Esquire

ALL THE ESQUIRE TRACKS ON THE PLAYER ARE AVAILABLE TO BUY FROM THE 'ESQUIRE PAYPAL CART AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE!!
ABOUT ESQUIRE
Esquire is Nikki Squire, Nigel McLaren and Charles Olins. A London based progressive rock band who released 2 acclaimed albums.
Combining the emotional and powerful vocals of Nikki Squire, with the musical craftsmanship of Nigel McLaren, Charles Olins and an array of talented guest musicians, Esquire championed a unique and sophisticated sound. They effortlessly straddled traditional musical boundaries and essentially unleashed an innovative style of progressive rock that was both varied and accessible.
With impressive experience behind them, Esquire based their music on sublime melodies and strong song writing. Both the self-entitled first album ‘Esquire’ and the follow up ‘Coming Home’ have been eagerly sought after since their release.
HISTORY
Esquire can trace its origins to a night when Nikki heard a band called New Cross performing at The Embassy Club in London. A natural friendship developed through close family connections and Nikki offered New Cross the opportunity to rehearse using studio space at her home. The special blend of talents that would soon become Esquire had made their initial acquaintance.
Nikki began to sing with New Cross and soon discovered that her vocal style suited the band. During this time Nikki quickly developed a good rapport with the vocalist and bass player, Nigel McLaren. While as a group New Cross was short lived, the musical partnership forged between Nikki and Nigel was destined for great success.
Combining influences from a wide range of genres, Nikki and Nigel were on the trail of a whole new sound while also actively searching for a keyboard player, who they found in Charles Olins. Esquire was completed as a threesome and began rehearsing and working on new material. Having struck a deal with Trevor Horn, to produce an album, the pressures of Trevor’s other commitments meant that Esquire initially recorded and self-produced a number of tracks.
Before forming Esquire, Nikki had previously contributed to singing and song writing with her ex-husband, Chris Squire, on a number of collaborations. These collabarations included working on ‘Run with the Fox’, his solo album ‘Fish out of Water’ and with some material with his group Yes. Nigel, meanwhile, had previously been involved with New Cross and performed, both on stage and in the studio, with a number of other London based artists.
DEBUT ALBUM – ‘ESQUIRE’
When John Kolodner from Geffen Records heard ‘Knock Twice For Heaven’ and ‘Special Greetings’ at London’s legendary Sarm West Studios he immediately signed the trio to his label.
Over the next 9 months Esquire worked on the recording their debut album from studios in both London and Los Angeles. Upon its release the ‘Esquire’ album contained 10 original songs and a sound that fused the best of English progressive rock with a stripped down, emotionally resonant energy.
In the same year as its release, 3 singles – ‘To The Rescue, ‘Sunshine’, and ‘Moving Together - were released from this debut album.
The debut album was written, produced and arranged in its entirety by Nikki and Nigel. Chris Squire, bass guitarist and vocalist with Yes and Nikki’s ex-husband, and Trevor Horn lent their expertise on elements of mixing, particularly on the single ‘To The Rescue’. Chris Squire and the band mixed the album together. Special studio guests involved in the recording of ‘Esquire’ included the guitarists, Pat Thrall, Steve Topping and Eddie Golga; and drummers, Alan White, Jamie Lane and Dinky. Backing vocals were provided by, Chris Squire, Nikki Squire and Carmen Squire - Chris and Nikki’s eldest daughter.
SECOND ALBUM – ‘COMING HOME’
Due to massive demand Esquire’s debut album was re-released in 1997. The follow up album ‘Coming Home’ was subsequently released in 1999.
‘Coming Home’ is a conceptual offering than Esquire’s debut album which paid particular attention to technical detail and had a more ethereal vibe.
One of Nikki’s personal favourites from this collection is ‘Tron Thomi’, a song about ecology, God and religion from a little girl’s point of view. Chandrika - Nikki and Chris’ middle daughter, whose nickname is ‘Tronika’ - was a strong influence for the song.
‘Coming Home’ was dedicated to Chris and Nikki’s daughters, Carmen, Chandrika and Camille; Nikki’s mum, Rose and Nikki’s little sister, Lola.
CURRENTLY…
Nikki lives in Ibiza while Nigel lives in London.
Having spent several years establishing herself in Spain, Nikki has recently started performing once more and re-discovered her passion for writing and performing music. Forthcoming gigs will be posted on this page.
Currently working with some talented musicians and back in the studio writing with Nigel, new Esquire material is currently forthcoming. Check back onto the page and the new material which will be uploaded when it is finished.
The latest material from Esquire is available to preview now on the music player. 'Tonight' and 'She Said' both feature the vocal talent of Nikki Squire with Robbie Blunt on guitar while 'Stay Low' is embellished with piano and keyboards from Lisa LaRue. 'Stay Low' also features backing vocals from Master Cassian Munro.
Please note that all images and content on this page are under copyright to Nikki Squire (2009) and should not be used for any purpose without the written permission of the copyright holder.