Warren Bernhardt

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Warren Bernhardt
BornNovember 1938 (age 82)
Wausau, Wisconsin, U.S.
GenresJazz, pop, classical
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsPiano
Years active1961–present
LabelsNovus, Arista, DMP
Associated actsSteps Ahead, Steely Dan, L'Image
Websitewarrenbernhardt.com

Warren Bernhardt (born November 1938) is an American pianist in jazz, pop and classical music.

Early life[]

Bernhardt was born in Wausau, Wisconsin. His father was a pianist, leading him to have early childhood exposure to piano,[1] and he learned some rudiments of keyboarding from his friends. At five his parents moved to New York City, where he began studying seriously under varied instructors. After the death of his father in 1957 he quit music for a time to study chemistry and physics at the University of Chicago. In that city he was exposed to blues and jazz, which influenced the rest of his career.

Career[]

From 1961 to 1964 he worked in Paul Winter's sextet, which led to his return to New York. Once in New York, he worked with George Benson, Gerry Mulligan, Jeremy Steig and others. He also developed a close relationship with the pianist Bill Evans, who served as a mentor to Bernhardt. Bernhardt released several solo LPs in the 1970s, and eventually became a member of the jazz fusion group Steps Ahead while continuing to work on solo projects.[2] In 1971, he provided the piano accompaniment on the song "Crossroads" by Don McLean.

Bernhardt has released jazz and classical recordings over recent decades, and is also featured in teaching sessions in both audio and video formats from Homespun Tapes.

Bernhardt toured as the musical director with Steely Dan in the United States from 1993 to 1994,[3] and can be heard on Steely Dan's Alive in America album. He has performed with Simon and Garfunkel's Old Friends tour, on Art Garfunkel's solo tours,[4] and can be seen on the Art Garfunkel DVD and HDTV presentation Across America.

In 2009, Bernhardt reunited with his band from 1973, L'Image, featuring Mike Mainieri, David Spinozza, Tony Levin and Steve Gadd. The group performed at the Iridium Jazz Club in New York City, toured Japan, and released the album L 'Image 2.0.

Discography[]

As leader[]

  • 1977 Solo Piano (Novus)
  • 1978 Blue Montreux (Arista
  • 1978 Blue Montreux 2 (Arista)
  • 1978 Free Smiles (Novus)
  • 1979 Floating (Arista/Novus)
  • 1979 Free Smile (Arista)
  • 1980 Manhattan Update
  • 1983 Warren Bernhardt Trio (DMP)
  • 1987 Hands On (DMP)
  • 1990 Ain't Life Grand (DMP)
  • 1991 Heat of the Moment (DMP)
  • 1992 Reflections (DMP)
  • 1993 Family Album (DMP)
  • 2003 Amelia's Song (DMP)
  • 2003 So Real (DMP)
  • 2016 Lotus Night (Warner Music)[5]

As sideman[]

With Kenny Burrell

With Art Farmer

With Tim Hardin

With O'Donel Levy

  • Simba (Groove Merchant, 1974)

With Mike Mainieri

With Pat Martino

With Gerry Mulligan

With Jeremy Steig

References[]

  1. ^ Lewiston Evening Journal. "Community Concert Campaign Gets Underway This Week". May 1, 1950, p. 3. Retrieved on July 22, 2013.
  2. ^ Karlovits, Bob. "Steps Ahead meshes fusion rhythms, mainstream jazz". Pittsburgh Press, June 28, 1984, p. C6. Retrieved on July 22, 2013.
  3. ^ Findlay, Prentiss. "Lewis, Dan Brubeck will jazz up festival". The Post and Courier (Charleston, S.C.), February 5, 1994, p. 1-B. Retrieved on July 22, 2013.
  4. ^ The Daily Gazette (Schenectady, N.Y.). "Art Garfunkel scheduled for Egg concert Nov. 16". September 28, 2002, p. C6. Retrieved on July 22, 2013.
  5. ^ "Warren Bernhardt | Album Discography | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 20 September 2016.

External links[]

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