  June Christy-Helen Merril cool elegance, shards of both Nancy Wilsons, and a certain Carole King-Joni Mitchell clarity — flirts easily with strings/horn arrangements that manage to evoke both the ultra suede ‘60s era Marty Paich, and the bump and pulse of modern T.O.P. orchestrated soul.”
— Tim DuRoche, Jazz Journalist

The NU SHOOZ Orchestra features a shimmering assortment of horns, strings, vibes, percussion and stand-up bass, all complemented by Day’s famously beckoning and caramelized vocals. Live shows welcome you into an experience. The band’s acoustic instrumentation virtually creates an air of mystery and anticipation for each forthcoming note, while the vibe throughout remains as warm, welcoming, and full of energy as during their days at the top of the pop charts.

“Whether it’s Steely Dan-ish orientalism (“Welcome to My Daydream”) or bossa nova suavities (“Right Before My Eyes”), a version of the jazz standard “Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most” that challenges Betty Carter’s interpretive ownership,  or a subtly transformative take on their own signature hit “I Can’t Wait,” these Shooz aren’t just new,  they’re timeless.”
— Marty Hughley, The Oregonian

NU SHOOZ was nominated for a “Best New Artist” Grammy award in 1987 and earned a Gold Record for its album “Poolside.” The band has been featured on seminal music programs from American Bandstand to the UK’s Tops of the Pops, and has toured with many of the biggest names in pop and R&B, including Tina Turner, Billy Ocean, and the Pointer Sisters. Their latest incarnation began in 2006, with a fresh take on a beloved classic, “I Can’t Wait: Unplugged.” And continues on for listeners everywhere.

“The compositions run the gamut of styles, displaying the knowledge and flexibility of the composer, musicians and vocalist, Valerie Day. Throughout, Valerie’s voice consistently brings the tunes to life and sets their individual moods . . .”
— Mary Burlingame, Producer/host-Home Grown Live KMHD, Public Radio