Intensely dedicated to the instrument, Jonathan was featured in Guitar Player and DownBeat while still in his teens. He won a scholarship to the University of Miami, where he held the guitar chair in the acclaimed Concert Jazz Band, touring Brazil and performing with Joe Henderson, Michael Brecker, and Red Rodney. Since returning to New York City, Jonathan has worked in the bands of many jazz greats including Lee Konitz, Joe Locke, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Joel Frahm, Greg Tardy, Lenny White, Roy Nathanson, Donald Edwards, Jane Monheit, Ari Hoenig, and Yosvany Terry. He has also led groups of various sizes featuring artists such as Bill Stewart, Larry Grenadier, and Scott Wendholt.His newest CD features all original compositions except for a cover of Gershwin's Nice Work If You Can Get It. It features saxophonist Will Vinson, pianist Henry Hey, bassist Matt Penman and drummer Mark Ferber. From the band's entrance on the first cut of SHADOWLESS, the intentions are very clear -- This is Jazz as an evolving artform. The respect for the tradition is deep but the compositions stretch the possibilities of form, the sounds challenge the possibilities of the ''acoustic'' jazz group, and the improvisations reflect a working band that has electrified audiences on five continents over the past few years. The result is a rythmically deep and lyrically compelling journey.
''On a conceptual level, I wanted the disc to have a strong impact...the effect of a bright light. After the smoky, late evening feel of last year's NIGHT SONGS (Criss Cross), I wanted SHADOWLESS to wake people up.''
Featuring Jonathan's touring band on tunes such as the powerful opener Twenty One, and the otherwordly groove of Stir the Stars, the quintet is pared down to a quartet on the hauntingly lush Long, Like a Mercury Day, a trio on the deceptively grooving romp on Nice Work If You Can Get It, and an intimate yet exciting Hey/Kreisberg duo reading of the title cut.
As a guitarist, Jonathan Kreisberg has been steadily building his name as the one of the instruments brightest young stars.
''Jonathan Kreisberg is a great musician whose playing and writing always tell a story. His formidable technique and intellect never get in the way, but only serve the agenda of the heart.'' -Joe Locke
