About Me

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Hugh von Kleist Saxophone, Clarinet and Flutist.

Hugh is a stylistic descendant of Lester Young and Zoot Sims, playing in the traditional style of hard swingin’ Jazz. Growing up Hugh was surrounded with tremendous artistic influences within his own immediate family. His eldest brother Ross, was a well-known drummer who 

performed with notables such as Louie Belsen, Dick Dale & the Surf-tones; Journey and Lawrence Welk. In addition, both of Hugh’s sisters Bonnie and Michelle were professional dancers.

Hugh’s musical beginnings were short but impactful. He played trumpet in 4th grade then alto sax in 5th grade. Although he greatly enjoyed music, he wouldn’t play another note for 18 years while he chased his first dream of professional baseball. After 13 wonderful years and two seasons in the Independent League he hung up his cleats for good. After working various jobs not knowing what career path to choose Hugh decided to join the US Navy. After six great years in the Navy Hugh decided to choose a career in music after being Honorably discharged in 1991. The next day he rented a tenor saxophone and began lessons with San Diego’s great tenor man Joe Murillo.