Shelly Berger

Shelly Berger (bassist, arranger, composer, producer) was born February 22, 1955 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A teacher on the faculty of the prestigious Humber College Jazz Studies program, he is a busy arranger, composer, and producer in numerous music settings, both jazz and contemporary.

He worked as a bassist and arranger in Los Angeles for nine years, a time when he recorded and toured with name artists including Diana Krall, the Louis Bellson Big Band, and the Louis Bellson Quartet, while also occupying the Musical Director’s chair with Anita O’Day. Other career highlights include performances and recordings with Kenny Burrell, Herb Ellis, Lew Tabakin, Ernestine Anderson, Ruby Braff, Mark Murphy, Joanne Brackeen, Red Norvo, Don Menza, David Clayton-Thomas, and Roger Kellaway.

To date, Shelly Berger has released four CDs: Shelly Berger, Solana, The Shelly Berger Big Band, Shelly Berger, Got To and LOOK UP.

Audio Clips

The Shelly Berger Big Band

“The Farewell”

Shelly Berger – bass
Ernie Tollar – soprano sax
Ted Quinlan – guitar
Les Portelli – piano
Barry Romberg – drums
Nancy Walker – Synth

“Watercolours”

Shelly Berger – acoustic & clevinger bass
Ernie Tollar – sax
Ted Quinlan – guitar
Jeff Riches – electronic keyboards
Greg Dedenus – piano
Ted Warren – drums

“Moses”