As their name implies, Naomi & The Courteous Rudeboys (NCR) are on a musical quest to achieve balance between the dark & gritty and light & clean. Inspired by raw funk of the 70s, as well as the music from Africa, New Orleans and the caribbean, experiencing NCR live makes for a "smorgasbord of different musical offerings." (Chris Stanley, Tasty Fanzine, UK).
As her name implies, Naomi Wilder has a fearless, wild imagination. Her background in dance and theatre infuses a spunky, and often-times comedic, visual element. Recruiting dancers replete with costume changes, choreographed kung-fu moves and flying rose petals, expect the unexpected and be ready to be entertained.
Hailing from Santa Cruz, CA, this quintet has racked up some mileage in their bio-fueled bus. By warming the stage for heavy-hitters such as Taj Mahal, Lee "Scratch" Perry and John Butler Trio, their songs have proven to speak to very diverse audiences.
Embracing their shake-it-off grooves, music addicts within the festival community have given NCR a warm welcome. Highlights include performances at Oregon Country Fair, Earthdance, Harmony Fest, Dreamtime & High Sierra.
NCR's debut LP, Beautiful Beings (2007), was recorded at the legendary Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco. The album's soul hit, 'Love Song', features Oakland-based gospel trio, the Stovall Sisters. Through grass roots efforts, their songs are featured on independent radio stations world-wide.
Based out of the Santa Cruz mountains, they find an infinite source of guidance and inspiration from the redwood trees. Traveling in a sustainable fashion and striving for health and well-being on their journeys, NCR is living proof that quality living makes quality music!
