Warren Bernhardt

Warren Bernhardt ( born November 12, 1938 in Wausau, Wisconsin) is an American pianist of modern jazz.

Life and work

Bernhardt came from a household organist and as a child learned classical piano. He studied at the University of Chicago Organic Chemistry and Physics, but increased in a regular jam sessions. In 1961 he became a member of the band by Paul Winter, with whom he went on tour in South America. In 1963 he moved - influenced by Bill Evans - to New York, where he worked with Gerry Mulligan, Clark Terry and George Benson. From 1967 he was a member of the band by Jeremy Steig and turned the fusion music; in addition, he worked for Liza Minnelli and Richie Havens. In the 1970s he worked with Jack DeJohnettes " New Directions " together, put a solo album before and formed a duo with Mike Mainieri, with whom he subsequently played together as a co-leader in " Steps Ahead ". In the 1980s he formed a trio with Eddie Gomez and Peter Erskine, followed by a trio with Dave Holland and Jimmy Cobb. With its changing Trio he recorded several albums for DMP label. In the 1990s he played in a trio with bassist Jay Anderson and changing drummers. On his own label, he published the series " Totally at Home" with standards and classical pieces. Bernhardt also worked with Steve Gadd, Earl Klugh, Michael Brecker, Steely Dan, Art Garfunkel and Chuck Loeb. He also wrote instructional videos under the slogan You Can Play Jazz Piano.

Lexigraphic entries

• Martin Kunzler, Jazz Encyclopedia Vol 1 Reinbek 2002; ISBN 3-499-16512-0