Gene Bertoncini
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Gene Bertoncini (born 6 April 1937) is an American jazz guitarist who is sometimes referred to as "The Segovia of Jazz."
[edit] Biography
Bertoncini grew up in New York City in a musical family. His father played guitar and harmonica. Bertoncini began playing guitar at age seven and by age sixteen was appearing on television. He graduated from high school and attended Notre Dame University, where he obtained a degree in architecture[1][2]. Bertoncini resides in New York City.
[edit] Musical Career
Early in life, Bertoncini had lessons with Johnny Smith. After college Bertoncini moved to Chicago where he became immersed in the jazz scene, working with Carmen McRae. Bertoncini returned to New York and played with vibraphonist Mike Manieri and then played in one of Buddy Rich's ensembles. Bertoncini's career has included playing with Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Wayne Shorter, Hubert Laws, Paul Desmond, Tony Bennett, Lena Horne, Nancy Wilson, Vic Damone, and Eydie Gorme among others. Bertoncini had a long-running duo with bassist Michael Moore. He was part of the staff orchestras on shows featuring Merv Griffin, Jack Paar and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. After hearing a Julian Bream record at the advice of Barney Kessel, Bertoncini began studying classical guitar and brought the instrument into playing jazz. For some eighteen years, Bertoncini played Sunday and Monday evenings at the Bistro La Madeleine on West 43rd St. in New York City. Bertoncini has been on the faculties of Eastman School of Music, the New England Conservatory, New York University and the Banff School of Fine Arts in Alberta, Canada. He is also on the staff of the Tritone Jazz Fantasy Camps.
