Russ Nestor – tenor sax
“Brass Roots Initiative is like a dream come true. After over 60 years playing trumpet, how ironic to be playing tenor sax in BRI.”
Q: Who has inspired you musically?
A: Maynard Ferguson – first heard while attending a high school band party.
Arturo Sandoval – OMGOMGOMG!
Richie Cole – a live performance with Manhatten Transfer.
Stan Getz during the bosso nova years.
Stanley Turrentine – love that big fat tenor sound.
Alex Nester provides inspiration every day!
Q: Other groups that you perform with – present and past?
A: Unforgettables, Thousand Oaks.
Deluxe Big Band, led by Norm Roper
Groovin’ Easy Big Band, Camarillo
Phoenix Big Band, Newbury Park
Swing Shift, Ventura County
Seniors of Note, Camarillo
Santa Clarita Concert Band
Rex Meriweather “This Ain’t Your Daddy’s Big Band”
Q: Favorite horn groups?
A: Blood, Sweat and Tears – live in 1967, 69, 70
Matrix– live c1971
Earth, Wind and Fire
Tower of Power – live many times
SeaWind
Chase – live at Newport 1971
Don Ellis Big Band – live in 1970
Q: Other instruments or information to add?
A: Principal instruments are trumpet and flugelhorn. But also double on saxophones (soprano, alto and tenor). Upon special request, a nose whistle!
Q: Anything else to share?
A: Attended Monterrey Jazz Festival every year from 1970-1988. Daughter Alex fell in love with the Blues.- at age 3!