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Jonathan Kreisberg

Guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg has been steadily building his name as one of the most compelling composer/performers in Jazz. Combining timeless melodicism with forward thinking lines and textures, His style and approach has created a strong following of fans around the world. He frequently tours worldwide and records with his own groups as well artists such as Dr. Lonnie Smith, who says of Kreisberg "He is a passionate musician with great vision, and he is constantly in fiery pursuit of innovation."

Born in New York City, guitarist and composer Jonathan Kreisberg has fond memories of a childhood steeped in music. “I was lucky to grow up in a household that had a great and wide-ranging record collection,” he recalls, “including Coltrane's My Favorite Things, John Williams playing the ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ and Cream's Disraeli Gears.”

Jonathan started playing guitar at the age of ten after moving to Miami with his family. At 16 he was admitted to the New World School of the Arts, where his jazz studies took center stage. Intensely dedicated to the instrument, he was featured in Guitar Player and DownBeat while still in his teens. He won a scholarship to the University of Miami, where he held the guitar chair in the acclaimed Concert Jazz Band, touring Brazil and performing with Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, and Red Rodney.

Upon graduation, Jonathan began playing straight ahead jazz gigs as well as a myriad of other projects. He performed 20th century works with the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas. He also recorded a C.D. and performed extensively with the progressive rock group Third Wish (including opening slots for rock legends Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen). He also formed the first incarnation of the Jonathan Kreisberg Trio. Based in Miami, this electric based Trio released a C.D. and completed several U.S. East Coast tours, which included opening slots for George Benson and Steve Morse. He also began giving clinics at music schools and universities.

While still in his early 20's, he returned to his birthplace in NYC with his focus on cutting edge acoustic jazz. "My Miami Trio was about coming up with new textures and being communicative while still playing intense musically. When I moved to New York I entered a more introspective phase, really getting deeper into melodies and harmonies." This also coincided with a renewed interest in the jazz tradition. "I found that the deeper I got into the tradition the more possibilities I became aware of for the future."

Jonathan Kreisberg: Night Songs

by C. Andrew Hovan
August 13, 2023

Although technical proficiency and filigreed improvisations often catch the attention of the average jazz fan, those in the know will insist that you can't really evaluate the mettle of a jazz musician until you hear how he interprets a ballad. Memorable efforts from the jazz cannon that fruitfully establish a reflective mood over the length of an album must include John Coltrane's Ballads, Kenny Dorham's Quiet Kenny, and Grant Green's Idle Moments. With six dates already as a ...

In Pictures

Jonathan Kreisberg at the Bop Stop

by C. Andrew Hovan
October 30, 2022

A collection of photos from the Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet concert at The Bop Stop in Cleveland on October 23, 2022 featuring Jonathan Kreisberg, Martin Bejerano, Or Bareket and Karl-Henrik Ousback. ...

Album Review

Dr. Lonnie Smith: Breathe

Read "Breathe" reviewed by La-Faithia White

by La-Faithia White
May 15, 2021

Dr. Lonnie Smith, guru of the Hammond B3 organ for over five decades, now releases eight songs, six of which were recorded live in 2017 at The Jazz Standard in New York City, during his seventy-fifth birthday. In December 2020, The Jazz Standard closed because of the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic which has taken the lives of many jazz clubs throughout the USA. The opening song, “Why Can't We Live Together," is a remake of the 1972 ...

Album Review

Dr. Lonnie Smith: Breathe

Read "Breathe" reviewed by Angelo Leonardi

by Angelo Leonardi
March 24, 2021

Nel nuovo album di Dr.Lonnie Smith, appena uscito per la Blue Note, non c'è solo il traboccante groove del suo trio. Per il 75mo compleanno dell'organista Hammond, il produttore Don Was ha fatto le cose in grande, pubblicando la registrazione di una una serata allo Jazz Standard (a New York nel 2017) con un organico strumentale con nomi illustri, come il trombonista Robin Eubanks e la cantante Alicia Olatuja. Piuttosto insolita, ma riuscitissima, risulta poi la collaborazione ripresa in studio ...

Radio & Podcasts

Jonathan Kreisberg, Clifford Jordan, John Clayton and More

by Joe Dimino
February 9, 2020

This week we open with a live recording from Jonathan Kreisberg off Capturing Spirits and then we honor the spirit of Kobe Bryant with music by John Williams and celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs on their Super Bowl run for ending their 50-year drought and making it to Super Bowl LIV by playing a 1960's jazz tune from the Kansas City Chiefs band. We profile Yvonnick Prene and Andy Bianco. Enjoy the Super Bowl and the jazz, kids.

Interview

Jonathan Kreisberg: A Spirit Captured in Constant Motion

by Friedrich Kunzmann
January 13, 2020

Over 3,000 miles separate jny: New York City from Europe. A distance that feels a little smaller every day—traveled in a virtual way in less than a second, even physically in a matter of only roughly 7 hours. Musicians especially are prone to crossing the pond rather frequently. New York-based guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg tends to make the trip a few times a year, either touring in an intimate duo set with Brazilian nylon-string guitarist Nelson Veras, with Lonnie Smith's trio, ...

Year in Review

Friedrich Kunzmann's Best releases of 2019

by Friedrich Kunzmann
December 20, 2019

The past couple of years unveiled a whirlwind of political confusion that seems to have finally slopped over into the world of jazz music. Like many individuals, in 2019 artists felt the need to speak out across the mainstream social media platforms and use their somewhat wider reaching voices to animate a like-minded community as well as to question various actions taken and decisions made. But even beyond that, musicians have started to introduce prominent vocal passages in otherwise exclusively ...

Event

Jazz Lovers, Get Ready For The TIJC 2024 - An Authentic Jazz Festival With The Identity Of Real Jazz

Source: Thailand International Jazz Conference
January 12, 2024

Since 2009 the Thailand International Jazz Conference—TIJC 2024 has driven the jazz music industry in Thailand with its vibes and atmosphere that go on winning the hearts of artists and jazz lovers domestically and internationally. Coming back again for its 15th Anniversary of the TIJC, held between 26-28 January 2024, proclaim its positioning as a genuine jazz performance stage. Gathering the jazz community to showcase their work, meet, and exchange views at the College of Music, Mahidol University. “TIJC is ...
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Contest

Enter the "Jonathan Kreisberg - One" Giveaway at All About Jazz!

Source: All About Jazz
April 20, 2013

All About Jazz members are invited to enter the “Jonathan Kreisberg - One“ giveaway contest starting today. We'll select FIVE winners at the conclusion of the contest on May 20th. Click here to enter the contest

(Becoming a fan of Jonathan Kreisberg at AAJ automatically enters you in the contest.)

Good luck! About One

A solo performance represents the most intimate communion between an artist and their instrument. The title of guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg's first solo album, One, succinctly expresses ...
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Event

Los Angeles Jazz Collective Residency at Blue Whale Part IV, Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet

Source: Los Angeles Jazz Collective
January 23, 2012

LAJC Residency, Part IV Blue Whale, Los Angeles, CA Wednesday, January 25, 8pm Our fourth and final installment is imminent, and it's been an incredibly exciting month of great performances by so many outstanding musicians, witnessed by so many appreciative fans. All those who came to these events are to be commended for their support and for proving that artful music can also be exciting, compelling, and, dare we say it...popular. Well, maybe not Dane Cook ...
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Performance / Tour

The Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet European Tour 2011

Source: Two for the Show Media
November 15, 2011

December 4, 2011 Hnita Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet (featuring, Will Vinson, Orlando Leflemming, and Colin Stranahan) Heist op den Berg, Belgium December 5, 2011 Sounds Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet (featuring, Will Vinson, Orlando Leflemming, and Colin Stranahan) Brussels, Belgium December 6, 2011 Stichting Jazz Maastricht—Bovenzaal, Theater a/h Vrijthof Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet (featuring, Will Vinson, Orlando Leflemming, and Colin Stranahan) Maastricht, The Netherlands December 7, 2011 Jimmy Glass Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet Valencia, Spain December 8, ...
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Performance / Tour

Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet at Smalls Jazz Club February 11th and 12th, 2011

Source: Two for the Show Media
February 9, 2011

Guitarist/Composer & Bandleader Jonathan Kreisberg will be performing with his group at Smalls Jazz Club in New York City on Friday February 11th, 2011 & Saturday February 12th, 2011—Set Time is 10:00PM. This performance is in celebration of Jonathan Kreisberg's new CD release Shadowless from New for Now Music. The Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet Jonathan Kreisberg—Guitar Will Vinson—Alto Sax Hans Glawischnig—Bass Mark Ferber—Drums Smalls Jazz Club 183 West 10th Street
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Performance / Tour

Jonathan Kreisberg European Spring Tour 2011

Source: Two for the Show Media
February 2, 2011

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Event

Los Angeles Jazz Collective Presents: Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet @ Blue Whale, Thursday, Oct. 7

Source: Los Angeles Jazz Collective
October 1, 2010

Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet, Thursday, 10/07/10 9pm Jonathan Kreisberg—guitar Will Vinson—sax and piano Mark Ferber—drums Phil Donkin—bass Blue Whale Bar 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka Street Los Angeles, 90012 bluewhalemusic.com $15 Cover, no minimum Los Angeles is a long way to travel for jazz musicians living someplace other than Los Angeles. Logistically it's pretty tricky to set up a series of gigs with the price of airfare and lodging, ...
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Interview

Guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz
October 13, 2009

The world of jazz guitar has long been filled with some of the most storied names in jazz history. Artists such as Charlie Christian, Johnny Smith, Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny and John Scofield have all become recognized as some of jazz's greatest innovators and most prolific performers.

In a day and age when it seems that jazz, and jazz guitar, has been through just about every transition, amalgamation and innovation possible, there are still new voices emerging to take the ...
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Performance / Tour

Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet featuring John Swana @ Chris' Jazz Cafe on Feb 23, 2008

Source: All About Jazz
February 21, 2008

Guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg comes to Chirs' Jazz Cafe on February 23, 2008. Kreisberg is touring in support of his new release The South Of Everywhere, which features all original compositions.

JONATHAN KREISBERG QUARTET Jonathan Kreisberg - guitar John Swana - trumpet Gary Versace - organ Obed Calvaire - drums

February 23, 2008 Sets @ 8 & 10 PM Chris' Jazz Cafe 1421 Sansom ...
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Performance / Tour

Les Paul (Mon) Mingus Legacy (Tues) Jonathan Kreisberg Mel Bay CD Release (Wed) Mark Murphy (Thu-Sun) at the Iridium Jazz Club

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services
October 1, 2007

IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB 1650 BROADWAY (Corner of 51st) NEW YORK, NY 10023 RESERVATIONS: 212-582-2121 Sets At 8:00 & 10:00PM This Week At Iridium Wed., Oct. 3 JONATHAN KREISBERG QUINTET Mel Bay CD release party for “THE SOUTH OF EVERYWHERE" Jonathan Kreisberg-Guitar, Gary Versace-Piano, Loren Stillman-Alto, Matt Penman-Bass, Mark Ferber-Drums Oct. 4-7 MARK MURPHY with the Misha Piatigorsky Quartet Misha Piatigorsky - piano, Edward Perez ...
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"Jonathan Kreisberg is a great musician whose playing and writing always tell a story. His formidable technique and intellect never get in the way, but only serve the agenda of the heart." —Joe Locke