Nicky T And The Snake Charmers

Ain’t Wasting Time

Independent

“Ain’t Wasting Time” is Nicky T and the Snake Charmers’ follow-up to their 2021 debut album, Life on Life’s Terms. The new album stands firmly rooted in tradition while driven by the present, inspired by the greats and honed through years on stage. The band pays homage to B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Magic Sam, and Ronnie Earl.

The band includes Nicholas Tabarias, a.k.a. Nicky T, on guitar and vocals; Andy Szymanski or Chris Codish, keyboards; Frank Greenhalgh or Alex Lyon, bass; and Pete Berg or Todd Glasso, drums. The horn section of Keith Kaminski, tenor and baritone saxophones, and Charlie Miller, trumpet, plays on three tracks. Vocalist Greg Nagy sings on three tracks and sings the backing vocal on another. Other musicians who contribute are guitarists Josh Ford and Ronnie Earl and harmonica ace Kurt Crandall.

The band opens with “That’s All I Need,” written by Sam Maghett, a.k.a. Magic Sam, and first recorded in 1967 as part of Sam’s debut album. Nicky sings, “When I first met you, you looked so fine, I said pretty baby, I’m gonna make you mine, just give me your love, just give me your love, that’s all I need,” with Codish on organ, Nicky on guitar and vocal, and Nagy providing the backing vocal.

“Mistreating Mama,” written by Nicky and Greg Nagy, features Codish on piano, as Nicky chimes, “you’ve been mistreating mama, always doing them so wrong…all the time you think your with it, its time you won’t have for long, you’ve been lying and cheating gambling your life away,” with the fabulous horn section of Kaminski, saxophones, and Miller, trumpet.

On “Feels Like a Hundred,” written by Berg and Krammer, with Szymanski on keyboards, Nicky chants, “Where do you party on a Saturday night, every one was there, felt out of sight…feel like a hundred in a million dollar world…high class people in a million dollar world, how did life get so absurd, feel like a hundred in a million dollar world.”

“Guess Who” was written and first recorded by Jesse Belvin in 1959. It was also covered by B.B. King on his album of the same name. Greg Nagy moans, “Someone really loves you, guess who, someone really cares, guess who…that someone who really cares is me. Someone will wait, someone who wants your love, so open up your heart, that someone who really cares is me,” again with the horn section of Kaminski and Miller.

“The Glass” was written by Nicky and Nagy, with Szymanski on organ and John Galvin on piano, and with a solo from Ronnie Earl. Nagy again takes the vocal: “Baby, says she loves me, I know you heard the words before, my baby says she loves me, I know you heard the words before…me heart is left on empty, that’s all I’m crying for.”

“Thank You Magic Sam” is a tribute to Magic Sam, a.k.a. Sam Maghett. Nicky plays some fabulous guitar on this instrumental, with piano played by Szymanski.

“Ain’t Wasting Time” is the title track, written by Nicky, with more piano from Szymanski. Nicky groans, “I ain’t wasting time, I’m surely in my prime, I can see the love today shining down in every way, I can see the sun light in every way, I can see my future, coming to light in every way.”

On “Waiting on the Sunshine,” written by Nicky, with piano from Codish, he cries out, “Waiting for the sunshine, shine a light on me, waiting for the sunshine, shine a light on me, waiting for my baby, to set me free, looking for my baby, wonder where she be, she been gone too long, where can my baby be.”

“Lead Me On,” credited to Cedric Malone, was first recorded by Christine Nightingale in 1979 and features another vocal from Nagy. He wails, “You know how it be, you understand what it is to meet a stranger in this unfriendly land, here’s my hand, here’s my hand, darling I’ll follow you, I’ll walk by your side, here’s my hand, take it please, lead me on,” again with the fabulous horns.

“Charming the Snake” is another rousing instrumental written by Nicky, with Szymanski on piano, as he fires up the frets.

The album closes with the title track from Nicky’s debut album, Life on Life’s Terms, written by Nicky and Krammer, with some great harmonica from Kurt Crandall. Nicky croons, “Living ain’t easy and you can see, life on life’s terms and what it meant to be. Life ain’t easy when worries on your mind, Life ain’t easy when worries are on your mind, live for today, enjoy your precious time.”

Ronnie Earl states, “Nicholas is my adopted son,” while Anson Funderburgh says, “I have watched Nicholas grow into his own-into a great guitar player and singer. He holds true to the blues tradition with confidence. This new release needs to be heard. Be on the lookout for this talented man!”

Richard Ludmerer

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included