Nicholas Brust

Alto Sax
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“Gliding over the expansive harmonies, incorporating every note into melodic, often singable phrases…most welcome to the ear.” (John Pietaro, The NYC Jazz Record) "Nick Brust’s playing and writing is evidence that the future of the alto saxophone is in good hands. Rarely do you find a young player who combines exquisite, head-spinningly dextrous playing with such thoughtful ideas and compositions. Check him out!" (Will Vinson) Heralded as a premiere saxophonist of his generation, Nicholas Brust has established his voice in the world of modern jazz. He has found his niche as a bandleader and composer, taking advantage of the numerous textures and combinations available in small-group improvised music, from duo to sextet. While Nicholas has performed with numerous highly acclaimed musicians in NYC, he makes a priority of working with up-and-coming talent that he believes in. Nicholas is currently on faculty at The Music Conservatory of Westchester, Elefante School for the Performing Arts, and The Hudson School. Nicholas released an EP of original music entitled Brooklyn Folk Songs in January 2015. Brooklyn Folk Songs “showcases a set of original compositions that infuse sturdy melodies with a rich, contemporary harmonic palette...like the borough for which it’s named - encompasses a variety of moods along with its own unique accent” (David Kastin). Since then, Nicholas has continued to showcase his compositional and improvisational talents in a series of videos that can be found on his Youtube channel. Nicholas recently recorded his debut full-length album, Frozen in Time, with Fresh Sound Records, and plans to release it in Fall 2020. The album features exclusively original material composed by Nicholas. Before moving to New York, Nicholas attended New England Conservatory in Boston where he studied with Jerry Bergonzi, Frank Carlberg, Ran Blake, John McNeil, Donny McCaslin, and Miguel Zenón. He graduated with honors in May 2012 with a Master's degree in Jazz Performance. Prior to attending NEC, Nicholas attended the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Walt Weiskopf, Harold Danko, and Chien-Kwan Lin. Nicholas graduated in May 2010 with a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies and Music Education. Nicholas has continued his studies in New York with Will Vinson and Lage Lund. Nicholas has many influences, but the most prominent voices that have influenced his style in recent years are Michael Brecker, George Coleman, Robert Glasper, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kenny Garrett, Roy Hargrove, Frank Strozier, and Bob Berg.