MONUMENTAL TALKS 2026 – Musicians

Dr. Jack Klitzman

Master of Saxophones, Flutes, Clarinets, and All Things Musical

Dr. Jack Klitzman is an accomplished saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, composer, arranger, orchestrator, bandleader, and contractor whose career has spanned virtually every corner of the musical landscape—from jazz, swing, R&B and big band to pop, rock and Latin music.

Jack’s approach to arranging is grounded in balance, subtlety, transparency, and soul. Whether performing, composing, arranging, or assembling a band, he combines technical precision with an instinct for what makes music connect with an audience.

Over his career, Jack has performed and collaborated with an extraordinary roster of artists, including Natalie Cole, Ed Sheeran, Olivia Newton-John, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Johnny Mathis, Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The O’Jays, Perry Como, Lou Rawls, George Benson, Julio Iglesias, Ben Vereen, Roberta Flack, George Burns, Rodney Dangerfield, Howie Mandel, Mickey Rooney, and many others. He has also performed with the Seattle Symphony.

Jack is the founder and bandleader of Nearly Dan, a 12-piece ensemble devoted to the music of Steely Dan. Over many years, he has created and refined demanding arrangements that capture the sophistication and distinctive sound of Steely Dan while bringing his own voice as an arranger and musician to the music.

After a lifetime immersed in music, Jack continues to write, arrange, perform, and experiment with new musical ideas. And, yes, he still believes there may be no limit to how many saxophones, flutes, and clarinets one musician actually needs.