“Jazz was my upbringing, but initially pursuing a career as a sideman meant I had to become well versed in R&B, blues and heavy metal. When I play live, I incorporate all kinds of music and have a lot of fun. All of these styles have contributed to defining my own sound as an artist.” Nick Colionne’s charismatic stage presence, combined with his guitar virtuosity, are evidence he’s succeeded; audiences love the excitement and energy he brings to every performance.
Nick Colionne's latest CD Keepin' It Cool on Narada Jazz found the first single "Always Thinking of You" propelling him to the top of the charts once again. This single was #9 for the year 2006 on Radio and Records, and Nick was the #9 Artist of the Year. On the charts for 45 weeks, and Top 10 for an amazing 19 weeks, this single was also # 1 for 2006 on Radio Waves Monitor Chart (Internet Airplay) and #1 on the World Jazz Top 20 Chart. In fact, Nick is on every major top 10 list for 2006! The second single, "If You Ask Me", went top 20 and his newest single, the title track "Keepin' It Cool" is currently climbing the charts. The CD has received rave reviews around the world.
With the release of his previous CD Just Come On In, Nick Colionne joined the ranks of today's premiere jazz artists. His first single "High Flyin'" was Top 10 for 2004, reached #2 on the R&R Smooth Jazz, #1 on the radio streaming internet airplay charts per RadioWaves.com, and #1 on the World Jazz Top 20 Singles charts compiled by Top-40 Charts.com. Just Come On In's second single "It's Been Too Long" quickly climbed the R&R chart, was selected as one of the top 5 songs for summer by R&R, and reached #2 on the World Jazz Top 20 Singles chart as well as #16 on R&R. Both are among the most played in Recurrent.
The Chicago born, bred and still residing guitarist turned pro at 15, touring all over the world with rock bands and some of the greatest legends of R&B, from The Staples Singers to Curtis Mayfield.
Nick Colionne launched his solo career in 1994 with "It's My Turn” which reached #13 on the national charts, and he hasn't looked back since. Nick is an endorsee for Epiphone Guitars (a division of Gibson USA), Gibson Strings and Accessories, AKG Acoustics and Stacy Adams clothing.
Nick Colionne's sustained chart-topping Radio history combined with his incredible live performances have propelled him to the upper echelons of smooth jazz stardom. Most recently, he won the International Instrumental Artist of the Year Award by the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards; the 2006 winner was Trumpeter Chris Botti.
The most exciting part of all of this for me is that I am actually living my dream, getting a chance to play guitar for people in so many places", says Colionne. "The greatest moments come when I look at their faces in the audience when I play, and I realize that I'm making them feel what I'm feeling. That's a fascinating level of communication".
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Nick grew up in a household full of music - and at age 9 he began to learn guitar from his stepfather, Edward. By the age of 15 he turned pro, touring all over the world with famous artists and bands. Because he was usually the youngest band member, he would sometimes paint a mascara moustache on his upper lip to make himself look older - so imagine his embarrassment when his grandmother attended one of his concerts and promptly wiped said moustache off with her ever-present handkerchief!
Nick's mother Juanita made sure he knew the rules - he could have his professional career if he stayed in school and graduated. Now the recipient of the 1996 Malcolm X College Alumnus of the Year Award, Nick has been a mentor at St. Laurence K-8 School in Elgin, IL since 1994 where, inbetween performing and recording dates, he counsels, teaches music, computer music skills, guitar and assists with the talent shows for successive classes of eager students. |
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