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Fred Haas

Fred Haas, a Dartmouth graduate ('73), teaches Saxophone, Jazz Piano, Improvisation, Jazz History and Music Theory at Dartmouth College. He lives in Hartland, Vermont, and travels throughout New England and beyond performing and recording with a variety of musicians.

Fred brings to each of his performances and workshops a depth of experience and knowledge from over thirty-five years as a jazz musician and educator. His goal is to communicate a broad range of emotions through music as well as share information about the history of jazz and the art of jazz improvisation.

In 1997 Fred founded Interplay Jazz Camp, which provides an opportunity for musicians of all ages to participate in a relaxed and supportive learning environment with an experienced faculty that focuses on key aspects of the improvisational art of jazz. Daily yoga, meditation and tai chi, combined with marvelous food and a beautiful oceanside setting create the perfect atmosphere for the integration of mind, body, and spirit, thereby giving everyone the opportunity to more fully express themselves through music.

Fred’s CD label, JazzToons has produced several small group jazz CDs that feature Fred on saxophone, including I Thought About You (with pianist Bob Hallahan), Interplay (with guitarist Gene Bertoncini), Strike Up The Band and Friends (with the Paul Broadnax Quartet). Telling Stories, Fred’s most recent CD, is a collection of twelve original compositions. Fred (sax and piano) is joined on this CD by Gene Bertoncini on guitar and Michael Moore on bass.

Fred has performed with Oscar Peterson, Ray Charles, Clark Terry, Sheila Jordan, Pat Metheny, Lena Horne, Dionne Warwick, The Mitchell-Ruff Duo, Joe Morello, Milt Hinton, Attila Zoller, Don Cherry, Bob Brookmeyer, Gene Bertoncini, Milt Jackson, Louis Bellson and many others.

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116
Album Review

Fred Haas: Telling Stories

Read "Telling Stories" reviewed by Dr. Judith Schlesinger


Both saxophonist Fred Haas and bassist Michael Moore have recorded excellent duo CDs with guitarist Gene Bertoncini. On Telling Stories, the twos become a three, with Haas doubling on sax and piano and supplying all the material. It's obvious from the first track, the affable “Cayman Blues, that Haas is a talented composer who writes from the heart; he's also thoroughly accomplished on both instruments, playing with subtlety and taste. With Bertoncini and Moore in top form, it's an elegant, ...

151
Album Review

Fred Haas and Bob Hallahan: I Thought About You

Read "I Thought About You" reviewed by Mike Neely


Fred Haas is a musician one can only hope will keep recording because not even the jazz media is eternally obtuse. His recording I Thought About You highlights his tenor saxophone accompanied by pianist Bob Hallahan. This CD is a world away from a breezy throw together session. It documents a subtle, sophisticated exchange by two intelligent musicians who demonstrate little interest in taking any of the easy routes out.

Hallahan is an excellent accompanist who plays with restraint and ...

299
Album Review

Fred Haas & Gene Bertoncini: Interplay

Read "Interplay" reviewed by Mike Neely


Saxophonist Fred Haas and guitarist Gene Bertoncini have recorded a high wire act of a duet CD entitled Interplay. This is intimate music that leaves these two players out front with only their own resources and each other to depend on. They succeed, wonderfully.

It is a musical lesson to listen to Bertoncini play behind Haas’s solos. The variety of his approaches is a good start on a history of jazz guitar accompaniment. In addition, Bertoncini’s crystalline classical touch is ...

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"A world-class saxophone player". —Pat Metheny

You won't find a more capable jazz player and teacher than Fred Haas, and that's a fact!" —Clark Terry

Primary Instrument

Saxophone

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

I've had over 40 years of teaching experience and have taught saxophone, jazz piano, jazz improvisation, music theory, jazz history, the creative process and directed jazz combos and big bands. I am the founder and director of Interplay Jazz & Arts http://www.interplayjazzandarts.org a 501c3 non-profit that focuses on educational and performance based activities. Interplay is monthly jam sessions, regular one and two day workshops and a week long intensive that takes place each summer (this is our 24th year). We accept and encourage students of all ages and experience levels to join us for our holistic jazz camp that supports the development of each student's mind, body and spirit with yoga, meditation, tai chi, healthy food and a knowledgeable and inspiring faculty. Please visit the website for more information. I also offer jazz getaways for individuals who want to experience one-on-one mentoring in a beautiful Vermont setting. These getaways can last a few days up to a week. Please contact me for more information.

Clinic/Workshop Information

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Music

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