Kal Bergendahl Project

“The bass player has taken some of the best elements from Emerge – namely in the pocket melody and chops – and added soulful R&B/pop vocals.. The composer/performer has taken time to surround himself with serious players.”
Paddy Fineran, ‘Music Matters’ Kenosha News, February 10, 2006.

“I just finished listening to the new demo. Great stuff!! A nice cross section of talents on the tunes. I'll keep listening and be happy to recommend the group to anyone looking for an act.”
Steve Scott, DJ, WJZI 93.3 FM, smooth jazz, Milwaukee, WI. February 15, 2006.

“I saw you guys at Bastille Days (Milwaukee, WI.)! You guys were great, and your sound was perfect for that venue. Nice job!”
Tim Schoonenberg, Regional Account Manager: Great Lakes Media Technology, Mequon, WI. July 14, 2006.

“Bergendahl is an accomplished bassist, composer and educator. His soulful and energetic playing has gained him attention as a top-notch bassist.”
Lake Geneva Times, July 20, 2006.

“KBP brings the pizzazz to jazz. Having KBP at both Jean’s Jazz Series and at Harbor Fest this past year was a truly double pleasure. The mixture of great sounds and the high quality of the voices made for two dynamic shows that were real crowd pleasers.”
Joe Mooney, President Harbor Fest, Racine WI. (sponsors of Harbor Fest and Jeans Jazz Series @ the Racine Theatre Guild). July 29, 2006.

“As the KBP's music began to play, I was again struck by how fantastic the group is. Their unique sound, clear and energetic, yet soulful, could be likened to a combination of David Sanborn and Norah Jones, with a mix of vocal, rhythm & blues, pop and smooth jazz sounds…

The song, "My Affection," a love song.., is so beautiful it chokes me up with emotion. It's an awesome piece…

This is a group of amazing talent everyone is sure to enjoy.”
Patte Geary, ‘Around Town’ The Sun, Suburban Chicago News, August 2, 2006.

“I would like to thank you again for the wonderful performance that your band did for the concert! I appreciate your work with the late scrambling schedule that we gave to you. I feel it was a success!”
John Poole, Parkside Baptist Church, Kenosha, WI. Prince of Peace Concert, September 16th, 2006.
“We really enjoyed working with you for Bastille Days (Milwaukee, WI). It is especially uplifting to see youth and energy and commitment all in one package!”
John Ertl, Swim Team. Milwaukee’s: Bastille Days, Jazz on the Vine, Kettle Moraine Jazz Fest., Jazz in the Park, November 30, 2006.

“I loved your music, your performers and your soul.”
Jeff Baudry. Marketing Director-Milwaukee County Parks, Summer Concert Series. December 1, 2006.

“Kal Bergendahl is the guy with the top notch smooth-jazzy, soulful, R&B funkalicious band.”
Paddy Fineran, ‘Music Matters’ Kenosha News, April 27, 2007.

“Bergendahl is a gifted bass player and a more than adequate bandleader in his own right. He gives his ensemble room to breathe their own personalities into the songs. In addition to great music, KBP delivers a very positive message as well.”
Paddy Fineran, ‘Music Matters’ Kenosha News, July 6th, 2007.

“Kal the bassonator"…you are the stand out of the band.
Dave Sturino, Twilight Jazz, Kenosha, WI. July 12th, 2007.

“KBP is a highly skilled and gifted group of musicians who are able to entertain a wide range of audiences…

KBP is original, mixing a variety of sounds while maintaining their jazzy groove.”
Gary Bigger, Covenant Life Church, Lake City, MI. An Evening of Dinner & Jazz, Nov. 16th, 2007.

“Thanks again for the great performance Thursday. You absolutely exceeded our expectations...I will definitely be recommending you in the future!”
Becky Noble. Director of Marketing - Kenosha Area Business Alliance. KABA Holiday Social, Dec. 10th, 2007.

“At last count, there was no shortage of guitar players or bassists in the world. But players like Kal Bergendahl (KB) are as rare and as deserving of respect as a Mingus or Jaco. His time is always in the pocket, his note choices are inspired yet logical, his sense of pitch is inerrant--and his sound on the instrument simply obliterates the line between electric and acoustic bass. Additionally, KB has the ability to incorporate many diverse styles and genres of music into a program that's cutting edge but communicative, high-spirited but in good taste. I think of this creative and commanding, enabling and galvanizing musician-leader as the Miles Davis of the region. At the very least, he is--in the parlance of the young--"Da Bomb"!
Dr. Samuel Chell. Senior Editor, Allaboutjazz.com, Jan. 7th, 2008.

“Hey Kal. Man, I like your sound...really crisp, clean, pop/jazz feel. I appreciate your touch. Thanks for coming through.”
Angella Christie. National Gospel Recording Saxophonist, March 10th, 2008.

"Kal Bergendahl Project puts out another winning CD"
Kenosha News, May 9th, 2008. Paddy Fineran

Everlasting Life is the new KBP collection of songs. For those familiar with KBP, there is much you will be familiar with.
The rhythm section is, as expected, with Bergendahl on bass guitar and Nick Kraeuter on drums right in the pocket. Bergendahl is smart enough not to overpower his soloists and vocalists. It’s not just the timing and finesse of the drummer that excels, but the snare simply sparkles and is placed just right in the mix, which often isn’t the case on alot of other recordings. Kudos to the engineer.
Sax and Keyboard solos make up the majority of flights into fancy, but the players are wise to keep them short.
The emphasis in the instrumental songs is on ensemble playing, which has gotten even better after previous KBP releases. Think of older Yellowjackets, the Rippingtons and Spyro Gyra and you’ve got an idea of the sound here.
The vocalists on the disc are-as usual- a cut above most singers in the (southeast Wisconsin) area and for that matter at least on a par with what you’ll find on mainstream radio…
Overall, “Everlasting Life” deserves a good listen. It’s great music and a comfortable feel for a sunny day or stormy night, a cuddle on the couch or a drive in the country.

..”Fantastic CD (Everlasting Life)”
Donna Hahn. Executive Director, Plymouth Arts Center (Cheese Capitol Jazz Crawl), June 3, 2008.

“Thanks Kal! …you're a great musician.”
Bob Stamper. Guitarist, Def Jam Recording Artist Jon McLaughlin, August 18, 2009.

“ Wanted to let you know how grateful we are that your group played for us at The Genesis House Benefit Concert. The music was great and you have such talented people in KBP. I don't have to tell you that, but many of us feel you are truly blessed to be surrounded by such talent.
I thought everything went well and we did add money to our coffers. I don’t know when the next Fundraiser will be but KBP will definitely head the list to play for us. Well, thanks again for all you did for us and I hope we see each other again, soon.”
Allan Hall. Board Member, Genesis House of Southeast Wisconsin,
November 1st, 2009.

“KBP features a multi-ethnic lineup of talented musicians and vocalists. The pop jazz and soulful funk songs are full of messages of love and peace and togetherness.” Kenosha News, Jan. 2012

"On behalf of myself and MAAM thank you so much for coming. I've heard great comments, so many attendees enjoyed what they heard." Candy Eisenhauer-Tuesdays at the Shell. September 10th, 2012 - What they are saying.....