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randy bernsen
About Me
randy bernsen
South Florida guitarist Randy Bernsen started his recording career in an unorthodox way,
calling a collection of jazz/fusion luminaries who, even to his surprise, agreed to be a part
of his 1986 debut album Music for People, Planets & Washing Machines. After recruiting
fretless bass giant and fellow South Florida resident Jaco Pastorius and getting a return
call of interest from keyboard virtuoso Herbie Hancock, it was easier to interest
keyboardist Bob James and drummer Peter Erskine. Released on MCA's Zebra label, the
album earned Bernsen write-ups in Down Beat and Guitar Player magazines and
appeared to start a flourishing career. Bernsen's follow-up, 1987's Mo' Wasabi, was even
better, as his initial all-stars were joined by saxophonists Wayne Shorter and Michael
Brecker, bassist Marcus Miller, drummer Steve Gadd, and harmonica legend Toots
Thielemans. More positive press from JAZZIZ and USA Today followed, but when the
1988 album Paradise Citizens didn't attract the same attention despite the same dazzling
roster, Bernsen's tenure with Zebra was finished. No one knew at the time that the
guitarist -- who excelled whether playing clean-toned lines or mimicking keyboards,
saxophone, or steel drums on his guitar synthesizer -- would never release a major-label
solo album again. As it turned out, Bernsen continuously tours Europe, Asia, as well as
the States. A stint with former Weather Report leader Joe Zawinul (replacing fellow South
Florida guitarist Scott Henderson) resulted in some fine work on Zawinul's 1992 Lost
Tribes CD, and Bernsen's independently released CD Calling Me Back Home featured
another all-star roster the next year... Joe Sample, Toots Thielemans, Brandon Fields,
and Abraham Laboriel. His house gig at a Fort Lauderdale club resulted in Bernsen's next
CD, Live at Tavern 213, and featured excellent improvisations and catchy melodies. Live
in San Miguel de Allende was Bernsen’s follow up CD recorded at an international festival
in Mexico. Presently, Jericho Jams, his production house, is responsible for the following
three CDs, Be Still and Know, Angels We Have Heard On High, and his latest AppTeaser,
recorded with his organ trio, Uzi Nizri/organ and David Nizri/drums. This CD also
features jazz jam legend John Medeski on the cut Groove On. (Bernsen’s musical nod to
his former boss Zawinul.) ... JAZZ-JAM-IMPROV!
2015-look for 4 releases… this year. FIRST project features co-producer Jimmy Haslip on
bass, Peter Erskine, Scott Kinsey, Luis Conte, Robert Thomas jr and more . Stay Tuned!