Born in the Bronx, saxophonist Peter Brainin has distinguished himself over the past 25 years as a member of many important bands and also as a composer and leader of his own adventurous projects.
As a member of pianist Joey Calderazzo’s Quartet in the late 1980s, he worked alongside Jeff “Tain” Watts, Ron McClure, and Billy Hart. His work as a sideman also includes 10 years (1989-1999) with legendary pianist Hilton Ruiz. In the early 90s he toured with Mongo Santamaria and in ’95 joined the Chico O’farrill Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra where he remains a featured member to this day.
Peter has recorded on two of Chico’s GRAMMY nominated CDs and appeared in the film Calle 54. Some other artists Peter has performed and/or recorded with include : Paquito D’Rivera, Bebo Valdes, Randy Brecker, Wynton Marsalis, Randy Weston, Steve Berrios y Son Bacheche, Harold Mabern, and Eddie Henderson. He was twice awarded the BRIO fellowship for Music Composition by the Bronx Council on the Arts. Many of Peter’s compositions appear on his original CDs with co-leader Steve Johns: Ceremony (Cats Paw) and No Saints, No Sinners (Playscape).