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 026 – Accent on Percussion
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Eisner and Lubin Auditorium, Wednesday, March 17th, 1976 at 8:00pm in cooperation with the NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the monthly series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Alan Dawson, Ray Barretto, Sonny Fortune, Lew Soloff, Eddie Gomez, Richard Davis, Jack Wilkins, Eddy Martinez and Patti Wicks. Special guests: Waymon Reed and Jon Faddis.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 027 – Voices of Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Eisner and Lubin Auditorium, Wednesday, April 21st, 1976 at 8:00pm in cooperation with the NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the monthly series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Oscar Brown Jr. and Blossom Dearie. Special guests: Jean Pace and David Smirl.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 028 – Helen Humes Meets the Countsmen
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Eisner and Lubin Auditorium, Tuesday, June 15, 1976 at 8:00pm in cooperation with the NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the monthly series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Helen Humes, Major Holley, Panama Francis, Gerry Wiggins, Doc Cheatham, Earle Warren, Buddy Tate and Bennie Morton. Special guest: Chuck Folds.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 029 – Children’s Jazz Concert
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Presented by Jack Kleinsinger’s Highlights in Jazz and the Newport Jazz festival, the concert, “Tubby the Tuba Meets a Dixieland Band” was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Friday, July 2nd, 1976 at 2:00pm. The concert also included a New Orleans jazz parade Conductor: George Kleinsinger. Artists: Pee Wee Erwin, Phil Bodner, Vic Dickenson, Dick Wellstood, Major Holley, Panama Francis, Clark Terry, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Danny Gottlieb.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 030 – Jelly Roll Morton, Scott Joplin, James P. Johnson and Others
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, September 22nd, 1976 at 8:00pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Dick Hyman, Pee Wee Erwin, Vic Dickenson, Milt Hinton, Bobby Rosengarden and Carrie Smith. Special guest: Johnny Mince.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 031 – Masters of Modern Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, October 20th, 1976 at 8:00pm. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Art Farmer, Paul Jeffery Octet, Sir Roland Hanna, Richie Pratt and Victor Gaskin. Special guests: Barry Harris and Frank Wess.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 032 – Jazz Portrait of Hoagy Carmichael
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, November 17th, 1976 at 8:00pm in cooperation with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Helen Merrill, Richard Sudhalter, Jimmy Rowles, Chuck Wayne and George Duvivier. Special guest: David Lee, Jr.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 033 – Salute to Milt Hinton
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, December 16th, 1976 at 8:00pm in cooperation with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Guest of Honor: Milt Hinton. Artists for the concert include Cab Calloway, Ron Carter, Richard Davis, Chet Amsterdam, Al Cohn, Budd Johnson, Harold Mabern, Panama Francis Jon Faddis and Hank Jones. Special guests: Eddie Bert and Major Holley.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 034 – Jazz Stars of the 70’s
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, February 16th, 1977 at 8:00pm in cooperation with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Gary Burton, Steve Swallow, Eric Kloss, Barry Miles and Cavril Payne. Special guest: Richard Wyands.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 035 – Heroes of Early Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, March 16th, 1977 at 8:00pm in cooperation with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Sam Wooding Orchestra, Rae Harrison and Eubie Blake. Special guests: Claude Hopkins, Mary Louise and Earl Hines.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 036 – The Jazz Super Session
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, April 27th, 1977 at 8:00pm in cooperation with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Ray Barretto, Hal Galper, Randy Brecker, Mike Brecker, Billy Hart, Wayne Dockery, Victor Lewis and John Tropea. Special guest: Dave Samuels.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 037 - Blues -- Sung and Swung
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, June 15th, 1977 at 8:00pm in cooperation with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Helen Humes, Ray Bryant, George Duvivier, David Lee, Jr., Joe Newman and Charles McPherson. Special guests: Chris Woods, George Kelly and Gerard Badini.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 038 - We Remember Cliff Brown
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, October 6th, 1977 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Max Roach, Bill Hardman, Junior Cook, Harold Mabern, Chris White, Warren Smith, Jimmy Owens and Ted Curson. Special guests: Helen Merrill, Nick Brignola and Rev. John Gensel.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 039 - Solos and Duets
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, November 10th, 1977 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Ruby Braff and Dick Hyman. Special guest: Marty Grosz.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 040 - Salute to Al Cohn
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, December 15th, 1977 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Pepper Adams, Joe Wilder, Barry Harris, Jimmy Raney, Milt Hinton, and Mousey Alexander. Special guests: Marky Markowitz, Leroy Williams, Flo Cohn and Elliot Lawrence.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 041 - A Jazz Celebration
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, February 2nd, 1978 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the fifth anniversary concert include Marian McPartland, Johnny Mince, Vic Dickenson, George Duvivier, Bobby Rosengarden, Johnny Morris, Warren Vache and Eddie Barefield. Scheduled artists Jimmy McPartland and Buddy Tate were unable to perform at the concert. Special guest: Warren Chiasson.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 042 - Jazz Legends on Film
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz featured a collection titled “Jazz Legends on Film” from film historian David Chertok. The film was shown at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, March 8th, 1978 at 8:00pm in cooperation with NYU program board. The film utilized film shorts, clips from longer films and excerpts from early television to make a five part presentation of rare jazz performances each with a different theme. Reel one showed Big Bands which included artists Benny Goodman, Woody Herman, Gene Krupa,and the bands of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. Reel two showed entertainers which included Lionel Hampton, Fats Waller and Louis Armstrong. Reel three showed The Jam Sessions which included three clips of film from 1958-60 with artists Roy Eldridge, Buck Clayton, Stuff Smith, Sonny Greer, Coleman Hawkins, Pee Wee Russell and Willie “the Lion” Smith. Reel four showed singers which included artists Bessie Smith, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Louis Bellson and Helen Humes. Reel five showed Rare Clips included the Miles Davis Quintet (1959) which included Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers and John Coltrane, a film of Charlie “Bird” Parker playing with Dizzy Gillespie and an all-star lineup of Billie Holiday, Lester Young, Ben Webster, Coleman Hawkins, Roy Eldridge and Gerry Mulligan from 1957.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 043 - Lee Horwin
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, April 12th, 1978 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Eddie Hazell trio with Bernie Taylor and Lou Slingerland . Special guest: Howard McGhee.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 044 - Lionel Hampton and His Salute to Swing
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, June 14th, 1978 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Lionel Hampton, Doc Cheatham, Phil Bodner, George Duvivier, Grady Tate and Buddy Tate. Special guests: Marty Napoleon and Butch Miles.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 045 - We Remember Clifford Brown
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. Encore performance of the We Remember Clifford Brown concert for the Newport Jazz Festival held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Monday June 26th, 1978 in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Max Roach, Bill Hardman, Junior Cook, Harold Mabern, Chris White, Warren Smith, Danny Moore and Ted Curson. Special guests: Helen Merrill, Nick Brignola and Rev. John Gensel.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 046 - The Return of Highlights in Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, September 28th, 1978 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Helen Humes, Dick Hyman, George Duvivier, Eddie Daniels and Ron Traxler. Special guest: Honi Coles.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 047 - Salute to Billy Taylor
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Wednesday, October 26th, 1978 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Billy Taylor, Jon Faddis, Ted Curson, Frank Wess, Frank Foster, Victor Gaskin, Harold Mabern, Freddie Waits and Vocal Jazz Inc. Special guests: Candido and George Arvanitas.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 048 - Jazz Legends on Film Part II
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Thursday, November 30th, 1978 at NYU Loeb Student Center in association with NYU program board, Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz featured a collection titled “Jazz Legends on Film Part II” from film historian David Chertok. The film utilized film shorts, clips from longer films and excerpts from early television to make a presentation of rare jazz performances. Artists include Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Thelonius Monk, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald and more.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 049 - 6th Anniversary Celebration
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, February 8th, 1979 at 8:00pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include Clark Terry and His Big Bad Band, Bucky Pizzarelli Trio with Tony Monte and Ron Naspo. Special guest: Jane Jarvis, the Organist from Shea Stadium.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 050 & 051 - Buddy Rich Band
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at NYU Loeb Student Center, Thursday, March 15th, 1979 at 7:30pm and 9:30pm in association with NYU program board. Jack served as producer and master of ceremonies for the series of concerts. Artists for the concert include the Buddy Rich and the Buddy Rich Band with special guests Lance Hayward, Roy Haynes and Stan Getz.