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Farewell Eddie Berger, You Will Be Missed |
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Written by Don Berryman
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Saturday, 04 October 2008 |
"I didn't want to be a star or anything, just blow jazz. I've gotten to do that and it's been good music." -Eddie Berger
 Eddie Berger By Ann Ginsburgh Hofkin
Twin Cities bebop legend, broadcaster, educator, and master-musician, Eddie Berger, passed away early in the morning on Saturday, October 4th, 2008, at the age of 76 in Minneapolis after a long illness. Eddie was the quintessential bopper, both musically and in personal style. His sense of humor off and on stage is well remembered. He had a big sound on alto saxophone with a full and appealing tone like Sonny Stitt - only sweeter, his phrasing and timing were impeccable. He was loved by fellow musicians and many jazz fans who either knew him from the Twin Cities' jazz scene, or from listening to his weekly jazz radio show on KFAI.
 Eddie Berger with Tom Lewis © Howard Gitelson
Eddie honed his skills playing in Philly for a while and then toured with the Continentals before being drafted into the army during the Korean war. In 1959 Coltrane released Giant Steps, Mingus released Ah Um, Davis released Kind of Blue and Eddie Berger moved to Minneapolis and brought bebop to the prairie. Playing many clubs, including long standing gigs with his group the Jazz All-Stars at William's Pub and the Artists' Quarter, Berger also hosted a popular weekly jazz radio show on KFAI for 20 years. He recorded the album Live at WIlliam's Pub in the 70's, Bebop and Soda in 1982, and his last recording with the Jazz All-Stars, I'm Glad There is You was released in 1999.
There will be a memorial celebration of Eddie's life and music at the Artists' Quarter in Saint Paul on Sunday October 12th. Details to be announced at artistsquarter.com.
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Tuesday, 02 December 2008
