Born: December 19, 1947 Primary Instrument: Sax, baritone
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 and composer-arrangers, with a wealth of experience in both small and large ensembles in a variety of jazz styles. Many years of experience as a teacher of arranging, composition, ensembles, saxophone and jazz history at the college and university levels. A jazz historian and journalist with a unique insider’s perspective. Performance and recording*credits Thad Jones”Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, Duke Pearson Big Band, Lee Konitz Nonet*, Duke Ellington Orchestra*, National Jazz Ensemble*, Julius Hemphill Sextet*, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra*, Dizzy Gillespie Big Band, Chuck Zeuren Quartet, Bill Holman Big Band, Ned Rothenberg Powerlines Ensemble*, Gil Evans Orchestra, Don Sebesky NY All-Star Band*, Bobby Previte Septet, Jimmie Maxwell*, Bill Mays*, New York Voices*, Phil Woods Little Big Band, Manny Albam Big Band, John Williams Tanglewood Jazz Ensemble, Dave Brubeck Big Band, New Jazz Composers Octet, John Pizzarelli Swing Seven*, Westchester Jazz Orchestra, David Matthews Big Band*, Art Farmer*, Urbie Green*, Bill Kirchner Nonet, Freddie Hubbard, Houston Person*. Arranging Credits Lee Konitz Nonet*, National Jazz Ensemble*, Dizzy Gillespie United Nations Band*, New York Saxophone Quartet, Westchester Jazz Orchestra, * .Frankfurt Radio Jazz Orchestra, DSM Big Band*, Bill Kirchner Nonet, The Duke’s Men, Diane Moser Composers Big Band, Phil Woods, Michael Brecker, Kenny Burrell, Art Farmer, Pat Martino, Gerry Mulligan, Sheila Jordan, Carrie Smith, Nora York. Teaching Experience 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.
Recordings as leader John McNeil-Kenny Berger “Hip Deep” Brownstone Records John McNeil-Kenny Berger “Brooklyn Ritual” Synergy Music Group.
Publications Biographical essay on Coleman Hawkins in The Oxford Companion to Jazz, Oxford University Press. Essays on Swing and Free Jazz in Microsoft Encarta Africana CD-ROM Encyclopedia, 2000 ed. Co-author, solo transcription book The Buddy DeFranco Collection, Hal Leonard Publishing. 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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Primary Instrument:
Sax, baritone
Location:
Englewood, NJ
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Clinic/Workshop Information:
Various presentations depending on the context including improvisation,
saxophone techniques, small and large ensembles, arranging, advanced jazz
composition and various aspects of jazz history presented from an insider's
viewpoint.
