Mike Nazarenko
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Plays the Marine Band, the Marine Band Deluxe, & the Meisterklasse 580
Mike "Naz" Nazarenko was born in the Canal Zone of Panama in 1959. His first exposure to the blues came from a family of Chicago natives living across the street whose extensive collection of blues and roots music provided the spark for his career.
Naz began playing harmonica in the late 70's. His influences include Paul Butterfield, Big Walter, Little Walter, B. Brown, and Magic Dick along with Rod Piazza, William Clarke, and George Smith. He made the decision to devote himself to blues harp full time in 1990 and began touring wth harmonicist B. Brown, who recorded Candied Yams (P Vine) and with John Kilzer (Geffen). In 1992 he formed the band Drivin' B. Brown in tribute to his deceased spiritual and musical mentor.
In 1994 Naz moved to Columbia SC to play with Piedmont blues and gospel legend, Drink Small. After working with the blues doctor for a couple of years, he also began playing with a Lowcountry Blues institution, Shrimp City Slim. Since 1996 Mike has played with internationally recognized recording artists, Elliott & The Untouchables (BluePoint). The band has received critical praise from numerous blues publicatoins. While touring with The Untouchabels, he has played across the US and in Europe. They have headlined at The House of Blues (Myrtle Beach, SC), opened for The Animals, John Mayall, and also for Van Morrison at the Monaghan Blues & Jazz Festival in Monaghan, Ireland. Naz's music was featured prominently in the 1999 Independent film, My Drug Dealer.
Over the years, Naz has been a regular guest of Anson Funderburgh & The Rockets with Sam Myers. He has shared stages with blues greats like Louisiana Red, Guitar Shorty, Junior Watson, Nappy Brown, Henry Grey, and the late Jimmie Lee Robinson. Naz has endorsed Hohner Harmonicas since 2001. He is also currently working as half of the duo Motherless Chillin', with Jeff Liberty, performing acoustic blues arrangement of soulful, rootsy originals and covers.
In 2001, after over 40 years as a single man, Naz shocked everyone by running off to New Orleans and marrying his blues sweetheart and Blueprint label mate, Shelley Magee. The couple now lives in Lexington, SC where they make beautiful music together with Althea the dog, and their two cats Muddy and Winston. Rumor has it that all their animals wag their tails in perfect 4/4 time.