Nick Amodeo is a multi-instrumentalist who's focus is making honest, soulful music. Playing everything from bluegrass mandolin to reggae bass to honky tonk guitar, Nick has continuously reinvented himself, keeping an open ear and a welcoming attitude to all styles of music. In 2005 he won the prestigious Rockygrass mandolin contest, and has performed over the years as a sideman for the celebrated blues artist Otis Taylor. Nick was featured on Downbeat Magazine's 2007 Blues Album of the Year; Otis' "Definition of a Circle" and has toured throughout North America and Europe, sharing the stage with such legends (and personal heroes) as Buddy Guy, Etta James, Mavis Staples, Chuck Campbell (The Campbell Brothers), Vernon Reid, Mato Nanji, Ron Miles and many more. Nick has also had the opportunity to teach music at Regis University, Naropa University, Swallow Hill Music School, Colorado Roots Music Camp and is currently a popular instructor on Jamplay.com. Nick lives in Denver, Colorado where he teaches and plays music full time.
Here is what people are saying about Nick;
"All through this enjoyable recording, Amodeo presents a clean, nicely-spaced attack, a clear, singing tone, and a good understanding of presenting his music" --- Bluegrass Unlimited
"...a stunning instrumental bridge which also highlights the gifted Nick Amodeo on electric mandolin" --- jazzreview.com
"Otis’ other cover tune, “Hey Joe,” was bathed in feedback and loops that Taylor started simply as electric mandolin virtuoso Nick Amodeo and Otis led the song to its dramatic climax. Jimi Hendrix would have been proud of the way Otis and Nick fueled Joe’s fury in Ballard, a neighborhood that has retained its roots in the fishing industry in Northwest Seattle." --- Washington Blues Society
Recently, Nick took his mandolin into the studio and recorded a 6 song instrumental EP, 4 of which are original compositions, featuring Matt Flinner on banjo, Ross Martin on guitar, Coleman Smith on fiddle, and Ian Hutchison on bass. It will be available through this website as well as at shows. It is a pleasant mix of hard driving bluegrass, happy Irish fiddle tunes and lonesome old-timey waltzes that is sure to please even the most discriminating listener.
Nick is proud to endorse Nugget mandolins.