John Klemmer

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[edit] JOHN KLEMMER BIOGRAPHY

John Klemmer is a prolific gifted American jazz and Instrumental pop Saxophonist, Composer, Song Writer & Arranger, considered by many to be Innovator, Visionary & Trend Setter.He was born on July 3, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois. He began playing guitar at age 5. His other early interests & ambitions were in graphics and visual art, writing, dancer, puppeteer, painter, sculptor & poet at schools that include The Chicago Institute of Art. He began alto sax at age 11 touring with various local midwest "ghost big bands" [Les Elgart, Woody Herman] big bands & local jazz & rock small groups. Switching to tenor sax in high school he participated in the active small groups jazz scene as well as commercial small group & big band work while leading his own groups in the Chicago area & touring. He had extensive studies choosing private lessons in piano, conducting, harmony, theory, composition, arranging, clarinet, flute & classical & jazz saxophone that continued through college. He studied saxophone & jazz improvisation with noted chicago saxophonist & teacher Joe Daly. He attended the prestigious Interlochen's National Music Camp.Within the same year as graduating from High School Klemmer was signed by Producer Esmond Edwards at Cadet/Chess Records, recording five plus albums, including, his innovative hit album, considered by many the first of the jazz/rock fusion genre, "BLOWIN GOLD", [co-produced by ex-Rolling Stones producer Marshall Chess] and the albums following introducing rock rhythms, sounds & production techniques & his electronic effects use with the saxophone where he debuted his now trademark "delay" sound. Klemmer led his own groups touring the U.S. using the cream of the chicago sideman such as Jodie Foster, William Campbell & Cleveland Eaton, while occasionally performing in tandem with good friends such as jazz artist Eddie Harris & Oscar Brashear, arranger Les Hooper & rock artists such as James "William" Guercio [later to produce Blood, Sweat & Tears", & "Chicago"] & various rock artists such as guitarist Harvey Mandel. He did his first PBS special for WTTTV Chicago. He was also a busy sideman exploring every genre of Music. He then moved to Los Angeles the following year and for a very brief time was a key soloist & arranger with The Don Ellis's innovative big band touring europe & toured Africa with Oliver Nelson for the State Dept. while also working with such diverse Artists of a variety of musical genres such as Tim Buckley etc. He studied film scoring with Albert Harris & vocal lessons with Seth Riggs. Continuing always through the events described, Klemmer continuously lead his own small groups touring across the U.S. further developing his unique sound, style & concepts. He primarily focused on his jazz rock fusion styles returning briefly to more traditional jazz & then switching to a more "intense" so-called "coltraneish" approach upon leaving Chess Records & signing with & recording five albums with Impulse! records. He performed at Newport & Monterey Jazz Festivals, Antibes Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall, Tanglewood, & Montreux Jazz Festival plus T.V. shows Midnight Special & Rock Concert. Klemmer has composed all songs for his many albums, amassing a large & valuable publishing catalog, but he has also collaborated & co-written musically & as lyricist with many pop songwriters, such as, David Batteau, with the U.K. hit "Walk In Love", recorded by The Manhattan Transfer, and Danny O'Keefe, Clint Holmes, Pamela Oland & many others. After another of his many controversial sabbaticals, he again changed musical direction by then moving to ABC/MCA Records briefly returning to his early R&B & pop roots. Klemmer then went on to earn massive crossover appeal with his now landmark series of the classic "TOUCH" recordings. Klemmer & the "TOUCH" Series of recordings are regarded by many as paving the way & being "the founder" of the current "Smooth Jazz" genre some anointing him "The Ambassador of Cool". His continuous fast changing of musical directions throughout his career created some controversy, confusion & false speculative motivational assumptions & judgments from his primarily earlier jazz purist audience, primarily, with the now historic "TOUCH" series of recordings. His managerial associations with noted former Doors manager, Bill Siddons and with Faith Hill, Keith Urban & James Taylor manager, Gary Borman, helped Klemmer exposed his music to a growing number of pop, rock, R&B & adult contemporary audiences. He toured extensively as headliner and with "package tours" with George Benson & Herbie Hancock plus numerous T.V. appearance's arranged by The William Morris Agency. He expanded his musical palette to include, kalimba, flutes, keyboards, percussion & solo vocal.

At this time he further developed his innovative Solo Sax Concept resulting in the now landmark & classic recording of "CRY" [SOLO SAX I] ushering in, thought by many, the "New Age Music Spiritual" genre, with some now calling him the "Sax God". He briefly returned to his earlier jazz roots recording the "straight ahead jazz" 2 cd offering, "Nexus for Duo & Trio", now considered by many a classic, at personal request of Clive Davis for former Arista/Bluebird/RCA Records, followed by occasional special recording projects such as duo recordings with Joe Sample & Oscar-Castro-Neves. Following another of his sabbaticals he then, upon personal urging of legendary Pop & Rock Music Mogul Joe Smith, moved to Elektra Records, recording five albums. After another brief sabbatical he then returned to GRP & VERVE for Universal Records where his primary vast catalog of recordings reside. Klemmer then took his longest & most controversial sabbatical causing a number of numerous false & untrue rumors of personal & health problems as he continued writing, recording & working with the massive new digital technologies plus returning to vocal studies with noted Macy Grey & Brandi vocal teacher, Roger Burnley. He then returned recording as guest soloist with such New Age artists as 3rd Force, David Arkenstone, and Craig Chaquico while returning to his performing, touring & recording. Klemmer founded his own record label, TOUCH RECORDS, for "special projects & releases only" with the CD & digital releases of "Making Love" [Vol. 1] & "Rio" [Vol. I & II] as an adjunct to his major label releases such as the Universal/Verve/GRP Records release of "The Very Best of John Klemmer" including newly recorded bonus tracks from his next new releases. Klemmer's music has been sampled by a large number of Hip-Hop, Rap & DJ Artists primarily focused on his early Chess record recordings.

Genre(s): Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Jazz-Rock Fusion, R&B, Pop, Instrumental Pop, New Age, Cross Over Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, Adult Contemporary

Occupation(s): Saxophonist, Composer, Song Writer, Musician, Arranger, Lyricist, Poet, Teacher

Instrument(s): Saxophone [Tenor, Alto, Soprano] Flute, Clarinet, Piano, Syynthsizer, Kalimba, Percussion, Vocal

Years Active: Age 11-Present

Labels: Chess/Cadet/Cadet Concept, ABC, Impulse!, MCA, GRP, Universal, Verve, Arista, Elektra, Touch

Recordings Discography: As Leader: 1. Involvement (Cadet/Chess 1967) 2. And We Were Lovers (Cadet/Chess 1968) 3. Blowin' Gold (Chess/Cadet Concept/Chess 1969) 4. All the Children Cried (Chess/Cadet Concept/Chess 1969) 5. Eruptions (Chess/Cadet Concept 1970) 6. Waterfalls (Impulse! 1971) 7. Constant Throb (Impulse! 1970) 8. Magic Moments (Best of Chess) (Chess 1972) 9. Intensity (Impulse! 1973) 10. Magic & Movement (Impulse! 1973) 11. Fresh Feathers (ABC/MCA/GRP/UNIVERSAL 1974) 12. Touch (ABC/MCA/GRP/VERVE/UNIVERSAL 1974) 13. Barefoot Ballet (ABC/MCA/GRP/VERVE/UNIVERSAL) 14. Touch (GOLD DISK) (Mobile Fidelity/GRP/UNIVERSAL 1974) 15. Lifestyle (ABC/MCA/GRP/VERVE/UNIVERSAL 1975) 16. Arabesque (ABC/MCA/GRP/VERVE/UNIVERSAL 1975) 17. Cry ( Solo Sax I) (ABC/MCA/GRP/VERVE/UNIVERSAL 1976) 18. Brasilia (ABC/MCA/GRP/VERVE/UNIVERSAL 1976) 19. Nexus [for Duo & Trio] (RCA Blubird/Arista/BMG 1977) 20. Straight From the Heart (Nautilus/Elektra 1978) 21. Mosaic ( Best of Vol. 1) (ABC/MCA/GRP/VERVE/UNIVERSAL 1979) 22. Magnificent Madness (Elektra 1980) 23. Hush (Elektra 1981) 24. Finesse (Nautilus/Elektra 1982) 25. Finesse (Elektra/Musician 1982) 26. Life ( Solo Sax II ) (Elektra 1983) 27. The Saxophone Player [Best of Vol. 2] (ABC/MCA/GRP/VERVE/UNIVERSAL 1977) 28. Blowin' Gold (Best of Chess Vol. I) (ABC/MCA/GRP/VERVE/UNIVERSAL 1973) 29. Simpatico [John Klemmer/Oscar Castro Neves duo] (JVC/SAMSON 1991) 30. Mosaic (Best of Vol. I) (ABC/MCA/GRP/VERVE/UNIVERSAL 1979) 31. Making Love (Vol. I) (Touch 2008) 32. RIO [VOL. I & II] (Touch 2008) 33. Masters of The Saxophone-John Klemmer/John Coltrane (AT EASE/ABC/MCA/GRP/VERVE/UNIVERSAL 1974) 34. Two Tone [John Klemmer/Joe Sample] (Crusader/UNIVERSAL 1979) 35. Music (MCA/GRP/VERVE/UNIVERSAL 1988) 36. Making Love (Vol. I) (Touch 2008) 37.Magnificent Madness/Finesse 2CD (Wounded Bird/Elektra 2008) 38. The Very Best Of John Klemmer (GRP/UNIVERSAL 2008)

Guest Soloist Recordings Discography: 1. Don Ellis - Don Ellis at Fillmore Columbia 1972 3. Don Ellis - Autumn - Columbia 1971 10. John Klemmer, Tom Scott, Gato Bariberi - The Dedication Series - MCA/Impulse! 1978 11. John Klemmer/Joe Sample - Two Tone - Crusader Records 1982 12. Various Artists - 5 Birds and a Monk - Galaxy/Fantasy 1981 13. Various Artists - Ballads by Four - Galaxy/Fantasy 1981 14. Dan Siegel - Nite Ride - Inner City 1980 15. Steely Dan - Royal Scam - MCA 1976 16. Tom Snow - Tom Snow - Capitol 1976 17. Ray Manzarek - The Whole Thing Started With Rock & Roll and Now it's Out of Control - Mercury 1974 19. John Lee Hooker - Born in Mississippi/Raised up in Tennesse - MCA 1973 20. Gloria Lynn - I Don't Know How to Love Him - MCA 1976 57. 3rd Force - Higher Octave 1999 22. Lauren Wood - Lauren Wood - Warner Brothers 1979 23. Nancy Wilson - Love, Life & Harmony - Capitol 1979 25. Oliver Nelson - Black, Brown and Beautiful - Flying Dutchman 1978 24. Oliver NelsonSoulful Brass #2 - Flying Dutchman 1978 26. Osamu - Masterless Samurai - Alfa 1980 27. Cathy Mitchil - Lord C.M. Lord - Capitol 1976 30. David Arkenstone - Return of the Quardian - Narada1996 31. Craig Chaquico - Once In A Blue Universe Higher - Octave/Virgin 1997 32. Roy Haynes Thank You, Thank You - Galaxy 33. DJKRUSH - Code 4051 - Red Ink/Sony 2001 34.3rd Force - Higher Octave 1999

Feature Recordings as Composer: Bobby Bryant - Swahili Strut - MCA/Chess 1972; Freda Payne - Out of Payne Comes Pleasure - MCA 1975; Walk In Love Pastiche - Manhattan Transfer - Atlantic 1978; Walk In Love Live - Manhattan Transfer - Atlantic 1983; Lost In Love Out of Payne Comes Pleasure - Freda Payne - MCA 1976; Walk In Love Happy In Hollywood - David Batteau - A&M 1978; Lost in Love - Lost In Love Freda Payne - MCA 2000; Excursion #2 Don Ellis Live at Fillmore West - Columbia 1970; The Old Man's Tear - Don Ellis Live at Fillmore West Columbia -1970; Walk In Love - Love Songs - Acker Bilk - EMI 1973; Walk In Love - Norrie Parammor & Orchestra By Request - BBC 1978; Walk in Love - Acker Bilk Love Songs - EMI; Walk In Love - Rachel Alejandro - Warner Philippines 2002; Glass Dolphins - Ken Navarro Love Coloured Soul - Positive 2007

Filmography: Moment By Moment - RSO 1978; Israel In Exile 2002; Texasville 1981; Lipstick 1976

Publications: The Classic John Klemmer Songbook

Honors: Downbeat Magazine International Talent Deserving Wider Recognition 1973

Sample Sources: DJKRUSH, Beastie Boys, Black Moon, Jazzyfatnastees, E.d.O.G. & Da Bulldogs, Kurious, Rass Kass, Akinyele, Hieroglyphics, Pizzacato Five, Onyx, Ambersunshower, Vision Quest, Rondo & Crazy Rak, Ghetto Concept, Mc Lyte, Del & the Funky Homosapiens, Chino XL, Abstract Rude, Dan The Automator, Rhymesayer, Lexicon, Pete Rock, Micronats, Peech Boys, Scientifik, InI's, Ras Kass, Atmosphere, Egg Man, Maki & Taki, Kenny Dope, Strictly Breaks [VOL. 2], LEXICON, DEVIN THE DUDE, OXMO PUCCINO, TIM LOVE LEE, KENNY DOPE, LIVING SOUL, DJ SIGNIFY, DEVIN THE DUDE, NALEDGE, AHMED, DESOTO, SOUND IMAGING, ORGANISED KONFUSION, Black Star/Mo Def, Circle Of Power, DUTHMASSIVE [of EQUILIBRIUM], APATHY

References: 1. International who's who in popular Music by Andy Gregory 2006; 2. Erdmann, Thomas Saxophone Journal; Issue Vol. 31, Number 1 pgs.8-19 2006; 3. McKelevey, Berke Saxophone JournaL; Vol. 11, Number 3 1986 pgs. 26-31 2005; 4. The Rough Guide to Jazz by Ian Carr, Digby Fairweather, Brian Priestley, Charles Alexander 2004; 5. All Music Guide allmusicguide.com Scott Yanow & Josyln Lane 2005/2008; 6. Morgenstern, Dan John Klemmer Down "Chicago Find" Down Beat April 4, 1968 pg. 24; 7. Silvert, Conrad John Klemmer "A Touch & Go Career" Rolling Stone April 7, 1973, p. 27; 8. John Klemmer CI, xii/2 (1973); 9. G. Alexander "Magic in Movement" xli/16 (1974) Down Beat; 10. Lyons, Lens John Klemmer "Success and the Echo Complex" Down Beat 1976; 11. The Encyclopedia of jazz in the seventies-Leonard Feather, Ira Gitler 1976 Page 29; 12. Jazz: A Regional Exploration Page 234; 13. The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD, LP and Cassette: First Edition by Richard Cook, Brian Morton pg 623 1992; 14. Lyons, Len Feather, Leonard The 101 Best Jazz Albums: A History of Jazz on Records Pg 371 1980; 15. All Music Guide to Hip-Hop: The Definitive Guide to Rap and Hip-Hop Backbeat Books October 1, 2003 pg. 89; 16. Scott, Andrew Waxed Poetics "Still a Free Soul" Issue #11, 2005

External links John Klemmer official website: http://www.johnklemmer.com