The UNF Jack Kleinsinger Highlights in Jazz Archive, by Danny Gottlieb, Professor of Jazz Studies
Dr. Jack Kleinsinger is a former assistant attorney general of the State of New York.
He had a passion for jazz, and in 1973 decided to try producing jazz concerts. One successful concert led to another, and Jack Kleinsinger’s Highlights in Jazz has become the longest running continuous jazz series in the history of New York. He has produced more than 316 jazz concerts to date, featuring the most popular and greatest names in jazz. Artists featured in his series include Doc Cheatham, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Roy Haynes, Clark Terry, Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Gary Burton, Maxine Sullivan, Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich, Dave Brubeck, Roy Eldridge, Billy Taylor, Billy Higgins, Dick Hyman, Bucky Pizzarelli Jay Leonhart, Bobby Hackett, Cab Calloway, Art Farmer, Woody Herman, and hundreds more.
Jack has been a family friend for years, and I actually performed in concert 29, Tubby the Tuba in 1976. A few years ago, during a visit with Jack in his New York apartment, I noticed stacks of cassette tapes gathering dust. He explained that he had been allowed to record the concerts for archival purposes, and that he had just about every Highlights in Jazz concert recorded. Many of the more recent concerts were recorded to CD, but most of the concerts only existed on cassette. Some were quality board tapes, but others were primitive recordings made by Jack’s father holding a cassette deck in the front row!
Realizing that these were priceless, one-of-a-kind recordings, and that if anything should happen to them the recorded performances would be lost forever, I asked Jack if he would allow me to archive his material at UNF. He lovingly agreed, happy that someone who was a friend and who actually performed in his concerts would take such an interest.
With the help of Dean Shirley Hallblade, Courtenay McLeland, and the staff of the UNF Thomas G. Carpenter Library, we were able to secure a foundation grant and the UNF Digital Commons Jack Kleinsinger Library was born.
Jack has also been an avid collector of reviews, photos, and anything else associated with his concerts. In addition to the UNF music collection, he has also permitted us archive his more than 2000 pieces of printed memorabilia. Jack also has an uncanny memory for special events and personal anecdotes, and we have also been able to video tape Jack discussing special moments and memories associated with each concert.
It is the goal of this archival project to preserve and perpetuate the special musical moments that occurred within this collection of more than 500 hours of live music by honoring Jack’s original intent in making these recordings: that the music be archived, preserved and presented for educational purposes. We hope that every student, music researcher, and jazz lover will find an endless supply of creativity and a wealth of jazz knowledge in this collection, and that all will understand and celebrate the scope of the life’s work of one of jazz’s greatest producers and heroes: Jack Kleinsinger.
In 2016, Jack Kleinsinger donated his valuable archive of original tape recordings to the Carpenter Library, and UNF awarded Jack an Honorary Doctorate of Letters. We are so grateful for his lifetime of contribution to the arts, and his generous donation to this University.
We are using the video from his “Tribute The Charlie Parker” concert in all Evolution of Jazz classes to call student attention to Dr. Kleinsinger’s concert production and the archive that is housed at UNF.
In May of 2019, I appeared as a special guest at “Highlights” concert 339. In light of this archive, and Jack’s donation to our University, it was a honor that I will never forget. Thank you, Jack, for conceiving and designing each and every concert, and for providing us with this incredible music.
Special thanks to:
Brian Radock for his creative input and assistance with tape, CD, video production and document copy.
Joe Martin for his assistance with all financial and logistical planning for this grant.
Shirley Hallblade for her insight and assistance in all aspects of this project.
Courtenay, Faith, Ryan, Tracey, and all involved with UNF Digital Commons.
A message of thanks and appreciation to Local 802, American Federation of Musicians, by Professor Danny Gottlieb, Lifetime member of local 802, New York, and currently, local 257, Nashville.
This concert audio collection is made available through the generosity of The American Federation of Musicians, Local 802, New York City, of which Dr. Kleinsinger was an avid supporter. All of the musicians performing on these concerts have been paid through Union Contract, and are protected and will reap the benefits provided by this contract and Union membership.
We encourage ALL musicians to join their local Musician's Union in order to receive all of the benefits that they have earned and so greatly deserve. These concerts are made available for educational and study purposes only. They are not available for copying, sampling or any use without written consent of local 802.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 232- Louis Armstrong Centennial Celebration
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, May 10th, 2001 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Joe Bushkin, Howard Alden, Jay Leonhart, Joe Ascione, Arvell Shaw, Brian Sledge, Joey Cavaseno, Gary Valente, Frank Derrick, and special guest Marty Napoleon.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 233- Jazz From Bunk to Monk
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, October 4th, 2001 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Howard Alden, Byron Stripling, Derek Smith, Ken Peplowski, Eddie Locke, Art Baron, Dennis Irwin, and Eddy Davis.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 234- Big Band Bellson
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, November 15th, 2001 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Louie Bellson, Jay Leonhart, Byron Stripling, Scott Robinson, Ken Hitchcock, and Jean Flowers.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 235- Keepers of the Flame
Jack Keinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, December 13th, 2001 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Christian McBride, Kevin Mahogany, Charles Haynes, Melissa Slocum, Wayne Goodman, and Benny Powell.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 236- The Art of Playing Standards
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, January 10th, 2002 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include McCoy Tyner, Bucky Pizzarelli, Jerry Bruno, and Joe Cocuzzo.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 237- Billy Taylor's 80th Birthday Bash
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, March 7th, 2002 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Billy Taylor, Frank Wess, Benny Powell, Carol Sloane, Norman Simmons, and Paul West.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 237- Highlights in Jazz 29th Anniversary Gala
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, February 7th, 2002 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jane Monheit, Cyrus Chestnut, Michael Cannon, Joe Martin, Erik Montalbano, Kenny Barron, Ray Drummond, Anne Drummond, and Ben Riley.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 239- Salute to Joe Bushkin
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, April 4th, 2002 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Howard Alden, Bill Charlap, Joe Bushkin, Bob Merrill, Wycliffe Gordon, Jay Leonhart, Peter Cincotti, Jackie Williams, and Harry Allen.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 240- The First Families of Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, May 2nd, 2002 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jimmy Heath, Percy Heath, Albert "Tootie" Heath, Jackie Cain, and Roy Kral.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 241- Back By Popular Demand
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Monday, October 21st, 2002 at 8:00pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Derek Smith, Carrie Smith, Ken Peplowski, Jay Leonhart, and Byron Stripling.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 242- The Pizzarelli Family
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, November 14th, 2002 at 8:00pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include John Pizzarelli, Bucky Pizzarelli, Jessica Molaskey. Special guest: Sir Roland Hanna.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 243- Women of Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, December 12th, 2002 at 8:00pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include the Marian McPartland Trio, Paula West, Judy Carmichael with Jon-Erik Kellso, and Chris Flory.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 244- Cabaret Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, January 9th, 2003 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Freddy Cole Quartet, Barbara Carroll, Daryl Sherman, Al Gafa, Steve Laspina, and Joe Coaizzo.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 245- Highlights in Jazz 30th Anniversary
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, February 6th, 2003 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Dick Hyman, Howard Alden, Jay Leonhart, Frank Wess, and Winard Harper. Surprise Guests Joe Wilder and Marty Gross.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 246- Salute to Louie Bellson
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, March 6th, 2003 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Louis Bellson, Clark Terry, Derek Smith, and Kenny Washington. Surprise Guests Ken Hitchcock and Jaylin Hart.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 247- Horns A-Plenty
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, April 10th, 2003 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Randy Sanke, Joe Wilder, Ken Peplowski, Wycliffe Gordon, Ray Anderson, Scott Robinson, Uri Caine, Greg Cohen, Lewis Nash, Lyambinko, and Torsten Zwingenberger. Surprise Guests Mark Lowenthal and Robin Draganic.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 248- I Love a Piano
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, May 15th, 2003 at 8:00 pm in cooperation with Pace University Performing Arts, Dr. Nicholas Catalano- University Director. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Dena DeRose, McCoy Tyner, and Chris Berger. Surprise Guest Steve Wilson.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 249- Rent Party at TRIBECA
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, October 2nd, 2003 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Billy Taylor Trio with Chip Jackson and Winard Harper as well as the Cyrus Chestnut Trio with Neal Smith and Michael Hawkins. Surprise Guest Candido.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 250- We Remember Lionel Hampton
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, November 6th, 2003 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Terry Gibbs, Frank Wess, Mike LeDonne, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Ron Odrich, Gene Bertoncini, Frank Vignola, and Eugene Maslov. Surprise Guests Pablo Bencid and Charles Dambrough.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 251- Keely Smith in Concert
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, December 4th, 2003 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Keely Smith, Dennis Michaels, Kenny Ascher, Chip Jackson, Jow Cocuzzo, Ben Williams, Earl Gardner, Jim O'Connor, Mike Migliore, and Jerry Vivino.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 252- The Glory of Traditional Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, January 8th, 2004 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Dick Hyman, Randy Sandke, Dave Ostwald, Howard Alden, Wycliffe Gordon, Dan Leison, jon-Erik Kellso, and Joe Ascione. Surprise guest Willie Applewhite.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 253- Highlights in Jazz 21st Anniversary
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, February 19th, 2004 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Clary Terry, Monty Alexander, Steve Turre, David Glasser, Don Friedman, Marcus McLaurine, and Sylvia Cuenca.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 254- Accent on Percussion
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, March 18th, 2004 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Louie Bellson, Ray Barreto, Chico Hamilton, Derek Smith, Bob Cranshaw, Ken Hitchcock, Cecil Bridgewater, Joe Magnarelli, Myron Walden, Robert Rodriguez, Sean Conley, and Vince Cherico. Surprise Guest Christopher Barreto.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 256- Salute to Barbara Carroll
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, May 20th, 2004 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Barbara Carroll, Jackie Cain, Bill Charlap, Jay Leonhart, Houston Person, Daryl Sherman, Grandy Tate, Kenny Washington, and Peter Washington.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 257- We Remember Ray Brown
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, October 7th, 2004 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jay Leonhart. Bill Mays, Joe Cohn, Christian McBride, Geodd Keezer, and Greg Hutchinson. Surprise guest Carolyn Leonhart.