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 180 - Salute to Buddy DeFranco
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, March 16, 1995 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 Buddy DeFranco, Billy Taylor, Terry Gibbs, Jerome Richardson, Ron Odrich, Jerry Gibbs, and Earl May. Special guest: Joe Wilder.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 181 - We Remember Sarah Vaughan
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, April 13th, 1995 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 Bobby Short, Ruth Brown, Frank Wess, Bill Mays, Lynn Seaton, Jimmy Cobb, Barbara Carroll, Rebecca Parris, George Mesterhazy, and Frank Tate. Special guests: Jackie and Roy, Bobby Forrester and Rodney Jones.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 182 - Fun with Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, May 11th, 1995 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 Dorothy Donegan, Jerome Hunter, Ray Mosca, Michael Leonhart, Eddie Locke, Lee Musiker, Jay Leonhart and Marty Napoleon. Special guest: Jack Lesberg.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 183 - The Art of Swinging
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, October 5th, 1995 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 Illinois Jacquet Big Band, Eddie Bert, Joey Cavaseno, Irv Stokes, and Clyde Lucas. Special guest: John Hicks.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 184 - Statesmen of Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, November 9th, 1995 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 Doc Cheatham, Al Grey, Panama Francis, Jane Jarvis, Jack Lesberg, Benny Waters, and Claude “Fiddler” Williams. Special guest: Vincent Gardner.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 185 - Jazz, The New Generation
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, December 14th, 1995 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, Martin Pizzarelli, Ray Kennedy, TS Monk, Willie Williams, Bobby Porcelli, Ron Mathews, Don Sickler, Gary Wang, Tri-State Grammy High School Jazz Band conducted by Justin DiCioccio. Special guest: Bob Mintzer.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 186 - Hendricks and Hoagy
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, January 11th, 1996 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 Jon Hendricks Explosion, Barbara Lea, James Chirillo, Bob Dorough, Richard Sudhalter, Bill Crow, and Eddie Locke. Special guest: Artie Baker.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 187 - Salute to Marian McPartland
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, February 15th, 1996 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 Marian McPartland, Dick Hyman, Christian McBride, Rickey Woodard, Howard Alden, Randy Sandke, and Al Harewood. Special guest: Jackie and Roy.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 188 - Highlights in Jazz' 23rd Gala
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, March 7th, 1996 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 Jon Gordon, Jon Faddis, Steve Turre, Ray Barretto, Renee Rosnes, Rufus Reid, and Alvin Queen. Special guests: Howard Johnson and Taylor Haskins.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 189 - Great Guitars
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday April 11th, 1996 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 Charlie Byrd, Houston Person, Howard Alden, Russell Malone, Etta Jones, Stan Hope, Peter Martin Weiss, and Chip White. Special guests: Dwayne Burno and Daniel Freedman.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 190 - Trio Time
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, May 9th, 1996 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 Dorothy Donegan, Jon Burr, Ray Mosca, Kenny Devern, Bobby Rosengarden, and Johnny Varro. Special guests: Marty Grosz.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 191 - Sweets’ Jazz Party
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, October 3rd, 1996 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 Harry “Sweets” Edison, Scott Hamilton, Benny Powell, Junior Mance, Eddie Jones, and Eddie Locke. Special guests: Joya Sherrill.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 192 - Trombones to Glory
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, November 7th, 1996 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 Al Grey, Steve Turre, Delfeayo Marsallis, Ray Bryant, Buster Williams, Ben Riley, and Charles Wilson. Special guests: Joe Cohn.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 193 - The Art of Swinging
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, December 12th, 1996 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 Flip Phillips, John Bunch, Bucky Pizzarelli, Jay Leonhart, and Eddie Locke. Special guest: Kenny Davern.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 194 - Big Band Bellson
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, January 9th, 1997 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 Louie Bellson, Derek Smith, Jay Leonhart, Joe Roccisano, Glenn Drewes, Keith O’Quinn, Teri Thornton and Rob Scheps . Special guest: Pat O’Leary.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 195 - 24th Anniversary Concert
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, February 6th, 1997 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 Dave Frishberg, Warren Vache, Joe Puma, Cyrus Chestnut, and Steve Kirby. Special guest: Alvester Garnett.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 196 - Satch and Benny Goodman Revisted
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, March 13th, 1997 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 Arvell Shaw, Joey Cavaseno, Bross Townsand, Byron Stripling, Gary Valente, Frank Derrick, Marty Napoleon, Loren Schoenberg, Dick Katz, James Chirillo, Chuck Redd, Eddie Bert, Bobby Pring, Mike Christanson, Jerry Dodgion, Jay Branford, Mark Lopeman, Danny Bank, Tony Kadlick, John Eckert, Greg Gisbert, and Darryl Shaw. Special guests: Barbara Lee and Sol Yaged.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 197 - Salute to Frank Wess
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, April 3rd, 1997 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 Frank Wess, Billy Taylor, Grady Tate, Jimmy Heath, Lynn Seaton, Jimmy Owens, and Benny Powell. Special guest: Ted Dunbar.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 198 - Joe Bushkin and Friends
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, May 8th, 1997 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 Joe Bushkin, Howard Alden, Ken Peplowski, Jackie Williams, Bob Merrill, Carol Sloan, Bill Charlap, Sean Smith, Dennis Irwin, and Ron Vincent.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 201 - Inspired Encounter
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, October 16th, 1997 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 Harry “Sweets” Edison, Monty Alexander, Hassan Shakur, and Troy Davis. Special guest: Frank Wess.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 202 - Jazz, Blues, Klezmer and Other Delights
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, November 6th, 1997 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 Carrie Smith, Bross Townsend, Roger Kellaway, Gene Bertoncini, Michael Moore, Wally Gator Watson, Roland Monroe, Harold Siletzki and Don Butterfield. Special guest: Jimmy Slyde.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 203 - An Evening of Intimate Jazz
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, December 11th, 1997 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 Cyrus Chestnut, Steve Kirby, Alvester Garnett, Bucky Pizzarelli, Jay Leonhart, and Kenny Davern. Special guest: Tony DiNicola.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 204- The Crowd Pleasers
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, January 8th, 1998 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, Scott Hamilton, Lew Tabackin, Kenny Washington, Mike LeDonne, Phillip Aerts, and surprise guest Marty Grosz.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 205- Highlights in Jazz 25th Anniversary Gala
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, February 5th, 1998 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 Stanley Turrentine, Sherrie Maricle, Kei Akagi, Dave Stryker, James King, Jerry Jones, Tanya Darby, and Ray Barretto.
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Highlights in Jazz Concert 206- Salute to Phil Woods
Jack Kleinsinger and Danny Gottlieb
Jack Kleinsinger presents Highlights in Jazz. The concert was held at The Pace Downtown Theater, Thursday, March 5th, 1998 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 Clark Terry, Vincent Herring, Jesse Davis, Jon Gordon, Phil Woods, Brian Lynch, Bill Charlap, Steve Gilmore, and Bill Goodwin.