May 2024 Performances
Click through to my Main page for the current details. And don’t forget that you can catch me with my Swing Four on the First Saturday of every month at the Top of the Mark!
Nick’s Jazzopaters Return
Nick’s nine piece ensemble dedicated to music of Duke Ellington returns this month with two special programs of Swing Era Duke: 1936-1943. Check the performance calendar for details. In the meantime, enjoy this mini set on YouTube.
Nick on KJZZ
KJZZ, an NPR affiliate in Tempe, Arizona, interviewed Nick for a piece on Soundies, as well as both Johnny and Oscar Moore. Click on this link to read the online post and listen to the archived broadcast.
Freddie Green for AG
My latest article/lesson for Acoustic Guitar magazine is now available online via this link. I introduce swing jazz rhythm guitar master Freddie Green to guitarists by focusing on some examples of his Old Testament Basie playing, 1937-1949. Also included is a 45 minute video lesson!
New Album Out!
I am very proud to announce the release Michael Gamble’s “A Sailboat in the Moonlight” extended play, seven track digital album, available exclusively through Bandcamp. This is the first commercially available recording on which I have appeared in quite some time and the only swing jazz release which includes my guitar work. It’s an amazingly swinging session which features a trans-continental all star band: Ricky Alexander (reeds), Alex Guilbert (piano), Charlie Halloran (trombone), Jon-Erik Kellso (trumpet), Jay Rattman (reeds), Hal Smith (drums), and Laura Windley (vocals), along with myself on guitar and bandleader/arranger Gamble on bass.
Arv Garrison Box
I have co-produced and contributed a massive essay to Fresh Sound Records’ three disc Arv Garrison collection, featuring nearly every extant recording of the obscure but fantastic early bebop electric guitarist. Full details here.
Get Happy Web Series
In 2020-2021, I joined Loren Schoenberg (National Jazz Museum in Harlem) and Hal Smith (The Syncopated Times) for this multi-part music and discussion series focusing on the the first two years of Benny Goodman’s big band. Click through for a playlist of all episodes.
King Cole Box
I contributed an essay in appreciation of the great Oscar Moore to 2019’s highly celebrated Nat Cole box set Hittin’ The Ramp: The Early Years (1936-1943) out now on Resonance Records: click here for more information and to order a copy.