Sammy Nestico

Sammy Nestico revolutionized the band and orchestra repertoire by composing and arranging top jazz charts for all levels of bands. As a result, this arranger of Count Basie’s band in the 1950s is as well known to music fans as he is to beginning music students in school bands. Along the way Sammy delighted music fans with a clear and understandable sound that focused on strength of the melody rather than overpowering high notes and speed. His own recordings and the recordings of those he composed and arranged for serve as a wonderful example of the man and his music, depth, clarity of sound while always being melodic. He passed away in January 2021 at the age of 96.