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Bruce Gertz

Boston based musician/bassist in demand

About Me

Award winning bassist/composer. Performed, toured and recorded with many well known artists. Also professor/bass Berklee College of Music 1976 to present. Recipient of National Endowment For the Arts, Jazz Performance grant. Author, Let's Play Rhythm, Adavnce/Schott music, Co-Author of Berklee Jazz Bass, Hal Leonard, Mastering the Bass 1&2, Mel Bay. Walkin & 22 Contemporary Melodic Studies, Bass, Bruce Gertz Music Advisory Board Member of International Society of Bassists, Editor, Bass World Magazine, member A.S.C.A.P. N.A.R.A.S. and A.F.M., A.F.T. other musical organizations. Has 40+year history performing and recording with Jerry Bergonzi and, George Garzone. Married with two daughters and Mingus the poodle.

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My Jazz Story

I love jazz because it is an opportunity to express myself to everyone as a bassist and composer and share this rich art form. In 1968 or 69 I saw Jimmy Hendrix, Duke Ellington with Ella Ftzgerald and Jimmy Rushing, Raashan Roland Kirk play 3 horns at once, Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, Ed Blackwell and Charlie Haden. met Charlie Mingus in 1972 and saw Chick Corea, Airto Morerra, Flora Purim, Stanley Clarke, Dave Holland, Keith Jarrett, Charlie Haden, Eddie Gomez, Jack DeJohnette and, many other giants in the same decade. I got to play with many great musicians. visit httpswww.brucegertz.com to see a list. Graduated Berklee in 1976 as a Composition/Arranging Major. From 1982-1988 I studied advanced improvisation with Jazz Guru, Charles Banacos. The first jazz record I bought was either Charles Mingus's Blues and Roots or Cannonball and Coltrane. My advice to new listeners keep an open mind and listen without any preconceptions. Beauty is everywhere including jazz and only need be discovered through an open mind.

My House Concert Story

I did a duo concert with pianist, Steve Hunt in Wakefield, MA as part of the Beethoven Society. We did a jazz version of C minor prelude of Beethoven as well as some original compositions. There was also a classical concert performed by two pianists from the Beethoven Society. With around 25 people attending it was a great to play for such an attentive group.