Wielding a unique, incisive and soulful voice as an improviser and composer, Boston-based jazz saxophonist Nicholas Brust (pronounced “Bruhst”) has established his niche in the world of modern improvised music. Taking advantage of the numerous textures and combinations available in the traditional jazz small-group format, Nicholas is an accomplished bandleader and composer. He has performed with numerous highly acclaimed musicians and also prioritizes showcasing up-and-coming talent.

Nicholas released his sophomore album, Daybreak, with Outside In Music in February 2023, and his debut album, Frozen in Time, with Fresh Sound Records in October 2020. Both albums feature exclusively original material and have received international critical acclaim from All About Jazz, Jazz Journal UK, Modern Jazz Today, Rootstime Music, and the Jazz Quad, among others. He recently recorded a third album that features Jaleel Shaw on saxophone, Glenn Zaleski on piano, Alexander Claffy on bass, and Kush Abadey on drums; he plans to release it in 2026.

“..[Nicholas Brust’s] latest release “Daybreak” develops his voice even further with some stunning compositions and wonderful musicianship..Brust has a crystalline sound, imbued with a life force, vitality and exuberance that is both compelling and exciting..his music sounds at once completely familiar and yet also brand new; imbued with tradition while still breaking new ground..” — ukvibe.org

“The young alto saxophonist Nicholas Brust matches technical fire with emotional warmth and unhurried reflection..” — artfuse.org

The album features Lage Lund on guitar, Julia Chen on piano, Rick Rosato on bass, and Gary Kerkezou on drums.

“A very impressive piece of work from a saxophonist whose grasp of tone colour makes him immediately distinctive and listenable…He has a fine group behind him and he works with them rather than on top of them.” — Brian Morton, Jazz Journal UK

”It’s as if one of your favorite movie stars from long ago suddenly started telling you about all the secrets of the universe.” — Marc Phillips, Part-Time Audiophile

The album features Ben Eunson on guitar, Tuomo Uusitalo on piano, Josh Allen on bass, and Jay Sawyer on drums.