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.
Once you get it, drop me a line and let me know what you think of it!
NICK LONGO
Saxophonist / Vocalist / Composer / Arranger / Producer
The originator of: High Energy Jazz meets R&B
A successful musician, Nick has been working exclusively in the field of music for over 20 years. His achievements include composing and arranging while actively working as a leader, studio-musician, vocalist, and producer. Playing all genres of music, Nick is constantly in demand as one of Atlanta’s top performing sax-players. Nick also has an all original CD released in 2008 (This Is) that is getting fantastic reviews.
Mark Gresham of Creative Loafing says,
".... High energy and often boppy funk with hints of manic R&B."
Scott Slade (host of Atlanta's Morning News on News/Talk 750 WSB) says,
“I love the CD. Full of pleasant surprises. Nick and his skilled side men manage to bring the energy of their live performance into the polish of the studio. Hard bop-funk-progressive-fusion-acid jazz-blues...."
Nick has worked with jazz greats such as Nick Brignola, Randy Brecker, and with Earl Klugh opening for Chaka Khan.
Nick has worked on stage, and recorded with music-legends Ray Charles, Don Henley, Charlie Daniels, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Greg Allman, Al Kooper, Francine Reed, The Coasters, and The Shirelles.
John “Pops” Longo, Atlanta’s renowned tenor sax-man and father of Nick Longo, wrote one of the songs (Cool Breeze), and also performs on five of the twelve cuts from Nick’s recently released, self-produced, and all-original CD entitled, This Is.
Nick holds a degree in Jazz Studies from Georgia State University.
Nick is working on his second CD to be released in 2009.
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.
Hey Nick!! I'm so happy to hear your long awaited cd cuts. The cd is far too long overdue. Your talent needs to be heard and felt!! Be well, good luck and stay in touch peace and love Amy Lee youtube. com/amyleesax
Hey! I want to come back to Atlanta! There was a really big conference at the Cobb Galleria this past week, I should have signed up! I just started a new job, so things are a little hectic... But I hope all is well with you and everyone. When is a good time to come down? Keep in touch! Take care!
HEY CUZ,
GOT YOUR MESSAGE JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT I STILL HAVE YOUR AUTOGRAPH HANGING ON MY WALL. NO SERIOUSLY
YOU HAVE A GREAT BAND YOU ARE AWESOME~~~~ WE NEED TO COME UP THERE TO HEAR YOU ONE DAY
WE LOVE YOU TALK LATER!!!!
