A strong baritone soloist in the tradition of Pepper Adams, Nick Brignola has long been overshadowed by Adams and Gerry Mulligan but actually ranks near the top. He occasionally doubles on other instruments (soprano, alto and flute). After studying at Ithaca College and Berklee he played and recorded with Reese Markewich in the late ’50s, Herb Pomeroy, Cal Tjader and the Mastersounds. Brignola worked with Woody Herman’s Orchestra (1963), Sal Salvador and Ted Curson (1967) but has generally been a leader of his own small groups. For a time he played fusion in the early ’70s but since then has mostly performed hard bop. Among the many labels Nick Brignola has recorded for are Priam (his own company), Beehive, Interplay, SeaBreeze, Discovery and Reservoir.
— Scott Yanow, All-Music Guide