Mike "Naz" Nazarenko was born in the Canal Zone of Panama in 1959. His first exposure to the blues came from a family of Chicago natives living across the street whose extensive collection of blues and roots music provided the spark for his career.
"Naz" began playing harmonica in the late 70's. His influences include Paul Butterfield, Big Walter, Little Walter, B. Brown, and Magic Dick along with Rod Piazza, William Clarke, and George Smith.
He made the decision to devote himself to blues harp full time in 1990 and began touring wth harmonicist B. Brown, who recorded Candied Yams (P Vine) and with John Kilzer (Geffen). In 1992 he formed the band Drivin' B. Brown in tribute to his deceased spiritual and musical mentor.
In 1994 Naz moved to Columbia SC to play with Piedmont blues and gospel legend, Drink Small. After working with the blues doctor for a couple of years, he also began playing with a Lowcountry Blues instiitution, Shrimp City Slim.
Since 1996 Mike has played with internationally recognized recording artists, Elliott And the Untouchables . The band has received critical praise from numerous blues publicatoins. While touring with The Untouchables, he has played across the US and in Europe. They have headlined at The House of Blues (Myrtle Beach, SC), opened for The Animals, John Mayall, and also for Van Morrison (to whom he gave harmonica lessons and tips) at the Monaghan Blues & Jazz Festival in Monaghan, Ireland.
"Naz's" music was featured prominently in the 1999 Independent film, My Drug Dealer.
Over the years, "Naz" has been a regular guest of Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets with Sam Myers. He has played with blues greats like Jason Ricci, RJ Mischo, Louisiana Red, Guitar Shorty, Steve Arvey, Chubby Carrier, Byther Smith, Eugene "Hideaway" Bridges, Nimmo Brothers, North Mississippi Allstars, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Steve Freund, Sean Costello, Charlie Sayles, Michael Burks, Cate Brothers, Junior Watson, Nappy Brown, Henry Grey, The late Jimmie Lee Robinson, amongst others
He is also working as half of the duo
Motherless Chillin' , with Jeff Liberty, performing acoustic blues arrangement of soulful, rootsy originals and covers.
Naz is also currently playing as a member of Low Country blues band, , The Delta Swagger . Adding his hot harmonica sounds & vocals to thier rootsy punk blues.
In 2001, after over 40 years as a single man, "Naz" shocked everyone by running off to New Orleans and marrying his blues sweetheart and BluePoint label mate Shelley Magee
"Naz" is currently finishing up his first solo album, which features Blues legend Anson Funderburgh, Christian Dozzler, West Coast great Bob Welsh, and one of the finest drummers on the planet Jimi Bott, and other wonderful blues friends. Keep checking back for updates on tour dates, and release dates.
"Naz" has endorsed Hohner Harmonicas since 2001.
