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 308- Remembering Hank Jones
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, May 5th, 2011 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Joe Lovano, Jon Faddis, Junior Mance, Steve Turre, George Mraz, Winard Harper, and special guest Frank Wess.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 309- Highlights in Jazz 39th Anniversary
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, February 9th, 2012 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Bucky Pizzarelli, Houston Person, Derek Smith, Nicki Parrott, Mickey Roker, Joe Alterman, Benny Benack, Steven Frieder, Alex Raderman, and surprise guest James Cammack.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 310- Cabaret Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, March 8th, 2012 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Barbara Carroll, Jay Leonhart, Paula West, George Mesterhazy, Aaron Weinstein, Barak Mori, and surprise guest Tedd Firth.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 311- Salute to Sonny Fortune
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, April 12th, 2012 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Sonny Fortune, Buster Williams, George Cables, Billy Hart, Eddie Henderson, Tessa Souter, and Gene Bertoncini.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 312- We Call It Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, May 10th, 2012 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Michael Wolff, Harvie S, Victor Jones, Baby Jane Dexter, Christian McBride BIG BAND, Melissa Walker, Ben Williams, Zavier Davis, Steve Davis, James Burton, Michael Dease, Doug Purviance, Nebate Isles, Frank Groove, Frank Green, Freddie Hendrix, Brandon Lee, Carl Rigoli, Ron Blake, Loren Schoenberg, Steve Wilson, Todd Bashore, and special guest Russ Patterson.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 313- Early Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, January 3rd, 2013 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, Vinnie Knight, Jonathan Batiste, and Sol Yaged as the surprise guest.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 314- Highlights in Jazz 40th Anniversary Gala
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, February 14th, 2013 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Barbara Carroll, Jay Leonhart, Bria Skonberg, Ken Peplowski, Joey Morant, Fred Staton, Art Baron, Zeke Mullins, Jackie Williams, Bill Wurtzel, Michael Max Fleming.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 315- Swing Memories
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, March 14th, 2013 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Artie Shaw, the Anderson Twins, Benny Goodman, Warren Vache, Wycliffe Gordon, Ehud Asherie, Peter Anderson, and Will Anderson.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 316- Salute to George Wein
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, May 9th, 2013 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include George Wein, Ron Carter, Anat Cohen, Wycliffe Gordon, Jay Leonhart, Lewis Nash, and Lew Tabackin.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 317- Highlights in Jazz 41st Anniversary
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, February 6th, 2014 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Lew Tabackin, Randy Brecker, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Boris Kozlov, Kenny Barron, and Harvie S.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 318- Salute to Ken Peplowski
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, March 4th, 2014 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Bucky Pizzarelli, Houston Person, Derek Smith, Nicki Parrott, Chuck Redd, and Ken Peplowski.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 319- Cabaret Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, April 10th, 2014 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Barbara Carroll, Jay Leonhart, and Andy Bey.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 320- Brothers in Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, May 8th, 2014 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jimmy Heath, Albert Heath, Jeb Patton, David Wong, Peter Anderson, Will Anderson, and Wycliffe Gordon.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 321- Highlights in Jazz 42nd 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, 2015 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Catherine Russell, Bria Skonberg, Dan Levinson, Gordon Webster, and Nicki Parrott.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 322- Saxophones Supreme Battle of the Saxes
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, March 19th, 2015 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Peter Anderson, Will Anderson, Ken Peplowski, Grant Stewart, Ehud Asherie, Neal Miner, Aaron Kimmel, and the Lou Donaldson Quartet.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 323- Salute to Wycliffe Gordon
Jack Kleinsinger
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, May 7th, 2015 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Jay Leonhart, Terell Stafford, Aaron Diehl, Adrian Cunningham, Ted Rosenthal, Alvin Atkinson, Yasushi Nakamura, and Wycliffe Gordon.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 324- Jazz Past and Present
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, June 11th, 2015 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Randy Weston, Billy Harper, Steven Frieder, Benny Benack, Dylan Meek, Devin Starks, and Kosta Galanopoulos.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 325- Highlights in Jazz 43rd Anniversary Gala
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, February 4th, 2016 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Catherine Russell, Jon-Erik Kellso, Mark Shane, Mark McLean, Evan Arntzen, Tal Ronen, Matt Munisteri, Ted Rosenthal, Warren Vache, Scott Robinson, and Alvester Garnett.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 326- Salute to Paquito D'Rivera
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, March 3rd, 2016 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Paquito D'Rivera, Peter Anderson, Will Anderson, Ken Peplowski, Jason Brown, David Wong, Diego Urcola, Alex Brown, Eric Doob, and Zach Brown.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 327- Highlights in Jazz Audience Favorites
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, May 12th, 2016 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Bucky Pizzarelli, Wycliffe Gordon, Alexis Cole, Nicki Parrott, Bria Skonberg, Frank Vignola, and Alvin Atkinson.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 328- Trio Time
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Thursday, June 16th, 2016 at 8:00 pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Dick Hyman, Jay Leonhart, Howard Alden, Nilson Matta, Duduka Da Fonseca, and Romero Lubambo.
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Highlights in Jazz - History with Jack Kleinsinger
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Video interview with Jack Kleinsinger conducted by Danny Gottlieb in October 2012