Kurt Deutscher’s Short Music Biography

Kurt’s music career started at age 17 playing drums in the nightclubs and dance halls of Portland Oregon. He brings over four decades of professional experience to every performance and it’s evident in his steady timekeeping, responsive dynamics, fluid phrasing, and melodic solos. He’s well-versed in leading instrumental trios, supporting vocalists, and driving big bands. He’s played on dozens of professional recordings and is a former voting member of the Recording Academy. He is also an alumnus of the Armed Forces School of Music and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Band. Kurt’s “day gig” is leading NetRaising, a Certified B Corporation that helps nonprofit organizations succeed online.

Optional info from earlier in Kurt’s music career below.

Kurt has performed on live radio in Oregon, Nevada, and California, and on live TV and a Cable special. He’s been featured in a documentary on drummers released in 1991. He’s marched in three Tournament of Roses parades, Pasadena, CA, and over 200 other street parades. One of his compositions is featured on a compilation released by the Metropolitan Arts Commission. He was the featured Musician of the Month in Jazzscene Magazine in 1994 and has performed at the Mt. Hood Festival of Jazz three times.

“Deutscher plays set with a full percussionist’s sensibility and great ease”
Ellen Collison - Cadence Magazine - New York

“Kurt Deutscher is recognized as one of the best jazz drummers in the region.”
Dr. Michael Kissinger - Founding Executive / Artistic Director of the Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival

“Kurt’s gentle mix of humor with serious ideas and concepts made the whole day a delight.”
Nancy Tice - Portland State University Jazz Workshop

“A Fantastic teacher! Knowledgeable and enthusiastic”
Steve Robertson - OMSI

“A veritable Swiss Army knife of versatility! Oh, you want that? Oh, you mean this? Kurt’s got it, whatever it is!”
Mike Winkle - Bandleader

“This multi-talented young man, in a word: brilliant!”
Jack Rosenberg - Jazz Society of Oregon

“Man, you look like a duck when you play drums.”
Unsolicited audience member feedback.

“You are tighter than a gas sphincter.”
Claudia Knauer - Vocalist