Music Style Jazz and Smooth Jazz

Musical Influences Paul Desmond, Art Pepper, Jim Hall

Similar Artists Paul Desmond, Art Pepper, Jim Hall

Artist History Dr. Rik Pfenninger “…tranquility, friendship, a sense of wonder” that is how Jazz Improv Magazine describes the music of Rik Pfenninger. “Pfenninger can play a familiar melody in a beautifully simple way and then turn around and rip through an elaborate improvisation. This is a completely enjoyable experience.” -Jam Music Magazine. Dr. Rik Pfenninger is currently Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies and Music Technology at Plymouth State College in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Rik received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music, his Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan, and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Temple University. Dr. Pfenninger’s performance background includes touring Canada, the United States, and Europe with various jazz and show groups. Rik has performed with Randy Brecker, Chris Vadala, Marvin Stamm, the Righteous Brothers, the Supremes, the Temptations, and the New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra. With six jazz recordings, recordings for the National Geographic Television Series and New Hampshire Public Television, countless clinics and solo appearances, Pfenninger is in constant demand as a guest soloist and clinician. Dr. Pfenninger is also very active in MIDI technology and film scoring. Rik just recently completed four solo jazz recordings for Sandstorm Records and a sound score for a CD Rom project titled Hereford Mappamundi published by the University of Michigan Press.

Group Members Rik Pfenninger saxophones and flute Paul Bourgelais Guitar Don Willims Bass

Instruments Saxophone, flute, guitar, bass

Albums Simple Gifts, A Simple Christmas, Standard Deviations, A Simple Christmas 2

Press Reviews What Reviewers have to say about Rik's Recordings ...tranquillity, friendship, a sense of wonder..." John Barrett-Jazz Improv Magazine. "A CD baby top pick, a must hear." Derric Silvers-CD Baby. "Pfenninger makes joyous leaps reminiscent of Art Pepper." John Barrett-Jazz Improv Magazine. "The full length CD offers little ears a calm and relaxing listen some children's favorites, including the musician's original renditions of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, This Old Man..." Sean D. Folger-Laconia Citizen "There is almost a Bird-like quality to Pfenninger's saxophone playing." Kris Garnjost-Jam Music Magazine "The uninitiated may gain some insight into jazz and jazz improvisation when they hear the simply elegant sounds of Simple Gifts: Jazz For The Young At Heart. Christina C. Schaller-New Hampshire Magazine. "Sometimes Pfenninger's interpretation is simple, other times he just rips through an elaborate improvisation." Kris Garnjost-Jam Music Magazine "Simple Gifts is Wonderful!" Jeanne Shaheen, Governor, New Hampshire. "Finally, a collection that the parents will love as much as the children. Simple Gifts is quite simply the most wonderfully sounding collection of children's songs that I have ever heard! Young and old alike will be comforted, soothed, and delighted by these smooth jazz renditions. I highly recommend it for all ages." Therese Bonnet-CD Baby.

Location Plymouth, NH - USA

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