Henry (Hyland) Altenberg is a multi-disciplinary guitarist, bassist, and singer-songwriter active in Chicago’s jazz, funk, and RnB scenes. His recording credits include work with Akili Ni Mali, C3ZR, Alicia “Yah Yah” Townsend, Abby Lyons, Alicia Monique, Tatiana Hazel, Wic Whitney and many more.
He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree(Cum Laude) in Classical Guitar with a jazz concentration from NEIU. Here he performed in the Lab Jazz Band on electric bass and the Varsity Big Band on guitar under the direction of Mayo Tiana (Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Chuck Mangione) while studying guitar with Brian Torosian(CSO, Ernie Adams, Ensemble Español). During this time, he was honored to perform with Larry Kimpel—bassist and music director for Maze ft. Franky Beverly and famed bassist for George Duke—with the NEIU Gospel Ensemble.
He has also attended programs at Ithica College and Berklee College of Music studying with Jack Pezanelli (Jaco Pastorius, Larry Coryell, Sammy Davis jr.), Amanda Monaco, and Cory Seapy. In 2015, he entered Columbia College Chicago and spent a year studying with guitarists Chris Forte(Mannheim Steamroller, Buddy Rich Big Band Machine) and Felton Offard (Hamilton–Chicago, Clark Terry).
As an active guitarist and bassist in Chicago, Henry has had the chance to share the stage with legends, most notably opening for the likes of Jay Electronica, Curren$y, Arrested Development, and the Grammy winning L.A. Guitar Quartet. He currently plays guitar in the band Midair under the leadership of world renowned Music Director and multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Sachio Nang (see bio).
Henry is also a passionate music educator teaching at the world famous Old Town School of Folk Music since 2022 and active in the music education space since 2013.
Currently through may of 2026 he is on tour with the world premiere of the Phil Collins Story as bassist, key-bass, and background vocalist visiting over 50 cities across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia to honor the famed singer-songwriter and drummer of Genesis and Quincey Jones collaborator.
Started at the Old Town School in December of 2021
