Randy Bernsen
American jazz guitarist known for fusion albums and collaborations.
Randy Bernsen is an American jazz guitarist born July 15, 1954 in Needham, Massachusetts. He grew up in Florida, attended high school in Plantation, and studied at the University of Miami. Starting at age 17, he was active in the clubs of South Florida. During the mid-1970s, he was part of the Peter Graves Orchestra, which played in Bachelors III with Jaco Pastorius. In 1977, he was a part of Blood, Sweat & Tears. His debut album, Music for People, Planets & Washing Machines (1986), featured Urszula Dudziak, Bob James, Herbie Hancock, Jaco Pastorius, and Peter Erskine. The follow-up, Mo' Wasabi, included Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker, Marcus Miller, Steve Gadd, and Toots Thielemans.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 15 July 1954
- Birthplace
- Needham, Massachusetts, U.S.
- Genre
- Jazz fusion
- Occupation
- Musician
- Instrument
- Guitar
- Years active
- 1980s–present
Facts from the source article.
Background
Bernsen's early career was shaped by the South Florida club scene and his time with the Peter Graves Orchestra, where he played alongside Jaco Pastorius at Bachelors III. In 1977, he joined Blood, Sweat & Tears. His 1986 debut album, Music for People, Planets & Washing Machines, brought together fusion greats like Herbie Hancock, Bob James, and Jaco Pastorius. The follow-up, Mo' Wasabi (1986), featured Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker, Marcus Miller, Steve Gadd, and Toots Thielemans. In 1992, he was involved in Joe Zawinul's album Lost Tribes. In 2003, he recorded and edited a tribute to Jaco Pastorius, Word of Mouth Revisited, with the Peter Graves Orchestra. Tom Lord recorded 42 recordings with Bernsen between 1979 and 2006. He has also been a professional private pilot since 1998, qualified on Learjets, Jetstar, PC-12, and Hondajet.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Randy Bernsen born?
Randy Bernsen was born on 15 July 1954 in Needham, Massachusetts, U.S.
What does Randy Bernsen do?
Randy Bernsen is a Musician.
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