Kenny Berger is a highly regarded, long standing presence on the New York jazz scene in a variety of capacities.
Well known as one of New York’s top baritone saxophonists, bass clarinetists, and composer-arrangers, he has a wealth of experience in both small and large ensembles in a variety of jazz styles. He has also amassed many years of experience as a teacher of arranging, composition, ensembles, saxophone and jazz history at the college and university levels. As a player he has appeared on over two hundred recordings in many diverse styles and settings. He is also a jazz historian and journalist with a unique insider’s perspective.
Performing credits
BIG BANDS
Thad Jones–Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra
Duke Pearson Big Band
Vanguard Jazz Orchestra
Duke Ellington Orchestra
National Jazz Ensemble
Gil Evans Orchestra
Dizzy Gillespie Big Band
Dave Brubeck Big Band
Manny Albam Big Band
John Williams Tanglewood Jazz Ensemble, ,
Westchester Jazz Orchestra
Bill Holman Big Band
David Matthews Big Band
Buck Clayton Big Swing Band
J.C. Sanford Orchestra
SMALL AND MEDUIM SIZED GROUPS
John McNeil- Kenny Berger Quintet
Kenny Berger's Cenozoic Trio
Lee Konitz Nonet
Julius Hemphill Sextet
Phil Woods Little Big Band
Bill Kirchner Nonet
Rod Levitt Octet
Chuck Zeuren Quartet
Bobby Previte Septet
Billy Mintz Two Bass Band
New Jazz Composers Octet
John Pizzarelli Swing Seven
Ned Rothenberg Power Lines Ensemble
Arranging Credits
Ensembles
National Jazz Ensemble
Lee Konitz Nonet
Dizzy Gillespie United Nations Band
Westchester Jazz Orchestra ,
DSM Big Band
The Duke's Men
Soloists
Michael Brecker
Kenny Burrell
Art Farmer
Tommy Flanagan
Lee Konitz
Pat Martino
Gerry Mulligan
Phil Woods
Vocalists
Sheila Jordan
Carrie Smith
Nora York
Obba Babatunde
Commissions
Lee Konitz- Frankfurt Radio Jazz Orchestra
National Jazz Ensemble
Westchester Jazz Orchestra
Phil Woods-Delaware Water Gap Festival of The Arts
John Cipolla (international clarinet recitalist)
International Clarinet Quartet.
Education
M.A. in Jazz History and Research, Rutgers University-2000
Bachelor of Professional Studies, Empire State College-1993
Founding member of BMI Jazz Composers Workshop-1989-91
Majored in bassoon performance, Mannes College of Music1965-68
Private study
Saxophone, flute ,clarinet with Danny Bank.
Flute with Andrew Lolya, Harvey Estrin.
Bassoon with Steven Maxim, William Polisi, Sanford Sharoff.
Composition with Morgan Powell, Edward Green, Manny Albam, Bob Brookmeyer.
Teaching Experience
2016- Substitute instructor, BMI Jazz Composers Workshop.
2013- Substitute instructor of Jazz History and Advanced Jazz Composition, The New School.
2011-12-Substitute instructor of Jazz History, The Juilliard School and SUNY Purchase.
2008- Adjunct instructor of Jazz history, New Jersey City University
2001-2007: Director of Jazz and Woodwind studies, Newark Academy, Livingston NJ
1999-2001: Adjunct professor of advanced jazz composition and graduate level jazz history, New Jersey City University
2000: Adjunct instructor of Jazz history, Ramapo College, Mawah NJ.
1999-2000: Adjunct instructor of Jazz history, Rutgers University, Newark NJ
1996-98: Adjunct professor of Jazz arranging, composition, saxophone and ensembles, New Jersey City University (then known as Jersey City State College).
1993-1994: Adjunct professor of jazz arranging and director of Repertory Ensemble, William Paterson College, Wayne NJ
1991: Substitute instructor of basic jazz arranging, Manhattan School of Music.
Publications
Columbo On The Corner-3 Movements for Saxophone Quartet In Memory of John Carisi-Boyga Music-2009*
Ten Contemporary Etudes for Bass Clarinet with Extended Range-Boyga Music 2016*
Amble-Contemporary Pastorale for 2 Bassoons-Boyga Music 2017*
Biographical essay on Coleman Hawkins in The Oxford Companion to Jazz, Oxford University Press.
Co-author solo transcription book The Buddy DeFranco Collection- Hal Leonard Publishing
Essays on Swing and Free Jazz in Microsoft Encarta AfricanaCD-ROM Encyclopedia, 2000 ed.
Liner notes- 1999 Re-issue of “Coltrane’s Sound” John Coltrane, Rhino-Atlantic records.
Liner notes-2000 Re-issue of “Woody Herman and The Herd at Carnegie Hall-1946,Verve-Polygram.
Accompanying booklet for 6-CD box set, “Oliver Nelson: The Verve, Argo, Impulse Big Band Studio Sessions”. Mosaic Records
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