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Brandon Bernstein

Brandon Bernstein is a jazz guitarist in Los Angeles

About Me

Brandon Bernstein has been described as “…one of the most impressive young guitarists on the scene.” Although he is only in his early thirties, Bernstein has begun to develop a very personal and unique sound. Guitarist Larry Koonse describes Brandon’s sound as “…one of the most gorgeous guitar sounds he has ever heard on record.” Guitar virtuoso John Stowell says, “Guitarist Brandon Bernstein is coming out of the tradition of great mainstream jazz guitar, but he is already finding his own voice.”

Bernstein is establishing himself as one of the finest jazz guitarists in Los Angeles. He regularly performs at venues throughout the L.A. including: The Blue Whale, Vitello’s, The Jazz Bakery, Steamers Jazz Club, Red White & Bluezz, and The Lighthouse—among many others. Bernstein also performs internationally including recent trips and festivals in South America, Europe, Asia, and Canada.

Brandon Bernstein began studying guitar at age 14 and developed an immediate passion for music. Soon after that, he had no doubt he would devote his life to playing the guitar. At the age of 18, Bernstein was awarded scholarships to continue his study of jazz at Berklee School of Music. He would later complete degrees at Concordia University (in Montreal, Canada), the University of Louisville, and the University of Southern California where he received a doctorate in Jazz Performance at 28 years old.

Bernstein is inspired by a wide array of genres and musicians—chief among those influences are: Jim Hall and Ed Bickert. Modern jazz guitarists, Larry Koonse, Ben Monder, Bill Frisell, and Julian Lage have also had a profound impact on Bernstein because of their unique artistry and risk-taking spirit.

As a musician, Bernstein has performed with a variety of well-known artists including: Gary Foster, Putter Smith, Mundell Lowe, Howard Alden, Ben Monder, Joe Labarbera, Kendall Kay, Larry Koonse, John Stowell, Wynton Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Jimmy Wyble, Matt Otto, Greg Leisz, Ambrose Akinmusire, Walter Smith, Mark Ferber, Eric Reed, Terrell Stafford, and Vic Juris. He studied with notable guitarists: Bruce Foreman, Ben Monder, Larry Koonse, and Roddy Ellias.

Currently, Bernstein is an adjunct professor at Pasadena City College, Cypress College and Chaffey College in Los Angeles where he teaches jazz guitar and lectures. He also co-authored a book of Kurt Rosenwinkel transcriptions for Mel Bay Publishing Co. and is a regular contributor for Just Jazz Guitar magazine.

Brandon plays an Andersen 17” Archtop, a Roger Bory's B-120 archtop, a Traugott Flat-top, and SoloEtte travel guitars. His amps are a Headstrong Lil King-S an AER. Brandon uses only Thomastik Infield Strings. He also is an endorsed artist for K&K pickup and BlueChip picks.

Brandon currently resides in La Crescenta, California.