Nick Wheeldon

'Tadpoles', Review on Life In The Sweet Spot

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Tadpoles | Nick Wheeldon
Mojo Mark
Apr 06, 2026

Release Date 03.27.2026

Nick Wheeldon is an English Francophile whose album “Make Art” was one of my favorites of 2024.

Make Art | Nick Wheeldon and Friends
Make Art | Nick Wheeldon and Friends
Mojo Mark
·
15 août 2025
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I couldn’t explain it then what made “Make Art” such a favorite and I can’t explain now what makes “Tadpoles” so special. But there is one detail for certain - I like the sound.

The man records to tape! Can it possibly make that much difference? And there are no readily available lyric sheets, meaning that I don’t catch the premise of each song in one take, resulting in revisiting each song again, and again (and again).

The man is an artist. With each listen I pick up something new: a revealing line of verse, the mix of instruments, an unnoticed guitar line or piano run, and in the case of this album, the amazing use of saxophone and violin throughout that often take the track to an unanticipated level.

This particular album was recorded live-to-tape with a TASCAM 388 (exception being the horns overdubbed on “Hilda & Jesus” and “Summer Prey”). Makes me think of Dylan in his heyday recording live in the studio. It certainly suggests a high confidence in the delivery and quality of one’s songs. Kudos to the band (The Living Paintings):

Nico Brusq - Drums
Luc Martin - Bass
Stephane Jach - Violon
Sam Roux - Piano & Backing Vocals
Paul Trigoulet - Lead Guitar
Nick Wheeldon - Rhythm Guitar & Lead Voclas

Horn Section
Paul Trigoulet - Trumpet
Michel Roux - Mellophone
Marc Mouches - Saxophone

Laurent Riguat - Saxophone & Clarinet Bass

Recorded & Produced by Paul Trigoulet
(Mixed at Fausse Boutique Studios, Lille)
Mastered by Stephane Teynie

Highlights:

I would love to see a performance of this band live. Pack your bags honey, we’re going to France!