Born: April 21, 1961 Primary Instrument: Bass
One of the top-selling jazz composer / arrangers in the world, Kris Berg has been enhancing the programs and recordings of jazz ensembles from professionals to middle schools. While his charts are very popular in the United States, you can find groups from Japan to Germany to England who have enjoyed playing his charts. A composer / arranger for Belwin Jazz, a Division of Alfred Publishing, he has written charts for many artists, including Kurt Elling, Chris Vadala, and Delfeayo Marsalis, honors bands in Texas, Montana, Oklahoma, and Missouri, and for colleges and public school programs across the country. His popular series of “chicken” funk tunes have sold tens of thousands of charts. Kris is the author of the popular bass method book, BASS LINES IN MINUTES and also has big band charts published with Warner Brothers Music, Doug Beach Music, Bakers Jazz and More, and Walrus Music.
Kris’ first CD project as a composer / band leader was released May 8 on the MAMA Record Label - MAA 1042 (a division of Summit Records). This Time / Last Year features both originals and arrangements, new and older charts. Featuring the Metroplexity Big Band, the CD not only includes the best jazz musicians north Texas has to offer, but also guest spots by Wayne Bergeron, Delfeayo Marsalis, Clay Jenkins and Chris Vadala. Some of the tunes for the CD include a new arrangement for Belwin on “Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise” (Think Elvin meets Hammerstein!), an outrageous funk original, “Games”, the title cut, “This Time/ Last Year” (an ECM style latin chart written for the composer's wife) and, of course, something “chicken”!
Kris has been the Director of Jazz Studies at Collin College near Dallas for 20 years. At Collin, he teaches jazz classes, directs ensembles and is the founder of both the Collin Jazz Fest and the Texas All-Star Jazz Camp. Under his direction, Collin jazz ensembles have performed multiple times at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. The band has also appeared in Nassau, Bahamas as well as at festivals all over the United States. Kris earned his Masters and Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies at University of North Texas where he directed jazz ensembles and taught big band arranging.
An award winning bassist, Kris has appeared or recorded with the likes of Wayne Bergeron, Kurt Elling, Randy Brecker, Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, Delfeayo Marsalis, Bobby Shew, Jimmy Heath, Doc Severinsen, Clark Terry, John Fedchock, Gregg Bissonette, Chris Vadala, Kevin Mahogany, Marvin Stamm, Dennis DiBlasio, Frank Mantooth, Matt Harris, Clay Jenkins, Kim Richmond, Tom “Bones” Malone and many others. Currently active as an artist / clinician for Yamaha Corporation of America, he has appeared at jazz festivals and camps throughout the United States and is also endorsed by Walter Woods Amplifiers and Bag End Loudspeakers.
As a dedicated educator, Kris is consistently active as a guest director for All- Region bands in the state of Texas. He has been selected as guest director for the IAJE International Community College All-Star Jazz Band, the Montana, Oklahoma, Maine, South Carolina and Wyoming All-State Jazz Bands, the Texas Collegiate All-State Jazz Ensemble and the Texas Private Schools All- State Jazz Band.
He has written articles for The Instrumentalist and JAZZed magazines. His popular and informative arranging clinic for small jazz ensembles has been presented at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, the Texas Music Educators Association conference, the Maine Music Educators Association conference and the Texas Band Masters conference. Recently, Kris (and his chart - Cobblestones) was the subject of an article in Teaching Music through Performance in Jazz, published by Gia Publications, Inc.
Kris is always eager for new opportunities to work with jazz students anywhere. If you would like more information about:
Commissions Clinics Guest Directing Performances Composer-In-Residency
Please call 940-597-4858 or email at kris@krisbergjazz.com
Visit our website for order “This Time/Last Year” or any Kris Berg big band charts: www.krisbergjazz.com
Awards:
News Flash - The Metroplexity Big Band will perform at the Jazz Education Network International Convention in Atlanta, Jan 3!!”Kris' writing is innovative, powerful and sensitive” - Wayne Bergeron
“With “This Time/Last Year” multi-talented bassist, composer, arranger and educator Kris Berg brings together some of Dallas-Ft. Worth’s foremost jazz talents to deliver a very classic, highly entertaining large ensemble effort. And, when these local bests are joined by special guests Wayne Bergeron, Clay Jenkins, Chris Vadala and Delfeayo Marsalis to play Berg’s superbly-crafted arrangements, the intensity level rises to the Red Line.” - Nick Mondello / Jazz Time Magazine
Primary Instrument:
Bass
Location:
Denton, TX
Willing to teach:
Intermediate to advanced students
Credentials/Background:
Director of Jazz Studies at Collin College
Clinic/Workshop Information:
Guest Director for All-State / All-Region Jazz Ensembles.
Composer/Arranger-in- Residence.
"Arranging for Jazz Small Group" - an overlook into arranging for the small jazz ensemble. Clinic features 4 horns + rhythm section.
Performances - Kris Berg & The Metroplexity Big Band
