COLIONNE HAS A WIDE MUSICAL PALETTE

The guitarist Nick Colionne considers Wes Montgomery his mentor. But that hasn’t stopped Colionne from crossing over into jazz-based soul, R&B and full-blown blues. This personable performer will bring his whole bag of styles to an Independence Day concert presented by the Tucson Jazz Society on Saturday, July 4, at 7 p.m. in Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, 7000 N. Resort Dr.

More than identifying with one particular genre, Colionne thinks of himself as a guy whose guitar solos are always on the edge.

“That’s the way I play,” Colionne told Smooth Jazz News. “Kind of on the edge of the groove. To try to make the music sound like you are speeding up, while not speeding up, because you are right on the edge of where the pocket is.”

Colionne grew up in Chicago in a family of musicians. His stepfather played guitar, an instrument that always fascinated little Nick. The musician tells the story on himself that he was scarcely a teenager when he got caught fooling around with the instrument.

Not wanting to get punished, Colionne made up the “confession” that he wanted to learn how to play. Now that little white lie has turned into a career that includes the hits “High Flyin’” and “It’s Been Too Long.”

But growing up also listening to Kenny Burrell, Jimi Hendrix and B.B. King nurtured a love for all kinds of improvisation. George Benson is another jazz influence. So it’s no surprise Colionne also likes to sing. His love for sensual, romantic ballads delivered with soul attitude is as important as those sizzling guitar solos played on the edge.

 Tickets are $35 general public, $25 members, $10 students; VIP tables for two are $170, for TJS members $150. TJS members can also get a special room rate.

SPECIAL TICKET BONUS – LIMITED TIME OFFER: Starting Tuesday, June 16, if you buy a Nick Colionne ticket before 5 p.m. Monday, June 22, you will receive a FREE season pass for the 2009 Jazz Under the Stars series, worth $65. Buy a pair of Nick Colionne tickets and receive two season passes. Please note, this offer isn’t good at the Bookman’s ticket outlets.

For details www.tucsonjazz.org