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Nick Ballarini

Jobbing Musician That Loves Jazz But Plays Polkas For Survival

About Me

Taught piano, organ and accordion for Lyon Healy Chicago, Mueller Music Elmhurst Illinois. Moved from Chicago to Dallas, Texas in 1975.

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because of the freedom of expression that it allows. A tune becomes yours as no one else plays it that way. I was first exposed to jazz by an uncle that was a Joe Williams fan, then Errol Garner and Dave Brubeck while at the US Navy School of Music as a pianist/accordionist and later under the tutelage of jazz accordionist Leon Sash. I have worked with Mel Torme, Luciano Pavarotti, Anita Bryant. The best shows I ever attended were Charlie Byrd, Dave Brubeck, Erroll Garner and Dallas Jazz Orchestra Rehearsals. The first jazz record I bought was Joe Williams Singing Blues. My advice to new players is try phrasing like Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, while staying in meter. Whatever your instrument, sing your part, don't execute it.