John Brenneise

My skill set includes live jazz piano performance, quiet non-intrusive music for any occasion. I also have DJ/MC abilities with my years as an on-air radio host.

I play songs from the jazz standard catalogue, including composers like Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Dave Brubeck and John Coltrane. But also sprinkle in jazz versions of rock and pop tunes like Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix or Blackbird by the Beatles.

My musical start was singing in church with my family and on car trips. I started piano lessons at age 4, the son of musicians and following in the footsteps of my two older sisters. It was classical with a heavy dose of theory and ear training.

My teenage years saw and interest in jazz and popular music take hold. After high school, I joined the US Army and played piano and trombone in the Army Band of New York City. It was a great way to serve my country and play music in a world class city at the same time. Side gigs and trips to jazz clubs honed my interest in the American art form. Jazz is one of my true loves.

I returned home to California to go to school. I attended the Conservatory of Music at University of the Pacific. I worked at the campus radio station KUOP as a jazz DJ and furthered my love of the music.

I've continued to work in radio for 30 years always staying active in bands, groups and as a solo performer.