The Nick Russo Trio performs originals, standards, 1950s & 60s jazz as well as 20s & 30s Traditional Jazz, music from New Orleans and Dixieland. We perform as both an instrumental trio as well as with a male and/or female vocalists. We have varied versions of the group performing the music of A.C. Jobim, bossa-nova, samba, Brazilian pop music and other music from Brasil. We also perform the music of Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Supremes, Ray Charles, Bill Withers and other R & B, Motown, etc.. We also perform singer/song-writer music, pop (including Beatles, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan), world music and folk music.
All the members of the group are full-time professionals. The group has many references and recommendations (all 5 star reviews from gigmasters) as we often get gigs via word of mouth. We are never too loud, never obtrusive and we always punctual, easy to work with and reliable.
Guitarist/Banjoist, Nick Russo leads a life of full-time performing, including performances in New York City at: Carnegie Hall, The U.N., I.A.J.E., Lincoln Center, Blue Note, Birdland, Iridium Jazz Club, The Zinc Bar, 55 Bar, Cape Cod Jazz Festival, N.J.P.A.C., Hot Steamed Jazz Festival in Essex, Zinc Bar, Smoke Jazz Club, Sweet Rhythm, Barbes, Showmans, Lenox Lounge, Charles Ives Center, Tilles Center, Cleopatra's Needle, Kavehaz, Merchants, The C-Note, Smiths, Moto, WKCR & WUSB radio. Television appears include Manhattan One, Metro Elvis in Manhattan, and numerous local cable access channels. International performances include: Japan, Omsk, Tomsk, Novasibersk, Akademgorodok (Academy City), Moscow, Brazil, Barcelona, St. Kitts in the Caribbean, Barcelona, Spain, Cannes Film Festival (2011, 2012, 2013), Sweden (2012) & at the Banff Center in Canada. Nick will also be playing guitar and banjo on the soundtrack for the new film, The Great Gatsby with Jay Z.
*Nick appears (playing guitar) in the Sam Mendes film, "Away We Go." Nick Russo also composed music and plays guitar on the soundtrack for the independent film: "King George."
Nick Russo has been the guitarist and banjoist with Victor Jones' Cultureversy, Miles Griffith's New Ting, David Pleasant, The Grand Street Stompers, Mona's Hot Four, Garden Party, Raphael McGregor, Gordon Webster & many others.
Nick also has worked with the late, legendary Jimmy McGriff, late, legendary vibraphonist, Teddy Charles, late legendary bassist, Sony Dallas, saxophonist, Tim Berne, violinist, Jim Nolet (formally with the Jazz Passengers), Tony Moreno, Mike Bisio, the Frank & Joe Show (Frank Vignola/Joe Ascione), Bruce Cox Trio, Dan Levinson, Kim Clarke Quintet, Vince Giordano and The Night Hawks many and others.
Nick's recent recording "Ro" features Nick Russo + 11: Mark Turner, Miles Griffith, Samir Chatterjee, Ari Hoenig & others. Nick is also the author of 2 books: "Metallica, Legendary Licks series vol. 1 & vol. 2 as well as the editor of the GRP arpeggio book and exercise book (published by Cherry Lane/Hal Leonard). The new self produced album "RO" is getting reviews in Down Beat, Jazz Times, All About Jazz, Jazz Improv magazine, Hot House, ejazz news, Boston Gazette, Vintage Guitar, Cadence, Jazz-iz, Drumhead Magazine & others across the country as well as reviews in Italy, Turkey, Brazil, Greece & other countries. National radio play and internationally radio play include Sweden, Switzerland, France, Canada, across the U.S. & other countries.
Anniversaries
Bachelor Parties
Bachelorette Parties
Banquets
Birthday Parties
Children's Birthday Parties
Celebrations
Christenings
Christmas Parties
Church Services
Clubs
Community Events
Conventions
Corporate Functions
Dinner Dances
Festivals
Fund Raisers
Funerals
Graduation Parties
Grand Openings
Picnic
Private Parties
Proms
Restaurants
Reunions
Sweet 16 Parties
Weddings
Wedding Ceremonies
Wedding Cocktail Hours
Wedding Receptions
Night and DayCole Porter
Girl From IpanemaA.C. Jobim
Take FivePaul Desmond
WoodstockJoni Mitchell
Four on SixWes Montgomery
Kind Of BlueMiles Davis
AlagoasDjavan
SerradoDjavan
NefertitiWayne Shorter
Giant StepsJohn Coltrane
Fly Me To The MoonBart Howard
You'd Be So Nice To Come Home ToCole Porter
SummertimeGeorge Gershwin
Inner UrgeJoe Henserson
Ju Ju Wayne Shorter
PinocchioWayne Shorter
So Danco SambaA.C. Jobim
DesafinadoTom Jobim/Newton Mendonça
CorcodavoTom Jobim
So Danco Samba Tom Jobim
I Love YouCole Porter
After Your'e GoneDavid Weissner
Royal Garden BluesClarence Williams and Spencer Williams
I WishStevie Wonder
Isn't She LovelyStevie Wonder
Living For The CityStevie Wonder
Sir DukeStevie Wonder
Too HighStevie Wonder
Send One Your LoveStevie Wonder
Cold SweatJames Brown
Get On The Good FootJames Brown
Lickin StickJames Brown
Sex MachineJames Brown
Soul PowerJames Brown
Super BadJames Brown
TriggeredNick Russo
Little HandsNick Russo
DindaNick Russo
RoNick Russo
MitsvahNick Russo
Moy ZaichickNick Russo
MmmNick Russo
UntitledNick Russo
Please Come HomeNick Russo
Embraceable YouGeorgo Gershwin
It Might As Well Be SpringRichard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II
When The Saints Go Marching Intraditional
Amazing Gracetraditional
A Closer Walk With Theetraditional
April In ParisVernon Duke
Gone With The Wind
Autum In New YorkVernon Duke
CherokeeRay Noble
If I Could Write A BookGeorge Gershwin
All BluesMiles Davis
D Natural BluesWes Montgomery
BreezinGeorge Benson
This MasquaradeLeon Russell
You Stepped Out Of A DreamGus Hahn/Nacio Herb Brown
InvitationKaper/Washington
Gentle RainLouis Bonfa
Black OrpheusLuis Bonfa
Lush LifeBilly Strayhorn
Take The 'A' TrainBilly Strayhorn
In A Mellow ToneDuke Ellington
SolarMiles Davis
Someday My Prince Will ComeChurchhill
Up Jumped SpringFreddie Hubbard
Triste A.C. Jobim
They Can't Take That Away From MeGeorge Gershwin
There Will Never Be Another YouWarren/Gordon
There Is No Greater LoveSymes/Jones
WaveTom Jobim
Round MidnightThelonious Monk
Straight No ChaserThelonious Monk
Donna LeeCharlie Parker/Miles Davis
Billies' BounceCharlie Parker
Now's The TimeCharlie Parker
OrnithologyCharlie Parker
DexterityCharlie Parker
CrazeologyCharlie Parker
ConfirmationCharlie Parker
Scrapple From The AppleCharlie Parker
The Night Has A Thousand EyesWeisman, Garrett, Wayne
My Favorite ThingsRichard Rodgers
Count DownJohn Coltrane
NiamaJohn Coltrane
Central Park WestJohn Coltrane
Afro-BlueJohn Coltrane
A Love SupremeJohn Coltrane
LazybirdJohn Coltrane
Too Many To Name!!we cover the entire American Song Book!
20's Hits Trio
30's Hits Trio
40's Hits Trio
Acoustic Trio
Blues Trio
Brazilian Duo
Brazilian Trio
Dixieland Duo
Dixieland Trio
Funk Duo
Funk Trio
Jazz Trio
Latin Duo
Latin Trio
R&B Duo
R&B Trio
Swing Duo
Swing Trio
Price Range
$325 - $3000
per event
Members
Nick Russo
guitar & banjo
Ari Hoenig, Willard Dyson, David Pleasant (Gullah)
drums
Miles Griffith (jazz, world music)
voice
Mark Turner
sax
Art Hirahara
piano/Rhodes
Samir Chatterjee
tabla
Greg Glassman
trumpet
Matt Clohesy or Nathan Peck
bass
Betina Hershey (jazz, R&B, pop, folk)
voice
Influences
Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Miles Davis, Jobim, Gilberto, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Thelonious Monk, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, McKinney's Cotton Pickers, Django Reinhardt, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Aretha
Reviews (32)
Wedding Cocktail Hour
in Long Island, NY
on 09/09/2012
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"Nick Russo is the most accomodating musician you could ever hope to work with. He honored every song request we asked for. He went above and beyond when he and his wife helped me compose an original song for my husband as a surprise. He then accompanied me on the song at my wedding. People couldn't stop talking the entire night about how amazing the song was. His talent is phenomenal. The feel his musicianship lent to the cocktail hour & ceremony was one of elegance, sophistication, fun, uplifting, and beautiful. I highly recommend him to any future bride, not just for his talent, but for his warm and inviting personality as well. Thanks Nick! Jessica & Paul Bartels"
- Jessica A.
Wedding Reception
in Morristown, NJ
on 08/06/2011
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"My husband and I were looking for a unique band to play on our wedding day. We discovered the Nick Russo Trio and their sound was perfect! Nick reached out to us frequently during the planning process and worked diligently to provide the atmosphere that we were trying to create. Everyone at our wedding gave the band rave reviews. He even let my husband sit in on drums. Nick was a pleasure to work with and I would recommend his band to anyone. The Nick Russo Trio helped to make our wedding day truly memorable. If you choose to work with Nick, you won't be disappointed."
- Kathleen F.
Wedding Cocktail Hour
in Spring Lake, NJ
on 09/24/2011
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"Our wedding could not have been as spectacular as it was without the incredible talent exhibited by the Nick Russo Trio. As lovers of nearly every genre of music, my wife and I chose The Trio for their flexibility, ingenuity and ability to read and react to their audience. Not only were they a highlight of the evening, but Nick came to the rescue when the house PA system failed us providing us a timely solution, ultimately saving the cocktail hour. All technical praise aside, the Trio are simply fantastic musicians, masters of their craft, and it is my pleasure to recommend them to anyone who asks. Many thanks, Guys. Matt
Alyssa"
- Alyssa M.
Corporate Function
in New York, NY
on 01/15/2013
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"My experience booking the Nick Russo Trio was seamless. I got immediate response from hm and he was accommodating with all our requests for play list and attire. He was very thorough and checked in prior to our event, which I appreciated. We got very good comments from our client and the guests regarding the entertainment. Nick and his Trio helped to make our event a success. I would highly recommend them. We were honored to hear the great Charles Davis as well. All the musicians were stellar. (Nicholas Russo, guitar; Charles Davis, sax & Essiet Essiet, bass)."
- Stephanie M.
School Assembly
in Danbury, CT
on 08/03/2011
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"Yoshi, the Nick Russo Trio's upright bassist, was phenomenal. Nick, in arranging to have Yoshi perform with me, was extremely helpful-- especially since plans were made within such short notice.
I highly reccomend the Nick Russo trio, and Yoshi especially for performing cool artistically meticulously crafted live music as well as for their overall friendliness and professionalism. Thanks guys. "
- Benjamin S.
Birthday Party (Adults)
in Roxbury, CT
on 07/17/2011
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"We were completely pleased with Nick and his group. Their music was wonderful, exactly what we had hoped for. They were friendly, prompt, accomodating. I would hire Nick again with pleasure. "
- Kathleen P.
Wedding
in South Dartmouth, MA
on 09/07/2007
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"A wonderful group! On both occasions - our wedding and a 70th birthday party event - gave way beyond what we asked. With a whole array of instruments, they turned themselves into a New Orleans jazz band for the wedding, picked up and moved location without a murmur, filled in awkward gaps caused by late guests ... they were sensitive, helpful, accommodating, generous, and played with enthusiasm and a rare degree of musicianship and inventive genius. Our guests were delighted and very impressed with the music, which created exactly the mood we were hoping for and enhanced the occasion to a memorable degree. They are unbelievably talented, obliging, charming and FUN!"
- Peter A.
Wedding Reception
in New York City, NY
on 06/18/2011
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"We hired Nick Russo Trio for our wedding reception on 18 june. In addition to multi-talented Nick on the guitar and his lovely wife Betina on the lead vocal, they also had a great male vocalist who sang great classical American songs. The band is very professional. They accommodated all our song requests and had a great three-hour performance. We strongly recommend the trio and hope to hire them for similar important events in the future."
- Ismail C.
Art Gallery Opening
in Bellport, NY
on 06/11/2011
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"Nick Russo was very accommodating and was eager to please. The beautiful music created by 3 people will leave you questioning, how did they do that? With a very eclectic guest attendance, Nicks music was able to satisfy all levels of musical tastes and rhythms. Definitely a crowd pleaser!"
- Teresa P.
Club Event
in Nyc, NY
on 03/08/2011
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"They were great! "
- Eva S.
Retirement Party
in St James, NY
on 11/06/2010
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"Nick Russo's troup was fantanstic!!I received lots of compliments about the music and they were very accomodating in leading our 'mardi gras' themed parade!!! Great group!!! "
- Claire B.
Birthday Party (Adults)
in Brooklyn, NY
on 10/23/2010
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"I was extremely impressed with Nick Russo Trio. They were very eager to please and knew just how to please my guests. They are creative and superior musicians.I am a professional musician myself and certainly know quality when I see it. They were getting a great deal of applause from my guests and everyone kept asking me where I found them.
They added class and a great deal more to the party. The selection of music was excellent! Bravo!!! "
- Apryl G.
Wedding Reception
in East Brunswick, NJ
on 10/10/2010
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"Nick did such an amazing job - he totally knew what we wanted and delivered it in style!!"
- Joanie B.
Anniversary Party
in Nutley, NJ
on 05/21/2010
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"The Nick Russo Trio made my event very special. I had imagined what I wanted the evening to be and they exceeded my expectations making it a night we'll always cherish."
- Cindy T.
Birthday Party (Adults)
in Wyckoff, NJ
on 11/15/2009
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"We had a wide range of ages at our birthday party (from 1-year-olds to octagenarians) and everyone loved the music. They added an upbeat atmosphere to the party without taking over. I wouldn't hesitate to hire them again for my next party. Thanks!"
- Susan F.
Corporate Function
in Tarrytown, NY
on 09/13/2009
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"I found Nick Russo to be both very talented and very willing to adapt to the needs of my event. It was extremely easy to work with him and his guitar playing was extraordinary. I highly recommend him."
- Meg Y.
Bat Mitzvah
in Woodbury, NY
on 09/05/2009
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"Nick did a great job and was exactly what i was looking for during my event."
- Cheryl I.
Wedding
in Robbinsville, NJ
on 08/29/2009
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"What an amazing band! Their unique blend of funk/jazz/blues makes them an unforgetable band. You can tell that they care about their music and have respect for each individual they play for.
We have seen bands all over the country and this is by far the best band we have seen at a wedding, not even close really. The guests at our wedding were from all walks of life and age and everyone commented on how great the band was and how they have never enjoyed a band at a wedding this much before.
Bottom line is that the Trio rocks! We truely couldn't have been happier and love the band!
Thank you to Nick and the bandmates! "
- Talia S.
Wedding
in Englewood, NJ
on 06/27/2009
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"Due to my budget, I hired Nick Russo as a Duo for my cocktail hour. I was completely floored with how good they sounded. My venue was set up in a way that the Duo performed on a balcony overlooking my guests. At first many didn't realize the music was live and thought it was a cd playing in the background! They were that good! He played Brazilian Jazz & Bossa Nova to go with my Latin themed wedding. He was a really nice man, real easy to work with and the vocalist had the voice of an angel. I was 100% satisfied and would recommend this group to ANYONE! Thanks so much Nick, you truly made my cocktail hour the talk of the town. Tammy & Tony - Rockaway NJ 6/27/2009"
- Tammy E.
Funeral
in Philadelphia, PA
on 10/05/2007
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"Banjoist, Nick Russo played our beloved Monie's memorial service. At 100 yrs of age, it was moving to have music which she loved. The music & his respectful demeanor was needed to remind us of what she taught us to be happy. The ease in arranging for him to play was effortless & took a great deal of worry out of my mind. When his trio began after service with a gentle wail of a trumpet seamlessly coming from heaven, celebration of life began. With his fabulous music we found ourselves gently & joyfully dancing with our ancestors. Thank you for making what might have been a sad & solemn experience a joyful remembrance. I recommend Nick for any of life's celebrations."
- Laura T.
Private Party
in New York, NY
on 04/09/2010
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"Nick Russo Trio was a delight to work with. They were accommodating, easy-going, and took the time to fully understand what we needed for our event. They definitely contributed to the success, and I would be happy to work with them again in the future.
"
- Nicole D.
Private Party
in Manahawkin, NJ
on 08/01/2008
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"This review is for Nick Russo solo jazz guitarist. He is very good
solo, so I am not able to give feedback for the trio. I'm sure the
trio would only compliment his wonderful skills. He is a very pleasant
gentleman, on time for the party. Great communication and accomodating.
Thanks for making the rehearsal dinner in the groove. Highly recommended."
- Jan B.
Celebration
in New York, NY
on 03/06/2013
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"Nick was a pro from start to finish. He was able to work within my budget and was flexible in terms of the playlist, etc. He really made the party special and I would recommend him to anyone."
- Mary K.
Birthday Party (Adults)
in Old Westbury, NY
on 02/09/2013
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"These guys are amazing! They played in the living room of our house and sounded wonderful. People couldn't believe we had a jazz trio playing and absolutely loved them and couldn't stop talking about them. They helped create a relaxed and fun atmosphere and I can't wait to have an excuse to hire them again. Thanks guys!
Lynn Gupta"
- Lynn M.
Birthday Party (Adults)
in Irvington, NY
on 01/12/2013
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"Highly positive lots of fun great event for husband's 60th birthday"
- Isabel K.
Wedding Cocktail Hour
in Island Park, NY
on 12/08/2012
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"I hired Nick for my wedding cocktail hour and they did a great job. They set a very classy but upbeat tone for the wedding. Plus, the little kids loved dancing to their music."
- Stephanie C.
Wedding Cocktail Hour
in North Bergen, NJ
on 06/10/2012
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"Nick and the guys were truly first-rate. From our first contact to the time we said goodbye, our experience was everything we could've asked for. Prompt, professional, and of course, phenomenal music. These guys are superb artists and come highly recommended.
Thank you for helping to create such a memorable evening. "
- Erik B.
Corporate Function
in New York City, NY
on 12/20/2011
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"Crowd pleaser! Everything went very well, according to plan. Most folks at my office (about 100 or so), said it was the best year-end event we ever had, and that the music made all the difference!
The band members were pleasant and professional and the music was great."
- Pam J.
Private Party
in Montclair, NJ
on 10/15/2011
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"Extremely nice to work with, very professional. wonderful range of music. "
- Iris L.
Engagement Party
in New York City, NY
on 12/17/2011
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"Nick was amazing- so accommodating and very sweet. The band was professionally dressed and was a lovely addition to the party. They sounded great and had an eclectic mix of music. I would definitely hire them again! :)"
- Ashley J.
Christmas Party
in Redding, CT
on 12/23/2012
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"We had a party of 100 guests. Nick had them groovin' and moovin' for the entire party. We all had a great time. Gigmaster helped make the entire process simple easy and fun."
- Greg Y.
Banquet
in Aquebogue, NY
on 05/21/2013
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"The Nick Russo Trio was very professional, courteous, and proactive in setting up all necessary arrangements. Communications were clear and anything that we wanted in terms of music - instrumental, vocal, mix, genres, volume - was accommodated. The musicians were warm and friendly, played very well, and the singer had a beautiful voice. We wanted jazz and it was just perfect. Pricing was great too. I would definitely recommend the Nick Russo Trio. "
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In addition to New York, Nick Russo Trio will also travel to Brooklyn, Hoboken, Jersey City, Long Island City, Union City, Weehawken, Flushing, North Bergen, West New York, Bayonne, Kearny, Secaucus, Staten Island, Cliffside Park, Fairview, Jamaica, Bronx, Edgewater, Harrison, Newark, North Arlington, Ridgefield, Fort Lee, Little Ferry, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, Palisades Park, Ridgewood, Belleville, Carlstadt
and many other locations in and around the New York area.
Nick Russo Trio
was rated an average of 5.0 stars out of
5 by
32 GigMasters clients.
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