The Les Paul Trio was a Monday night staple at The Iridium on Broadway in New York City. Since Les Paul’s death in 2009, his Trio– guitarist Lou Pallo, bassist Nicki Parrott, and pianist John Colianni–has carried on his legacy, performing every Monday night with special guests that have included guitar heroes from a variety of genres, including Jeff Beck, Steve Miller, Ted Nugent, and Robert Randolph among others.
“SHE HAS THAT SPECIAL GIFT YOU CANNOT BUY IN A MUSIC STORE.” – LES PAUL
Nicki Parrott hails from Newcastle, Australia, After studying at New South Wales Conservatorium of Music and studying with visiting bassists Ray Brown or John Clayton an Australian Young Achievers Award provided her funds to come to New York and study with Rufus Reid. Stateside, she has performed with Clark Terry, Michel Legrand, Billy Taylor, Dick Hyman, Terri Thornton, Skitch Henderson, John Pizzarelli, Warren Vache, Jr., Harry Allen, Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Howard Alden, Ken Peplowski, and many others. She has also performed in Broadway shows, including Avenue Q, Imaginary Friends, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Summer of ’42 and Jekyll and Hyde.
Nicki has played major festivals worldwide, including the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Jazz in July at the 92nd Street Y, Detroit Jazz Festival, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival and the Berlin Jazz Festival. She is featured on Grammy-winning producer Arif Mardin’s final album, All My Friends Are Here, crooning the sultry film-noir song “No Way Out.”
Bucky Pizzarelli is a living legend. His seven decades on the jazz scene have garnered the guitarist and banjo player some the highest praise in the industry. His professional career began at age 17 with Vaughn Monroe’s dance band. He was on staff at NBC for many years and played on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He toured with Benny Goodman until his death in 1986 and performed at the Regan and Clinton White House. He has performed with nearly every jazz musician from Zoot Sims to Stephane Grappelli . Bucky is the father of bassist Martin Pizzarelli and guitarist/vocalist John.
Nicki joined the LJC faculty in 2009. This is her second festival appearance and she performs here with her trio mates and the great Bucky Pizzarelli who last appeared at Litchfield with Benny Green in 2009. The Trio’s performance and Nicki’s work with the camp are supported in part by the Les Paul Foundation.
