Nick Brignola interviewed by Monk Rowe, Clinton, New York, July 28, 1997 [transcript]

Table of Contents: Biography -- Writeups in the Leonard Feather book -- Formal training ended because he was playing by ear/Mimicked clarinet stars on the radio -- Role of music as communicator in World War II/Childhood in wartime -- Influence of multiracial community/Schooling/Hiding inability to read music in high school -- Learning to read: "something you have to do" -- First baritone: "Love/hate relationship"/Meeting Harry Carney -- RandB gig: theatrics and experimenting with all influences/"Cookie cutter" musicians -- Learning buts of theory/Discusses transcribing solos/"I'm still that kid playing by ear" --Paul Desmond: "Lyrical simplicity" -- Moving west/Gig with Cal Tjader -- 52nd street/Racial mixing at jam sessions -- Jazz parties: racial mix/Being a "character actor" -- "Being able to fit into any musical situation" -- Small labels and "image makers"/Brief stint with Woody Herman -- Recordings with other Baritones/Myth of Upstate New York tenor players -- Competition for gigs/Preparing to perform.