Don Aliquo

Drawing from a wide variety of influences, saxophonist Don Aliquo merges his technical knowledge of the instrument with emotion, passion and a desire to stretch the boundaries of the art form.
Originally from Pittsburgh, a city with a rich jazz tradition, saxophonist Don Aliquo grew up listening and learning from his father, a well-respected jazz artist himself. Growing up in this fertile environment, Don had the opportunity to play and record with musicians like Roger Humphries, David Budway, Dwayne Dolphin and Joe Harris. He soon began his professional career, performing with the legendary Buddy Rich band at 18.In 1999, he moved to the Nashville area to teach at Middle Tennessee State University where he is now the Director of Jazz Studies. Since arriving in Nashville in 2000 he has performed in concerts and recordings with some of the nation's leading jazz artists including Gary Burton (Journey Home, Summit- DCD416) , Rufus Reid (Jazz Folk Young Warrior YW300), and Scott Robinson.His latest recording, Jazz Folk (Oct. 2006) has been described as “a strong, engaging effort, full of inspired moments”, and showcases his talents as a composer as well as his melodic approach to the saxophone. Featuring Rufus Reid, Clay Jenkins, Dana Landry and Jim White the record has received critical acclaim and extensive national airplay Aliquo's previous release Another Reply (CAP 964) also broke the top 20 for airplay on the Jazz Week charts. Don's previous self-produced releases February Regrets (1997) and Power of Two (1999) were also critically acclaimed. Power of Two was featured on Jazz South Radio; a syndicated program carried by more than 240 stations on four continents and was nominated for Nashville Music Award’s Jazz Album of the year in 2000.
Internationally renowned bassist Rufus Reid recently had this to say about Don: Don Aliquo is a consummate player and composer. His new recording," Another Reply" was a real pleasure. His playing, compositions, and program were stellar. His music has the power and control of the tradition while putting a personal stamp throughout the presentation.
Besides his duties as director of the MTSU jazz program, Don runs the MTSU Jazz Artist Series which brings internationally acclaimed jazz artists to the Nashville area to perform. A partial list of artists who have appeared includes Phil Woods, Bennie Golson, Tim Hagans, Randy Brecker, Eddie Daniels, and Kenny Werner. Don holds the M.M. and the B. MusEd. from Duquesne University and has also studied at the Berklee College of Music as well as privately with Joseph Viola, Marino Galluzzo, Eric Kloss and Jimmie Mosher among others.