John Klemmer
b. 3 July 1946, Chicago, Illinois, USA. After trying guitar and alto saxophone in early childhood, Klemmer settled on tenor saxophone in his early teens. He studied extensively, playing in school and other youth bands, then played professionally with several name dancebands of the early 60s, including those led by Les Elgart and Ralph Marterie. In the late 60s he made his first records and worked with musicians from the jazz and rock fields, including Eddie Harris, Harvey Mandel, Jim Guercio, and Tim Buckley. He then joined Don Ellis' formidable big band as a soloist and arranger. During these years Klemmer also played in small groups led by Oliver Nelson and Alice Coltrane. During this time he led his own groups, making jazz and jazz-fusion records, primarily for the Cadet Records label. He experimented with electronics and fusion and some of his 1969 recordings slightly pre-date Miles Davis' Bitches Brew. Klemmer used electronic enhancements, notably the echoplex (an early delay unit), to allow him to record complex solo saxophone albums. The hit "Touch" is considered a classic of its kind, and his work during the 70s for MCA and Elektra Records is often cited as a direct influence on the smooth jazz genre. Klemmer continued to develop these electronic concepts throughout the 70s and into the 80s, alternating pop-orientated projects with more avant garde jazz recordings. Klemmer concentrated on songwriting during the 90s, before returning to the studio to play on albums by smooth jazz and new age artists including Craig Chaquico, David Arkenstone and 3rd Force. He also launched his own label, Touch Records.

Listen to John Klemmer at Finetune.

Albums
Top Tracks
  • Touch
  • Barefoot Ballet
  • Free Fall Lover
  • Walk With Me My Love And Dream
  • 'Round Midnight
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