Nick Longo - ProfilesArchive

About Me

Latest Info as of May 2008:
The debut CD will be launching on June 13th. It will be available that night at Nick's concert at Callanwolde's award-winning Jazz on the Lawn series. The CD will also be made available for purchase on line. Keep checking back for the new site due to launch on or before June 1st.
Nick has been playing professionally since 1980, holds a degree in Jazz Studies from Georgia State University, and works consistently playing all genres of music. He has worked on stage as well as recorded with such well-knowns as Don Henley, Ray Charles, Greg Allman, Al Kooper, Charlie Daniels, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Francine Reed, The Coasters, The Shirelles, as well as many local Atlanta bands. Nick has also worked with jazz greats such as Nick Brignola, Randy Brecker and most recently with Earl Klugh opening for Chaka Khan. You can hear his work on commercials for companies such as Delta Airline, Kroger, Eureka, Hud Homes, BellSouth, as well as on the CBS program "Nightman," the Cartoon Network and CNN.
In addition to working with his own group and countless other bands, Nick can be found regularly with Marea Alta and also with The Electromatics as well.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 5/28/2006
Band Website: (still being built)

"NickLongoMusic.com
(still being built)

Band Members: NICK LONGO
Alto & bari saxes and vocals

BRADFORD
Piano, keys, vocals, and flute

JOE REDA or KRIS DALE
Electric and upright bass

DERRYL RIVERS
Drums

RYAN WHITEHEAD
Tenor sax

And these special guest when I can get them:

POPS (John Longo)
Tenor sax

BILLY WILKIE
Guitar and vocals

JON LIEBMAN
Vocals and harmonica
Influences: Everybody! But the first inspiration and guy I used to steal from is my Pops. He always has this energy mixed in with coolness. If you ever heard him, you know what I mean.

I later started trying to get that Sanborn tone while in college. I got as close as I could... I mean I don't need to sound just like him... there's already a David Sanborn.

I then started stealing from Gerald Albright's style because I could hear our styles meshing. He and I do the same kind of tricks in our playing.

There's also Sam Skelton. I stole what I could from him, but he's too good. I definitely put his ideas to work in my playing though... meaning he has this way of showing off, but also has this laid-back precision of soul-felt lines. I try to instill that kind of feeling in my playing. Sam is one dude that definitely kicked my butt and made me feel like I needed to work as hard as I could to get where I needed to be.

Then there are the guys that are the masters. Untouchables if you will. Meaning if you play any of their licks it is automatically recognized... so don't even touch it. I enjoy what they do... and yes they definitely influence me.
Michael Brecker, Mike Stern, Bob Berg, George Young, Ray Charles, Nick Brignola, Bobby Enriquez, Eric Marienthal, Chick Corea, Red Prysock, Sam Butera, Lee Morgan, Gene Harris.... and countless others. These are just the first thoughts of people. Like I said, just about everybody influences me in some way or the other. Thanks to all!
Sounds Like: Anything and everything. Very diverse. We do the whole spectrum of styles and are always adding new stuff. I can say that we play with a lot of energy and we look and act like we are having a lot of fun. We tend to cut-up in our playing, but not to the point of compromising the songs. It's a nice mix of fun, humor, and a whole lot of talent.

My vocal stuff tends to stick more to the R&B side of things even when I'm singing a "jazz" tune. The other vocalist in my group are about the same in style except for when I bring in Special guest Jon Liebman. He is able to dip into the jazz side of vocals while still being able to work that R&B side too.
Type of Label: None