Nicholas Thomas Brignola was born in Troy, New York on July 17 1936. He gained early attention when he was awarded the first scholarship to the Berklee School of Music in Boston.

During the late 1950's he was on the West Coast and sat in with various groups including Cal Tjader and The Mastersounds. It was here, too, that he met drummer Dick Berk with whom he later worked and recorded with.

As a sideman and leader, Brignola's associates make up a long roster of jazz luminaries - Clark Terry, Wes Montgomery, Woody Herman, Elvin Jones, Buddy Rich, Chet Baker, Ted Curson, Sal Salvador and many others.

Although the baritone saxophone is his instant identification, he has a masterful command of a veritable arsenal of woodwind instruments - soprano, alto, tenor, clarinet, alto clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, alto flute and piccolo.