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 283- Early Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, December 13th, 2007 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Dick Hyman, Howard Alden, Ken Peplowski, Evan Christopher, Greg Cohen, Marion Felder, and surprise guest Aaron Weinstein.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 284- Remembering Ray Barretto
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, January 3rd, 2008 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Sonny Fortune, Dave Valentin, Steve Turre, Bobby Sanabria, Steve Kroon, Arturo O'Farrill, Vince Cherico, Yunior Terry, Steve Cron, and special guest Ray Vega.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 285- Highlights in Jazz 35th Anniversary
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, February 14th, 2008 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jane Monheit, Michael Canaan, Miles Okazaki, Neil Minor, Rick Montalbano, Ari Ambrose, Dan Nixon, George Grey, and Lyle Atkinson.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 286- Salute to Freddy Cole
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, March 13th, 2008 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Freddie Cole, Cynthia Scott, Randy Napoleon, Elias Bailey, Curtis Boyd, Bernard Purdie, Rufus Rein, John DeMartino, Houston Person, David "Fathead" Newman, and surprise guest Russell Malone.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 287- Basses Loaded
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, April 17th, 2008 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Christian McBride, Morris Chestnut, Melissa Walker, George Colligan, Ben Williams, Justin Brown, Kenny Rampton, Michael Mossman, Michael Rodriguez, David Weiss, Steve Davis, Vince Gardner, Chris Crenshaw, Doug Purviance, Steve Wilson, Jerry Dogion, Loren Schoenberg, Patience Higgins, Jay Leonhart, and surprise guest Heather Rosenthal and Alvin Atkinson.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 288- An Evening With Dave Brubeck
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, May 15th, 2008 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Dave Brubeck, Bobby Millitello, Michael Moore, Randy Jones, and surprise guests Hilliard Greene and Freddy Bryant.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 289- Keely Smith in Concert
Jack Kleinsiner and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, September 18th, 2008 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Dennis Michaels, Jerry Vivino, Michael Morelli, Mike Merritt, Steve Bargonetti, Ray Marchica, and surprise guest Kenny Ascher.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 290- Jazz is My Passport
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, October 16th, 2008 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Eldar, Trio Da Paz, Warren Chiasson, Roni Ben-Hur, Dr. Lyn Christie, and surprise guest Fukushi Tainaka.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 291- Statesmen of Jazz Meet The Next Generation All Stars
Jack Kleinsinger
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, November 13th, 2008 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Bucky Pizzarelli, Warren Vache, Mickey Roker, John Bunch, Aaron Weinstein, Aaron Diehl, Jake Hertzog, Theo Croker, and Surprise Guest Jerry Bruno and Joe Saylor.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 292- Salute to Jay Leonhart
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, December 11th, 2008 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jay Leonhart, Barbara Carroll, Carolyn Leonhart, Wayne Escoffery, Ken Peplowski, Byron Stripling, Harry Allen, Ted Rosenthal, and Alvin Atkinson, with surprise guests Michael Leonhart, Donna Leonhart, John Colianni, Adam Nimmer, and Houston Person.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 293- Highlights in Jazz 36th 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, 2009 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Dick Hyman, Joe Wilder, David Ostwald, Wycliffe Gordon, Anat Cohen, Job-Erik Kellso, and Kevin Dorn, with surprise guests Mark Shane and Howard Alden.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 294- I Love A Piano
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, March 19th, 2009 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Cyrus Chestnut, Michael Wolff, Dezron Douglas, Neal Smith, Chip Jackson, and Mike Clark. Surprise Guest Rachel Price.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 295- Living Jazz Saxophone Legends
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, April 16th, 2009 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Phil Woods, Lou Donaldson, Michael Weiss, John Webber, and Bill Goodwin with special guest Lew Tabakin.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 296- Voices of Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, May 14th, 2009 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Kevin Mahogany, James Weidman, Melissa Slocum, JT Lewis, Bill Easley, Daryl Sherman, James Chirillo, Boots Maleson, Marion Felder, and surprise guest Carol Fredette.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 297- Cabaret Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, September 10th, 2009 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Barbara Carroll, Frank Tate, Paula West, George Mesterhazy, and Barak Mori, with surprise guest Joe Ascione.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 298- Hot Jazz From New Orleans to Isreal
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, October 8th, 2009 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Evan Christopher, Duke Heitger, Anat Cohen, Ehud Asherie, George Masso, Jackie Williams, Johnny Varro, Joe Ascione, and surprise guest Frank Tate.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 299- Living Jazz Legends
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Buddy DeFranco, Joe Cohn, Ed Metz, Jr., Jay Leonhart, Brian Odrich, Mickey Roker, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli, Martin Pizzarelli, and surprise guest Derek Smith.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 300- Celebrating the Swing Masters
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Ken Peplowski, Terry Gibbs, Freddie Bryant, Derek Smith, Nicki Parrott, Alvin Atkinson, and special guest Warren Vache.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 301- Highlights in Jazz 37th Anniversary
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, February 11th, 2010 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jay Leonhart, Wycliffe Gordon, Ted Rosenthal, George Wein, Danny Gottlieb, Houston Person, Howard Alden, and surprise guest Terell Stafford.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 302- Salute to Lew Tabackin
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Lew Tabackin, Joe Magnarelli, Jack Wilkins, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Boris Kozlov, Lewis Nash, and surprise guest Gary Smulyan.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 303- Ben Webster & Lester Young Centennial Concert
Jack Kleinsinger
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, April 15th, 2010 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Loe Lovano, Jimmy Heath, Harry Allen, Jeb Patton, David Wong, Winard Harper, and surprise guest Joe Cohn.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 304- Final Concert
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, May 13th, 2010 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Billy Taylor, Chip Jackson, Winard Harper, Gene Bertoncini, Harvie, Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, Vinnie Knight, Sol Yaged, Jon-Erik Kellso, Dan Block, and surprise guest Roni Ben-Hur.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 305- The Return of Highlights In Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, January 6th, 2011 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Bucky Pizzarelli, Howard Alden, Jay Leonhart, Wycliffe Gordon, Anat Cohen, and Rossano Sportiello.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 306- Salute to Derek Smith
Jack Kleinsinger
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, March 10th, 2011 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Derek Smith, Dick Hyman, Ken Peplowski, Warren Vache, Houston Person, Aaron Weinstein, Nicki Parrott, Jackie WIlliams, Randy Sandke, and surprise guest James Chirillo.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 307- Jazz- The Next Generation
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, April 7th, 2011 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Edward Ellington II, Virginia Mayhew, Norman Simmons, Joe Temperley, Anderson Twins, Jake Hertzog, Ryland Kelly, Dylan Meek, Jonathan Russell, Jesse Simpson, Tim Veeder.