 | contacts |
| jazz | ||
|
Saxophonist, Nick Biello set to release New America on La Reserve Records 6/20/25 His third release, New America, highlights an artist coming into his maturity, both as an instrumentalist and a composer. New America weaves a collection of personal tales from Nick’s own life with the greater narrative of social and political upheaval that the collective consciousness of America is facing. Bel Canto kicks off the album with electrifying momentum, channeling the spirited energy of classic Italian opera. This vibrant, up-tempo swing tune showcases Nick Biello’s melodic mastery, sending the saxophone soaring through energetic passages that blend operatic drama with jazz improvisation. The quintet navigates the intricate harmonies effortlessly, creating a musical experience that’s as exhilarating as it is refined. Queen of Jordan shifts gracefully into a moody, introspective Bossa Nova. The track offers listeners a rich tapestry of tonal colors, drawing them into a contemplative world of subtle grooves and sophisticated interplay. Biello’s alto sax dances gently over the rhythmic foundation, evoking a sense of mystery and emotional depth, making this piece an evocative highlight of the album. Slightly Perilous lives up to its intriguing title, delivering an adventurous tour-de-force. Bursting with rhythmic complexities and dynamic solos, the quintet dives headfirst into Biello’s composition, showcasing their technical prowess and cohesive musicianship. Every twist and turn of the melody is navigated with fearless precision, making it a standout for listeners who enjoy jazz that pushes creative boundaries. Before the Flood is an epic journey inspired by mythical tales predating the biblical flood. The composition unfolds like a cinematic narrative, filled with vivid imagery and imaginative storytelling through music. The quintet paints a sweeping sonic landscape that moves from serene moments of beauty to powerful, dramatic crescendos. The musicians’ synergy is especially palpable in this ambitious and captivating track. A Long Way To You offers an emotive, heartfelt respite, highlighting the tender and lyrical side of Biello’s composing and playing. The intimate interplay between Biello’s poignant alto saxophone and Charlie Porter’s warm, expressive trumpet tone creates an atmosphere of yearning and gentle melancholy, resonating deeply with listeners who appreciate sincerity and soulfulness in jazz ballads. The title track, New America, closes the album with a powerful reflection on contemporary social and political divides. Biello captures the essence of a nation facing internal conflict and yearning for unity through compassion and understanding. The track is deeply expressive, fusing intricate melodies with resonant improvisations, capturing the band’s cohesive spirit and musical vision. It’s a call to action as much as a contemplative anthem, offering hope for renewed connections in a divided landscape. Nick Biello was born in New Haven, Connecticut to a musical family. His father, Antonio Biello, was a noted symphonic flautist, educator, composer, and entrepreneur. This afforded Nick the opportunity to become exposed to music of numerous styles, from jazz to classical, rock to R&B, and opera to world music. Nick grew up with a deep passion for music, always knowing that his path was one of creativity and devotion to his first love. Through his studies of the piano and later, the saxophone, Nick embarked on his journey of discovery through music. Attending the Hartt School of Music and learning from the great alto saxophone master Jackie McLean was hugely inspiring for Nick during his formative years. Ever curious about music of various styles, Nick also began pursuing the study of the pipe organ and worked as a liturgical musician and choir director for many years. When he moved to New York City to pursue his master’s degree in music at Manhattan School of Music, he began to focus primarily on the saxophone. At this time, he also began to find his compositional voice, writing many works for chamber ensembles and for his jazz quartet. Eventually, his growing abilities as a saxophonist would see him winning the Julius Keilwerth “Saxophone Idol” Competition in 2014. He was later awarded college posts at The New School and New Jersey City University, where he teaches saxophone, improvisation and ensembles. Nick recorded his first album as a leader on Truth Revolution Recordings, entitled Vagabond Soul. The album featured Phil Markowitz, Andrew Renfroe, Paul Jones, John Benitez, and Clarence Penn. Signing with La Reserve Records, Nick released a trio record in 2024 entitled Between Light and Shadow, drawing inspiration from the German Sci-Fi show “Dark.” His third release, New America, highlights an artist coming into his maturity, both as an instrumentalist and a composer. New America weaves a collection of personal tales from Nick’s own life with the greater narrative of social and political upheaval that the collective consciousness of America is facing. The album features a group that has performed together for years, resulting in a sound that possesses a unified spirit and musical focus. Trumpeter Charlie Porter shares the front line alongside Nick’s saxophone, with the eminent pianist George Colligan driving the energy of the compositions to new heights. Bassist Alex Tremblay, a longtime musical collaborator to Biello, and Austrian-born drummer Peter Kronreif tastefully propel the rhythmic propulsion of the group. Nick has shared the stage with world-class artists, such as Slide Hampton, Cedar Walton, the Jimmy Heath Big Band, and John Benitez. He has performed at the Pescara and Bussi Jazz Festivals in Italy, as well as the Taipei and Taichung Jazz Festivals in Taiwan, and other festivals across the globe. Nick’s saxophone has been heard in notable NYC venues such as Birdland, Blue Note, Dizzy’s, Lincoln Center, Cellar Dog, Smalls, Mezzrow, Smoke, Zinc Bar, The Kitano, Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, and Sony Hall. TRACK, TIMES: 1) Bel Canto - 6:48 2) Queen of Jordan - 7:25 3) Slightly Perilous - 5:10 4) Before the Flood - 11:10 5) A Long Way To You - 6:16 6) New America - 7:04 *all compositions by Nick Biello PLAYER, INSTRUMENT: Nick Biello, alto saxophone Charlie Porter, trumpet George Colligan, piano Alex Tremblay, bass Peter Kronreif, drums Artists: Nick Biello Album: New America Label: La Reserve Records Street Date: June 20, 2025 Website: www.nickbiellomusic.com |
| |
| jazz | ||
© 2007 | ||