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Nick Drozdoff

Nick Drozdoff is leading a double life, and has been doing so for as long as he can remember. While he majored in Electrical Engineering (graduating from Washington University with a BSEE), he continued his music studies playing trumpet in churches and big bands in the Saint Louis area. After settling in Chicago to work at Motorola he began playing in rehearsal bands around the Chicago area and playing at churches. He ultimately quit his job as a junior design engineer to pursue a career as a free-lance studio musician.

In 1980, he received a call from Stu Ross, road manager for Maynard Ferguson. Stu offered the job of playing second trumpet on Maynard’s band. Drozdoff accepted and stayed on the road for most of 1981.

After leaving the road, he settled into a free-lance career spanning more than 14 years. Drozdoff, in addition to running his own music contracting business, played in a free-lance capacity for the Ojays, the Temptations, The Spinners, Sammy Davis Junior, Rosemary Clooney, Bill Cosby, John Denver, Dennis DeYoung of Styx, Melissah Manchester, Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme, Fred Rogers, the Lawrence Welk All Stars, Bob Newhart, Frankie Avalon, Diahann Carroll, Gladys Knight and the Pips, to name only a few of the acts that came through requiring his services. He has even worked with members of the Chicago Symphony many occasions. His trumpet work was also featured on many radio and TV jingles.

After many years in the trenches of the Chicago free-lance scene, the business changed drastically. As Drozdoff completed his first master’s degree, a MM in Classical Trumpet from Roosevelt University, he changed his entire direction in his musical life. He closed his contracting business to re-direct his work into that of sideman. He also began a gradual transition from lead player to jazz soloist, with many years of study with Joe Daley, Rich Corpolongo and Alan Swain. He also took on a day gig; that of high school physics teacher. Thus his double life returned.

He has been working in this capacity for many years now. Drozdoff has built his own private studio, thus tapping his engineering background. He is now composing and arranging music for his own independent label. The duality of his life has found a harmonious resting place at New Trier High School, where he teaches high school physics by day. By night he is a regular denizen of local jazz clubs and the free-lance music scene, playing between 100 and 150 gigs a year. With summers off, Drozdoff is in a position to ratchet up his jazz solo work and touring schedule.

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Recording

New MP3'S from Nick Drozdoff

New MP3'S from Nick Drozdoff

Source: All About Jazz

Trumpeter/composer, Nick Drozdoff, has just released his first three new reocordings using Sonic Foundry's powerful program, ACID.

The titles are as follows: “Evidence of Things Not Seen" “Under A Shadow in a Secret Place" “Dr. Funkenstine's Trumpets"

Each of these features just ACID and trumpets (all of the recording and performing being done by Drozdoff alone), though there are some small sequences added to “Evidence of Things Not Seen."

These three tunes will be added to Drozdoff's CD, “New Stuff ...

111

Recording

New MP3.COM Tune from Nick Drozdoff's Upcoming CD, "New Stuff"

New MP3.COM Tune from Nick Drozdoff's Upcoming CD, "New Stuff"

Source: All About Jazz

The latest tune from Nick Drozdoff's upcoming CD, “New Stuff by Nick Drozdoff" has just been posted to MP3.COM for FREE playback and downloading.

The new tune is called “Introspection" and features four trombones, four flugelhorns, four trumpets, drums, bass and keyboards. It is a simple tune consisting of two vamps acting in modest counterpoint to each other followed by an improvised development section featuring solo trumpet.

You can get to the site by going to Mr. D's Music Web ...

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Recording

Another New Tune from Nick Drozdoff's Upcoming CD is On MP3.COM

Another New Tune from Nick Drozdoff's Upcoming CD is On MP3.COM

Source: All About Jazz

The next tune from Nick Drozdoff's upcoming CD, “New Stuff" has been posted to MP3.COM for free downloads and playbacks. It is an unusuall pop/rock/fusion tune called “Eternal Noon" and can be found at http://www.mp3.com/NickDrozdoff. It features a sort of Bill Chase style of multiple trumpets and flugelhorns overlaying a rock rhythm section.

Once again this one features tones rows and alternative harmonizations contrasted with tounge-in-cheek pop/rock stylings in the B-section. Also prominently featured are some modest trumpet pyrotechnics in ...

71

Music Industry

New Music from Trumpeter, Nick Drozdoff

New Music from Trumpeter, Nick Drozdoff

Source: All About Jazz

Trumpeter/composer Nick Drozdoff has released more new music on his MP3.COM site. Drozdoff's site, located at http://www.mp3.com/NickDrozdoff features over 70 sound files of Drozdoff's music which are free for the taking in either playback or download mode.He has six Cd's available there for purchase as well. The latest CD, “New Stuff by Nick Drozdoff" is in the construction phase. The first two cuts are posted for free download right now. These are titled “Hope Deferred" and “Trumpet Miniature #1". The ...

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

No Man Is An Island

World Culture Music
2006

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