New York-based drummer and producer Zachary Berns explored the intersection of live jazz improvisation and electronic dance music on his two-track EP, “Canvas / Rendezvous” released on March 26, 2026, via Symphonic. The project brings together live instrumental performances and house rhythms, creating a sound that connects the spontaneity of jazz with the structure and energy of electronic music.
Built around live improvisations, “Canvas / Rendezvous” reflects Berns’ experience as a drummer performing across jazz and other musical styles throughout New York City. Rather than relying entirely on programmed elements, he combines the human feel of live instrumentation with electronic beats, giving both tracks a distinctive relationship between musicianship and machine-driven production.
Longtime collaborator Jesse Klirsfeld contributes trumpet performances to both tracks, adding an expressive instrumental layer to the EP’s sound. His playing complements Berns’ rhythmic approach, helping shape a project that draws from jazz, deep house and future jazz house while maintaining a clear connection to the dance floor.
The opening track, “Canvas” moves through a psychedelic jazz-house landscape, with Klirsfeld’s trumpet and Berns’ drumming guiding the arrangement. The interplay between the instruments creates a sense of movement, allowing the track to unfold through shifting textures and rhythmic passages. Its combination of live performance and house production gives the music an exploratory quality without losing its groove.
On “Rendezvous” Berns takes a more piano-centred approach. The track features chords inspired by his exploration of the early work of jazz pianist Bill Evans, set against subtle percussion and carefully placed drum patterns. The restrained arrangement allows the piano to establish the mood while the rhythmic elements provide a steady foundation. The result highlights Berns’ interest in drawing from jazz traditions while placing them within an electronic framework.
The EP builds on the recognition Berns has received from established figures in the electronic music scene. Richie Hawtin, Marco Carola, Jimpster and Fish Go Deep have supported his previous releases on Apparel Music and LTDWLBL, demonstrating the appeal of his work to DJs who value musical detail alongside dance-floor functionality.
Berns also connected with artists beyond the house music scene. His collaboration with Jae_don, “Times,” appeared on Soul In The Horn’s 10 Year Anniversary Edition LP, a release featuring artists including Bilal, Sa-Ra Creative Partners and Kamasi Washington. The project reflects his ability to work across musical worlds, bringing together elements of jazz, electronic production and contemporary Black music.
His experience as a live performer extends to some of New York City’s most recognised cultural and music venues.
Berns has performed at Carnegie Hall, Governors Ball, MoMA PS1 Warm Up, the Guggenheim and Lot Radio. These experiences form an important part of his musical background, but his recorded work provides a clear expression of his dual identity as a jazz drummer and electronic producer.
With “Canvas / Rendezvous” Berns brought those two sides together in a focused two-track release. The project places improvisation at the centre of its creative process while using house rhythms to give the music a consistent pulse. Klirsfeld’s trumpet performances, the piano influences on “Rendezvous” and the more psychedelic character of “Canvas” gives each track its own identity within the EP.
Released through Symphonic, “Canvas / Rendezvous” marked the first independent release in Berns’ planned series of projects for 2026. With the combination of live instrumental performances, carefully constructed house production, Zachary Berns presents a sound that draws from both the improvisational freedom of jazz and the rhythmic focus of club music.
“Canvas / Rendezvous” captures that approach across two contrasting tracks, establishing a foundation for the next chapter of his work as a drummer, collaborator and electronic music producer.
