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BIO

Born on the island of Aruba. After high school he attended  Berklee College of music, Boston USA. In 1984 he graduates with a bachelor's degree in professional music. Immediately after college Delbert began working in several showbands in various hotels on his native island. Participation at well known international jazz festivals in the USA, South America, the Caribbean and Europe. With a performance career spanning wel over 30 years Delbert has appeared with, The Aruba Art Ensemble, Paquito D’Rivera, Chucho Valdes, Arturo Sandoval, Dutch Swing College Band, Cubop bigband, De Nederlands Blazers Ensemble, Kirk Whalum, Roy Hargrove, to name a few. Delbert plays a fusion of jazz and Caribbean and Gospel music.

Currently living in the Netherlands, director of Berna Music Academy where together with a team of educators preparation is given to students for entrée exams for the conservatory, he also teaches masterclasses/workshops on saxophone and improvisation. 

Leader of several duo and quartet projects. To name a few, "Threesome", "Cafe con Leche" , "Forward Motion" and most recently, The quartet  "Memories of Tomorrow"

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Recordings "Jazz meets Classics"  with Naomi Tamura and "Decisions" with Jazz Quartet

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With his illustrious career that includes hallmark stints with The Aruba Art Ensemble, Paquito D'Rivera, Arturo Sandoval,  The Dutch Swing College Band, De Nederlands Blazers Ensemble, Roy Hargrove, Cubop Big Band,  as well as a heralded career as a solo artist that began more than 35 years ago, Delbert Bernabela is easily recognized as one of the Caribbean's modern jazz’s most influential living masters. And with the marvelous "Decisions album" Delbert shows no signs of resting on his laurels.

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