June 2006
Rudi Berger is a jazz violinist of Viennese and Gypsy ancestry. He is a sensitive musician with a broad stylistic spectrum, a composer and interpreter of both – traditional and contemporary jazz music. Trained from early childhood in classical violin (Vienna Conservatory of Music) he produced his first compositions at the age of 10 years. In early youth there were the influences of American Pop and Rock, although most intriguing personally were Soul- and Gospel music.
From 1977-87 , his Viennese time, he formed his first bands ( Rudi Berger's Good News, Rudi Berger Quartet, Rudi Berger Group and Rudi Berger Project ) and became a co-found-member of the Vienna Art Orchestra .
After releasing his debut album “First Step“ in 1986 and being voted “ Violinist of the Year “ by the Austrian jazz magazine JAZZ LIVE in 1985 and 1986 he moved to New York.
1987-97 the violinist lived in New York, where he got immediately involved in the jazz scene and after 6 months already he was invited with his first New York Quartet (Joe Calderazzo - piano, Mike Formanek - bass, Adam Nussbaum - drums) for a two hour live special on the New York Jazzradio station WKCR.
In his New York time he has worked with Astor Piazzolla, Defunkt, Victor Bailey and Toninho Horta among others.The in 1997 in New York recorded CD “Innocent Invader“ represents his time as a jazz violinist and composer in New York and includes already Brazilian influences.
1998-2001 Rudi Berger lives in Brazil. In 1998-99 he was invited from the University of Minas Gerais - Belo Horizonte as a guest-teacher for jazz violine, improvisation and ensemble.
He has made many tours and concerts as a band-leader and guest-soloist in whole Brazi since 1993 and appears on many CDs. On his in 2000 in Rio recorded CD “Postcard from Brazil“ the violinist represents himself as an interpreter of Brazilian music, especially of the music of Belo Horizonte, the capitol of the Brazilian state Minas Gerais.
2002 currently Rudi Berger travels between the cultures.
Rudi uses the K&K Violinissimo: "The K&K Violinissimo is the new wounderthing for violinists who want to amplify their instrument. The pickup gives you a full and powerfull sound in soft and loud situations, always maintaining the acoustic range and natural qualities of your violin."
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