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Otto Gardner
Otto Gardner is an American bass player and teacher.
About Me
Otto Gardner is an American bass player and teacher. Otto's 40 years as a musician
includes playing, teaching, and recording throughout the Northeast, California and
Canada.
Otto is a founding member of Schenectady’s Empire Jazz Orchestra, in which he has
played for more than 22 years, along with such Jazz Master guests as Jimmy Heath, Lou
Soloff, Curtis Fuller, Rufus Reid, and Benny Golson. He has also played with scores of
artists including James Spalding, J. R. Montrose, Arthur Rhames, Buddy Greco, Margaret
Whiting, Hal Galper, Nick Brignola, Randy Brecker, Lee Shaw, and Lincoln Mayorga.
In addition to performance and recording, Otto's teaching experience spans 3 decades. He
has happily shared his talents and insights through individual bass lessons whenever his
schedule allowed. SInce 2010 Otto has been a member of the Bard College community as
an adjunct professor in the Jazz Department.
Otto lives in the Village of Chatham in New York State's Hudson Valley.
My Jazz Story