By: Michele Rox
Rating: 9/11

Sturgis Nikides is a true veteran of the New York City music scene and a master of the slide guitar. Nikides gained renown as John Cale’s guitarist through the 1980’s, cementing his dirty, distinctly metallic sound as early as 1981 when he appeared on Cale’s much heralded album, Honi Soit. These days, Nikides and his band, Sturgis, play the local spots on a regular basis and make frequent appearances at Otto’s Shrunken Head. Boasting influences such as Howlin’ Wolf and Booker T and the MG’s, Nikides’ emotional style has many dirty elements of southern blues, and rumor has it that Tom Waits is a devoted fan. New Yorkers are fortunate to have a guitarist of Nikides’ caliber living here, as his southern-influenced repertoire is second to none – and every now and then a little steel guitar is essential. With Sturgis Nikides so close at hand, a New Yorker mustn’t travel far to hear it.