Jerry Bergonzi

Jerry Bergonzi research papers explore the musician and his life. Paper Masters has music writers that can custom write a research paper on any music topic you need.

Jerry Bergonzi is known throughout many parts of the world for his music. Born in Boston, Bergonzi has made a name for himself as a jazz performer, composer, author, and educator. His musical talent transcends several instruments, including that of the clarinet, alto saxophone and tenor saxophone. Early on he showed a preference for the tenor saxophone and used his musical skill with the instrument to build an impressive and lengthy musical career.

At eight years old Bergonzi started playing the clarinet, inspired by the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, And Lester Young. At twelve years of age he received his first saxophone, a Conn alto. During these years he was inspired by both his uncle, a jazz musician who lived upstairs, and his friends who introduced him to the music of Miles, Coltrane, and Sonny Rollins.

Jerry Bergonzi - Early Years

By the time Bergonzi was thirteen he was already playing with a band called the Stardusters. In high school he switched to the tenor saxophone, and played with Berklee College students as well as John LaPorta's youth band. Of working under LaPorta Bergonzi said, "It was a great experience. I learned so much, John would tell you like it was. He'd let you know what your shortcomings were, he would stop the band and tell you."

Bergonzi received his formal education at the University of Lowell where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. Much of his training was informal however and obtained by listening to the recordings of others. After Bergonzi graduated from college, he earned money playing in bass bands backing up singers, strippers, and comedians. In 1972, he moved to New York City.

While in New York, Bergonzi states that he earned his real education while playing in impromptu jazz sessions with other musical greats including Joe Lovano, Steve Slagle, Billy Drewes, Paul Moen, Pat LaBarbera, Dave Liebman, John Schofield, Mike Brecker, and Bob Berg.

Jerry Bergonzi - Jazz

In 1973 Jerry Bergonzi burst onto the jazz musical scene when he joined the Dave Brubeck Ensemble. Throughout his career, Bergonzi has performed with many famous jazz artists including:

• Bill Evans
• John Scofield
• John Abercrombie
• Gerry Mulligan
• Joey Calderazzo
• Mike Brecker

Other artists he has performed with include Bob Mintzer, Dave Powell, Chiara Civello, Randy Jones, Jon Faddis, Giana Viscardi, Dave Brubeck, Franco Ambrosetti, John Clark, Dave Santoro, Jorge Rossy, and Mulgrew Miller. Bergonzi tours with his own ensemble as well as performing with the above musicians.

A large part of Bergonzi's career involves teaching others. Bergonzi maintains a practice based in his hometown of Boston and travels throughout the United States and Europe teaching at various clinics, jazz camps and conservatories. Bergonzi also teaches students awarded by the National Endowment of Arts. Bergonzi has gone further than teaching students in person. In addition, he has authored several books that have play along CDs and videos entitled "Inside Improvisation".