Brian Nova

Brian Nova is a Jazz guitarist that combines a rare mixture of lightning-speed fretwork and beautiful melodies throughout his performances and recordings. He has the distinction of being the only guitarist who was mentored by, and toured with, the two titans of Jazz guitar: Herb Ellis and Joe Pass. And he adds eloquent vocals to his artistry reminiscent of Nat Cole and the hip style of Frank Sinatra. Nova performs, and records, as a solo artist, with his Trio, Quartet, and his 12-piece Big Band. No matter what configuration, Nova always delights his audience with his hard swinging style and romantic melodies.Nova has performed with an impressive list of elite Jazz musicians: Saxophonists Eddie Harris, Illinois Jaquet, Danny Turner, Frank Foster, Bobby Watson, Stanley Turrentine, Bud Shank, Pete Christleib, Med Flory, Hadley Calman, and Bill Ramsey; Trumpeters Harry 'Sweets' Edison, Steve Madaio, Fred Radke and Mike Vax; Pianists Gerald Wiggins, Shelly Berg, Kenny Drew, Jessica Williams, Joe Fos, Larry Fuller and Benny Green; Bassists Ray Brown, Red Mitchell, Neils Henning Orsted-Pederson, Jim Hughart, Luther Hughes, Dave Carpenter, Andy Simpkins, Leroy Vinneger, Mads Vinding, Buddy Catlett, and John Heard; Drummers Jeff Hamilton, Mel Brown, Eddie Henderson, Dick Berk, Butch Miles, Bobby Durham and Paul Kreibich; Organists Jimmy Smith and Barney McClure; Guitarists Joe Pass, Herb Ellis, Charlie Byrd, Larry Coryell, Mundell Lowe, John Pisano, John Stowell, Henry Johnson and Taj Mahal; Trombonists Julian Priester and Fred Wesley; Vibraphonists Louis Hjulmand, Kiyoko Ami and Ricky Kelly; Vocalists Diane Schuur, Ernestine Anderson, Freddie Cole, Dee Daniels and Mark Murphy; and Blues and Rock Legends Charlie Musselwhite and Steve Miller.Nova performs throughout North America with extended bookings in major cities and as a Jazz Festival artist. His annual European Tour includes engagements in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, France, Spain and Italy. His Pan-Pacific Tour includes China, Taiwan, and a sold out tour in Japan with his good friend Kiyoko Ami every December.In addition to performing, Nova also encourages young Jazz musicians to further their own musical education and stage presence. From 1990 to 1996, he was the Director of Jazz and Guitar Studies for the Music Program at Seattle University. He continues to mentor the next- generation of professional musicians through his master classes and the clinics he conducts around the world. Nova began his Jazz career in Seattle, WA. He has lived in New York, Denmark, and now makes his home in California.Discography Brian Nova has released six recordings. His new release is titled ..I Could Have Told You..; ..The Shadow of Your Smile.. released in 2005 to rave reviews; ..Blue and Bossa Nova..; ..Brian Nova- Alone..; ..Live at Belltown Billiards..; and ..Jazz Inflections...