Carleton invites the public to a free performance by the renowned Jonathan Kreisberg Trio on Wednesday, May 9 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. in the Kracum Performance Hall of the Weitz Center for Creativity. American guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg, along with bandmates Matt Clohesy (bass) and Colin Stranahan (drums), has been steadily building his name as one of the most compelling composer/performers in contemporary jazz. Combining timeless melodicism with forward thinking lines and textures, his style and approach has created a strong following of fans around the world.
Kreisberg frequently tours worldwide and records with his own groups as well as artists such as Joe Locke, Ari Hoenig, and Dr. Lonnie Smith, who calls Kreisberg “a passionate musician with great vision, and he is constantly in fiery pursuit of innovation.”
Born in and currently based in New York City, Kreisberg began playing guitar at age ten after moving to Miami with his family. At 16 he was admitted to the New World School of the Arts, where his jazz studies took center stage. While still in his teens, he was featured in both Guitar Player and DownBeat magazines and later won a scholarship to the University of Miami, where he held the guitar chair in the acclaimed Concert Jazz Band, toured Brazil, and performed with Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, and Red Rodney.
Since returning to New York City, Kreisberg has worked in the bands of many jazz greats including Dr. Lonnie Smith, Lee Konitz, Joe Locke, Stefano Dibatista, Ari Hoenig, Joel Frahm, Don Friedman, Greg Tardy, Donald Edwards, Jane Monheit, and Yosvany Terry. He has also led groups of various instrumentations featuring artists such as Bill Stewart, Larry Grenadier, and Scott Wendholt.
Kreisberg has now recorded eight CDs as a leader, including “ONE,” his recent all solo guitar CD, and “WAVE UPON WAVE,” his latest Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet (JKQ) offering. On the latter he brings along alto saxophone genius Will Vinson, the incredible pianist Kevin Hays, and the young rhythm section team of Rick Rosato and Colin Stranahan and creates modern jazz that combines a respect for the tradition with instrumental virtuosity, modern soundscapes and influences from every corner of the world (and beyond).
While based in New York City, Kreisberg can be seen on tour worldwide. Entering the major Jazz Festival circuit with their electrifying show at Jazz Baltica (the combined video footage is now at 300,000 YouTube hits and counting), JKQ has subsequently performed many of the major European and American festivals.
When not on tour Kreisberg can be found at his steady Wednesday trio hits at Bar Next Door in New York City, as well as at the Jazz Standard and Smalls Jazz Club. He also teaches each semester in Europe at the jazz department of Prince Claus Conservatoire, part of Hanze University of Applied Sciences in He also teaches each semester in Europe at the Jazz Department of Prince Claus Conservatoire, part of Hanze University of Applied Sciences.
This event is sponsored by the Carleton College Department of Music. It is free, unticketed, and open to the public. For more information, including disability accommodations, call (507) 222-4475. The Weitz Center for Creativity is located at 320 Third Street East in Northfield.