Peter Bernstein (guitarist)
| Peter Bernstein | |
|---|---|
|
Peter Bernstein at a jazz festival in Buenos Aires | |
| Background information | |
| Born |
3 September 1967 New York City |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Labels | Blue Note, Criss Cross, Smoke Sessions |
| Associated acts | Jim Hall, The Blue Note 7 |
| Website |
www |
Peter Bernstein is an American jazz guitarist.[1][2][3]
Biography
Born in[New York City on September 3, 1967, Bernstein began playing piano when he was 8 but switched to guitar when he was 13, learning the instrument primarily by ear. He studied jazz at Rutgers University with Ted Dunbar, and Kenny Barron. He completed his degree at the New School in New York City, where he met and studied with one of his mentors and influences Jim Hall. In 1990, Hall asked Bernstein to play in an invitational jazz guitar festival in which John Scofield and Pat Metheny were performing. Bernstein and Hall performed as a duo, and have played together in this context throughout Bernstein's career. Lou Donaldson discovered Bernstein, and Hall played on several of Donaldson's records. Throughout the 1990s, Bernstein was at the forefront of contemporary jazz; he played with Joshua Redman, Melvin Rhyne, Diana Krall, Larry Goldings, Bill Stewart, Jimmy Cobb, Lee Konitz, Roy Hargrove, Tom Harrell, Joe Lovano, Jack McDuff, Lonnie Smith, Eric Alexander, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, and Mike LeDonne. Bernstein is known for his clean, warm guitar tone and his lyrical melodic lines.[4]
In 2008, Bernstein became part of the Blue Note 7, a septet formed that year in honor of the 70th anniversary of Blue Note Records. The group recorded an album in 2008, entitled Mosaic, which was released in 2009 on Blue Note/EMI, and toured the United States in promotion of the album from January until April 2009.[5] The group plays the music of Blue Note from various artists, with arrangements by members of the band and Renee Rosnes. Recently, Bernstein has joined Sonny Rollins' new quintet.
Guitarist Randy Napoleon said "Peter Bernstein is the most universally respected and admired jazz guitarist of his generation. In his playing, we hear echoes of the celebrated guitarists of the past, with an unmistakable and fresh perspective. He has honed his playing to the essential core of the music; each note is treated with extreme love and importance." [6]
Discography
As leader
- Somethin's Burnin' (Criss Cross, 1992), with Brad Mehldau, John Webber, and Jimmy Cobb
- Signs of Life (Criss Cross, 1995), with Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, and Gregory Hutchinson
- Brain Dance (Criss Cross, 1996), with Eric Alexander, Steve Davis, Billy Drummond, and Larry Goldings
- Earth Tones (Criss Cross, 1997), with Larry Goldings and Bill Stewart
- Heart's Content (Criss Cross, 2002), with Brad Mehldau, Larry Grenadier, and Bill Stewart
- Stranger in Paradise (2004), with Brad Mehldau, Larry Grenadier, and Bill Stewart
- Monk (Xanadu, 2009), with Doug Weiss and Bill Stewart
- Live at Smalls (2010), with Richard Wyands, John Webber, and Jimmy Cobb
- Peter Bernstein Solo Guitar (Live at Smalls) (2013)
- Let Loose (Smoke Sessions, 2016), with Gerald Clayton, Doug Weiss and Bill Stewart
As co-leader
- Consenting Adults (1994), as M.T.B. with Brad Mehldau, Mark Turner, Larry Grenadier, and Leon Parker
- Group Fifteen Plays Monk (1999), as Group Fifteen with Tom Aalfs and Jay Leonhart
- Mosaic: A Celebration of Blue Note Records (2009), as The Blue Note 7 with Bill Charlap, Ravi Coltrane, Lewis Nash, Nicholas Payton, Peter Washington, and Steve Wilson
As sideman
With Joshua Redman
- Freedom in the Groove (1996)
- Momentum (2005)
With Larry Goldings
- Intimacy of the Blues (1991)
- Light Blue (1992)
- Caminhos Cruzados (1994)
- Whatever It Takes (1995)
- Big Stuff (1996)
- Moonbird (1999)
- As One (Larry Goldings album)
With Melvin Rhyne
- The Legend (1991)
- Boss Organ (1993)
- Tell It Like It Is (1994)
- Mel's Spell (1995)
- Stick to the Kick (1995)
- Kojo (1997)
- Aztec Blues (1998)
- Classmasters (1999)
- Tomorrow Yesterday Today (2003)
- Front and Center (2007)
With Mike LeDonne
- Waltz for an Urbanite (1995)
- Smokin' Out Loud (2004)
- On Fire: Live At Smoke (2006)
With others
- Brian Lynch – At The Main Event (1991)
- Eric Alexander – Full Range (1995)
- Walt Weiskopf – A World Away (1995)
- Grant Stewart – More Urban Tones (1996)
- Ralph Lalama – Circle Line (1997)
- Ryan Kisor – Battle Cry (1998)
- Sam Yahel – Trio (1999)
- Steve Davis – Vibe Up! (2000)
- Michael Karn – In Focus (2000)
- Ralph Bowen – Soul Proprietor (2002)
- Wycliffe Gordon – Dig This!! (2003)
- Ryan Kisor – Awakening (2003)
- Jim Rotondi – New Vistas (2004)
- Joe Magnarelli – Hoop Dreams (2006)
- Anton Schwartz – Radiant Blue (2006)
- Steve Davis – Update (2006)
- Ralph Bowen – Five (2008)
- Dr. Lonnie Smith – Rise Up ! (2008)
- Dr. Lonnie Smith – The Art Of Organizing (2009)
- Ben Paterson – For Once in My Life (2015)
- George Coleman – A Master Speaks (Smoke Sessions) (2016)
References
- ↑ Ruhlmann, William. "Peter Bernstein Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 21 March 2010.
- ↑ "Peter Bernstein at All About Jazz". Retrieved 21 March 2010.
- ↑ Novod, Eric. "Peter Bernstein: Work – Jazz.com". Retrieved 21 March 2010.
- ↑ "Sunnyside Records: Artists: Peter Bernstein". Retrieved 21 March 2010.
- ↑ "The Blue Note 7 Celebrates 70 Years of Blue Note Records With Album Release and 50+ City North American Tour". AllAboutJazz.com. 25 September 2008. Retrieved 21 March 2010.
- ↑ http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2015/msufcu-jazz-artist-in-residence-program-welcomes-peter-bernstein