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Neil Bridge

Neil Bridge is a legendary Jazz Piano player, composer, arranger, band-leader, musical director and former DPS music educator. Throughout his illustrious career he has accompanied Mel Torme. Anita O’Day, Nancy Wilson, Dakota Staton, Johnny Smith, The Mills Brothers, Clark Terry, Sonny Stitt, and many more. He is well known for accompanying Johnny Smith (legendary world-class guitar player) for 30 years.

Due to his work as a former music educator with the Denver Public Schools, there is a room dedicated to Neil at the Denver School for the Arts. The room is appropriately titled, the Neil Bridge Jazz Room. Neil created and directed the first Denver City Wide High School Jazz Combo. He and his students received the prestigious Downbeat Award for best High School Jazz Combo in the United States.

Many of his former students went on to have successful careers in Jazz and the entertainment industry, such as Don Cheadle Actor, Nelson Rangell Sax & Flute, Javon Jackson Saxophonist,  Gary Sosias Latin Percussionist, Brad Leali Sax, Clarinet and Flute, Ron Miles Trumpeter,  Jill Fredericksen Drummer,  Julie Fredericksen Piano, Andrew Hudson Bass,  David Pearl Pianist, Byron Hamer Sax, Kelli Cox Pianist, among many others.

Married for 30 years Neil Bridge, his wife and vocalist Karen Lee Bridge,  have 5 different Neil Bridge Bands for their various performances.  

To further secure Neil’s legacy, we are happy to announce that we have begun a new project filming a documentary about Neil’s life, and the Bridges life together in music and in marriage.  


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Radio & Podcasts

Interview With Legendary Jazz Pianist Neil Bridge

Read "Interview With Legendary Jazz Pianist Neil Bridge" reviewed by Steven Roby


This episode of Backstage Jazz features an interview with legendary jazz pianist and former Denver Public Schools Music Educator, Neil Bridge. Joining him is his wife and Muse, Vocalist/Collaborator Karen Lee Bridge. Neil Bridge is a legendary Jazz Pianist, composer, arranger, band leader, musical director, and former DPS music educator. Throughout his illustrious career, he has accompanied Mel Torme, Anita O'Day, Nancy Wilson, Dakota Staton, Johnny Smith, The Mills Brothers, Clark Terry, Sonny Stitt, and many more. He ...

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