Born: September 3, 1967 Primary Instrument: Guitar
Born September 3rd, 1967 in New York City, guitarist Peter Bernstein has been a part of the jazz scene in New York and abroad since 1989. During that time he has participated in over 60 recordings and numerous festival, concert and club performances with musicians from all generations. As a leader, Peter has made five recordings for the Criss Cross Jazz label. The latest, Heart’s Content, features the all-star rhythm section of Brad Mehldau, Larry Grenadier, and Bill Stewart.
While a student at The New School, Peter met the legendary guitarist Jim Hall, who asked him to participate in his Invitational Concert as part of the 1990 JVC Jazz Festival. The event featured such guitarists as John Scofield and Pat Metheny and was released as a CD by Music Masters. Hall once noted that Peter “...has paid attention to the past as well as the future. He is the most impressive young guitarists I’ve heard. He plays the best of them all for swing, logic, feel and taste.”
That same year, Peter was discovered by alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson and took part in the first of four recordings with him. He was a regular member of his group throughout the 1990s. “Some people just have it.” Donaldson said. “...most of the time you have to teach someone what to do, but Peter knows it all.”
Peter has also played with legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb (Cobb’s Mob), organist Larry Goldings, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Melvin Rhyne, drummer Bill Stewart, Joshua Redman, Diana Krall, Nicholas Payton, Lee Konitz, Tom Harrell, and Eric Alexander and performed in North America, Europe and Asia and making numerous television appearances.
Peter has taught at the Julliard School, Berklee College of Music, North Texas State University, the New School Jazz Program and the Jazz Conservatory in Amsterdam.
Peter has been fortunate to gain the respect of his peers and mentors. He has been recognized in both the readers’ and critics’ polls in Downbeat Magazine for the past three years. He continues to hone his style through writing and performing and has developed a distinctive and unforgettable guitar voice that is all his own.
Brian Lynch Quintet/Sextet - At The Main Event
Peter Bernstein Quartet - Somethin's Burnin'
Melvin Rhyne Quartet - Boss Organ
The Melvin Rhyne Trio - Tell It Like It Is
Peter Bernstein Quartet - Signs Of Life
Eric Alexander Sextet - Full Range
Walt Weiskopf Quartet - A World Away
Mike LeDonne Quintet - Waltz For An Urbanite
Melvin Rhyne Trio - Mel's Spell
Grant Stewart Quartet-More Urban Tones
Peter Bernstein Quintet - Brain Dance
Ralph Lalama Quartet - Circle Line
Melvin Rhyne Quintet - Stick To The Kick
The Melvin Rhyne Trio - Aztec Blues
Ryan Kisor Quartet - Battle Cry
Peter Bernstein Trio - Earth Tones
Sam Yahel Trio - Trio
Melvin Rhyne Trio - Kojo
M.T.B. - Consenting Adults
Steve Davis Sextet - Vibe Up!
Melvin Rhyne Quartet - Classmasters
Michael Karn Quintet - In Focus
Ralph Bowen Quintet - Soul Proprietor
Peter Bernstein + 3 - Heart's Content
Wycliffe Gordon Quintet - Dig This!!
Ryan Kisor Quintet - Awakening
Jim Rotondi Quintet - New Vistas
Melvin Rhyne Trio - Tomorrow Yesterday Today
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