Woody Mankowski

Woody Mankowski & Chris Salerno at a'Bravo Restaurant Bistro in Green Bay, Wisconsin

By Sarah
January 27, 2008
There was a very relaxed atmosphere at a'Bravo Bistro the evening Woody Mankowski and Chris Salerno were performing. The setup was simple, tucked to one side of the bar, Chris sang behind her keyboard, while Woody sang and alternated instruments playing flute, alto, and soprano saxophones. They have an easy flowing musical style between them that was soothing and un-intrusive, perfect for listening while dining or just lounging and conversing with friends. Chris has a voice like silk, yet effortlessly puts forth songs with such heart and conviction. Among her selections she played a wonderful rendition of Duke Ellington's, "Don’t Get Around Much Anymore." Woody is very versatile in the artists he covers taking on some legends such as Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, and Frank Sinatra to Van Morrison, Michael McDonald and many more. There were some wonderful duets, one being Ben E. King's "Stand By Me." The banter between Chris and Woody was light and comfortable keeping the audience engaged. At one point they took time to sing a special "Happy Birthday" to Nicole, who had the seat of honor in a'Bravo's dining tent. Woody Mankowski has been performing professionally since age 12. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay he lived in New York for two years where he composed and arranged music for an off-Broadway theatre group. He has a very extensive and accomplished musical background from singing or playing on over four hundred television or radio jingles to backing up famous artists such as The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Peabo Bryson and others. Woody has played in pit orchestras for Broadway shows including "The Producers," "Chicago," and "Hairspray." Besides Chris he continues to collaborate with other Midwest musicians including Big Mouth and Janet Planet. Chris Salerno became interested in jazz music at an early age and was fortunate to grow up in a musical family. She has been the director of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Vocal Jazz Ensemble since 1992. As a vocal jazz educator for over twenty-one years, Chris has taught in Colorado, Florida, and Michigan. She has published several vocal jazz arrangements with the UNC Jazz Press. Her arrangement of "The Closer I Get To You" was performed by Roosevelt University and premiered at the 2000 International Association of Jazz Educators Convention. After coming to Wisconsin Chris formed the Brazilian and Contemporary Jazz Group, "ZIJI." They have recorded a CD of her original songs entitled, "Blumen." Whenever you see Woody Mankowski or Chris Salerno on a billing to perform you can be sure you will hear amazing, and heart felt music.

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