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Randy Bernsen

South Florida guitarist Randy Bernsen started his recording career in an unorthodox way, calling a collection of jazz/fusion luminaries who, even to his surprise, agreed to be a part of his 1986 debut album Music for People, Planets & Washing Machines. After recruiting fretless bass giant and fellow South Florida resident Jaco Pastorius and getting a return call of interest from keyboard virtuoso Herbie Hancock, it was easier to interest keyboardist Bob James and drummer Peter Erskine. Released on MCA's Zebra label, the album earned Bernsen write-ups in Down Beat and Guitar Player magazines and appeared to start a flourishing career. Bernsen's follow-up, 1987's Mo' Wasabi, was even better, as his initial all-stars were joined by saxophonists Wayne Shorter and Michael Brecker, bassist Marcus Miller, drummer Steve Gadd, and harmonica legend Toots Thielemans. More positive press from JAZZIZ and USA Today followed, but when the 1988 album Paradise Citizens didn't attract the same attention despite the same dazzling roster, Bernsen's tenure with Zebra was finished. No one knew at the time that the guitarist — who excelled whether playing clean-toned lines or mimicking keyboards, saxophone, or steel drums on his guitar synthesizer — would never release a major-label solo album again. As it turned out, Bernsen continuously tours Europe, Asia, as well as the States. A stint with former Weather Report leader Joe Zawinul (replacing fellow South Florida guitarist Scott Henderson) resulted in some fine work on Zawinul's 1992 Lost Tribes CD, and Bernsen's independently released CD Calling Me Back Home featured another all-star roster the next year... Joe Sample, Toots Thielemans, Brandon Fields, and Abraham Laboriel. His house gig at a Fort Lauderdale club resulted in Bernsen's next CD, Live at Tavern 213, and featured excellent improvisations and catchy melodies. Live in San Miguel de Allende was Bernsen’s follow up CD recorded at an international festival in Mexico. Presently, Jericho Jams, his production house, is responsible for the following three CDs, Be Still and Know, Angels We Have Heard On High, and his latest AppTeaser, recorded with his organ trio, Uzi Nizri/organ and David Nizri/drums. This CD also features jazz jam legend John Medeski on the cut Groove On. (Bernsen’s musical nod to his former boss Zawinul.) ... JAZZ-JAM-IMPROV! 2015-look for 4 releases… this year. FIRST project features co-producer Jimmy Haslip on bass, Peter Erskine, Scott Kinsey, Luis Conte, Robert Thomas jr and more . Stay Tuned!

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Album Review

Randy Bernsen: Heart Mind and Soul

Read "Heart Mind and Soul" reviewed by Geannine Reid


Randy Bernsen, a guitarist, and composer whose roots trace back to Needham, Massachusetts before embedding himself in the vibrant musical scene of South Florida, has long been a figure within the jazz and fusion communities. His journey began with early collaborations with Jaco Pastorius and has evolved into a rich solo career that spans over three decades. His eleventh studio album, Heart Mind and Soul, is a set of six songs guided by his vast experiences and brought to life ...

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Album Review

Mike Levine: Just Chillin

Read "Just Chillin" reviewed by Edward Blanco


A proponent of the more relaxing side of the jazz spectrum, pianist and keyboardist Mike Levine presents his fourth album as leader, offering thirteen primarily original pieces falling decidedly within the smooth jazz category. A talented composer, Levine's music seems to eschew the core jazz tenet of improvisation in favor of catchy melodies perfect for those chilling-out moments that overwhelm us all sooner or later. A first-call musician by anyone's count, Levine draws on his vast experience performing ...

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Album Review

Dan Bonsanti: Cartoon Bebop

Read "Cartoon Bebop" reviewed by Jack Bowers


The malicious coronavirus pandemic that brought most of the world to its knees in 2020 has spawned the use of several reanimated words including “virtual," whose meaning is “sort of here but not really," as in virtual video chats, conference calls, exhibits, films and even musical performances. “Virtual" has spread its tentacles into almost every walk of life including jazz, via YouTube and other creative channels. And now, it seems, to big bands as well. Cartoon Bebop, the third album ...

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Album Review

Randy Bernsen: Grace Notes

Read "Grace Notes" reviewed by Geannine Reid


Grace Notes is a tasteful album, chalked full of fresh, creative compositions by guitarist Randy Bernsen. If you like the Rippingtons, Weather Report or the Yellowjackets, you will love this CD, too! As a composer and player, Bernsen possesses a unique creative vibe that does combine a wonderful “grace" that you can hear in every note he plays or writes. His cool, yet extraordinary talent is augmented by an all-star cast including: Yellowjackets co-founders Jimmy Haslip and Russell Ferrante, drummers ...

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Recording

Randy Bernsen Heats Up With "Grace Notes"

Randy Bernsen Heats Up With "Grace Notes"

Source: Kari-On Productions

Grace Notes marks Randy Bernsen’s return to working on a bigger canvas with another all-star cast, including Yellowjackets co-founders Jimmy Haslip and Russell Ferrante, drummers Peter Erskine, Gary Novak and Virgil Donati, keyboardist Scott Kinsey Mac Chew and Colin James, saxophonist Steve Tavaglione, percussionists Luis Conte, Archie Pena and blues harmonica ace Rockin’ Jake. Florida homeboys Othello Molineaux, Bobby Thomas Jr. and Julius Pastorius (Jaco’s son) also make special guest appearances on his 12th album as a leader. Co-produced by ...

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Heart Mind and Soul

Jerico Jams
2024

buy

Cartoon Bebop

Self Produced
2021

buy

Just Chillin

Self Produced
2021

buy

Grace Notes

Blue Canoe Records
2019

buy

AppTeaser

Self Produced
2012

buy

Music For Planets,...

Self Produced
2004

buy

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