Sal Nistico

Who was Sal Nistico?

Salvatore Nistico was a jazz tenor saxophonist.

Associated for many years with Woody Herman's Herd, Nistico played in the 1962-65 group, considered one of the Herman's best lineups, alongside Phil Wilson, Bill Chase, Nat Pierce and Jake Hanna.

He started playing alto sax, switching to tenor in 1956, starting out on a Buescher before switching to a Conn 10M tenor saxophone, and briefly played baritone sax.

In 1965, he joined Count Basie but returned on many occasions to play with Herman. Around that time he was also a member of Dusko Goykovich's sextet, together with other musicians associated with the Herd such as Carl Fontana, Nat Pierce, and Michael Moore. He also played with Nat Adderley, Don Ellis, Stan Tracey, Chuck Mangione and Buddy Rich.

Sal's solo work contrasts his big band work. The solo work is more bebop oriented, as heard on the Heavyweights recording.