Music on Our Radar
Virtuoso Electric Bassist Jeff Berlin to Release LOW STANDARDS
Virtuoso Electric Bassist Jeff Berlin to Release LOW STANDARDS…
JEFF BERLIN has been called the greatest electric bass soloist in the world. While the terms “great” and “genius” are bantered about much too frequently, the accolades for Jeff Berlin are not hyperbolical – Jeff is indisputably one of the best bass players to ever play his chosen instrument. Geddy Lee (bass player for RUSH) calls Jeff “The greatest bass player on the planet,” while the late Jaco Pastorius considered Berlin a better soloist than he was. Known worldwide for his innovative style, Jeff has graced bandstands and recordings with legendary players like Bill Bruford, Dennis Chambers, Neil Peart, Billy Cobham, and Allan Holdsworth, and has led bands and recorded his own CDs for nearly 30 years. He has recorded for vocalists Patti Austin and KD Lang; he has traversed the progressive rock realm with former YES members Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe; Jeff famously turned down an offer to join rockers VAN HALEN. Jeff is also hailed outside the usual musician ranks: Actor Gary Sinise (also a bassist) is one of his biggest fans, and renowned boxing trainer and ESPN commentator Teddy Atlas refers to Jeff as “the best in the business.” From straight ahead Jazz to Fusion to Prog-Rock: Jeff plays it all, always at the very highest level of proficiency and musicality.
On his debut release on RANDOM ACT RECORDS, Jeff and his incredible cohorts, Acoustic Bassist//Pianist Richard Drexler and Drummer Mike Clark, offer a sizzling set of Jazz standards. Drexler, one of the most versatile of jazz players, nimbly switches from upright bass to acoustic piano, or vice versa, on most tracks. Having performed for years with Berlin, his walking lines and supportive grooves perfectly blend with the leader’s electric voice. Clark’s percussion discussions are legendary: Initially making a mark on the international scene with Herbie Hancock’s funkified Headhunters, Mike is a jazz warrior at heart. Together, the trio present unique versions of strong material culled from the Jazz songbook.
Jeff comments about the inspiration behind LOW STANDARDS: “I wanted to play on a four stringed electric bass as a guitarist or pianist might play in the same situation. The concept of this CD was to leave me completely exposed as a player. On this recording, there was no way to hide from my present abilities as a bassist. Great players are always exposed in their abilities to play. For this reason, I always had Gary Burton or Keith Jarrett somewhere in my mind while I was recording the CD, wondering if they might play like I did if they played my instrument.”
Wayne Shorter, perhaps the most heralded of modern jazz composers, is well represented: Berlin and company burn on three of Shorter’s beguiling concoctions. “E.S.P.” kicks off the set, with Berlin stating the melody and Drexler’s bass lines walking in rhythm with Clark’s swinging ride cymbal. After Jeff amply illustrates his penchant for unmatched melodic improvisation, his electric instrument skips in tandem with Clark as Drexler moves to the ivories. On six of eight cuts, the trio represents as a quartet, thanks to Drexler’s multi-instrumental skills. Next up is “El Gaucho,” first heard on Shorter’s album. To complete the Shorter trilogy, the trio speaks no evil as they soar through “Fee Fi Fo Fum.” Berlin is the giant here, ingeniously stating the melody before launching into an astute improvisation. Drexler sticks to the upright, soloing with thoughtful elegance. One of only two piano-less tracks of the set, this outing touches all the basses, exposing new facets of Wayne’s compositional gem.
Fellow electric bassist Steve Swallow’s “Falling Grace” is awash in harmonic beauty; as on every track, Jeff reinforces the accolades accorded him by legions of fellow musicians. His distinctive voice on the electric is organic – It belies those who disdain a bass that requires an outlet. Swallow’s longtime partner Carla Bley penned “Vashkar,” a tune probably more associated with drummer Tony Williams and his groundbreaking group Lifetime. Drexler opens, and stays, at the piano; Berlin strives for new lows; Clark’s hi-hat and snare interplay nods to Tony.
Pianist Bill Evans’ lilting “Very Early” awakes with a more extroverted treatment compared to the composer’s retrospective approach. Benny Golson’s “Whisper Not” swings with Jeff speaking first, Richard eschewing the piano while soloing with his own low tones while Mike tips lightly. The stellar session closes with Pat Metheny’s modern classic “James,” the guitarist’s homage to one Mr. Taylor. Richard Drexler’s stately pianistic introduction leads to Jeff Berlin effortlessly executing the gorgeous melody, as Mike Clark ably supports the proceedings. The album appropriately concludes with Jeff’s unique, sustained ringing tone.
Jeff explains his song selections for his new release: “Because I am such a huge fan of Keith Jarrett’s ‘Standards’ CDs, I wanted to follow my last project, HIGH STANDARDS, with another standards recording, but this time playing on lesser-known tunes, lesser known to the general public… However, Jazz fans should know every tune that I chose to play. I chose compositions with lots of harmony so that I was forced to seek out non-typical bass lines. The harmony in these tunes demanded that I find something different to play on my bass. I also heard in my head how each composer played their own songs, often while we were recording. That was a strange experience.”
LOW STANDARDS is obviously an ironic title for an album that achieves such a pinnacle of musicality. Seldom, if ever, has the combination of two bass clef compadres created such a harmonious marriage of tone, verve and vigor. With this latest effort, Jeff Berlin proves, once again, that his is the highest standard of virtuosity in the low-end spectrum.
LOW STANDARDS Release April 16, 2013
Jeff Berlin LOW STANDARDS CD can be purchased at Amazon.com, iTunes, and at most music stores.
For more information:
Random Act Records: www.randomactrecords.com
Jeff Berlin: www.jeffberlinmusic.com
Bass CDs
Album Review: Brian Bromberg, LaFaro
Brian Bromberg, LaFaro…
Scott LaFaro was an extraordinary upright bass player who we lost in 1961 at the age of 25. Even though he was a young bassist he worked with the Bill Evans Trio from 1959 to 1961; he was an exceptional musician and his bass work was lightyears ahead of his time.
Brian Bromberg has teamed up with pianist Tom Zink and drummer Charles Ruggiero to produce a tribute album to this legendary player. We are treated to a dozen tracks (with three bonus tracks on the digital platforms) that were Bill Evans Trio standards. While the original band’s work inspired Brian, this tribute album is not an attempt by the musicians to replicate the music but to organically express themselves on these tunes. When you listen, you may note that it doesn’t sound like LaFaro and it isn’t supposed to.
As I have noted on many of Brian’s previous albums, the bass work (all upright here) is extraordinary and he knows how to get a crystal-clear sound. Every note is pristine and balanced perfectly with the piano and drums. Brian’s approach to recording upright bass should be the golden standard for all upright players. He also handpicked the other members of this trio and they are excellent musicians who really deliver the goods.
If you would like more insight into this album, I can share that in my cover interview with Brian, coming soon.
The projected album release date is April 5, 2024, and will be available at www.brianbromberg.net
Latest
Album Review: Gabriel Espinosa, Bossas and Boleros
Bassist Gabriel Espinosa was inspired by the music he grew up with in Yucatan, Mexico, and now brings us a collection of ten tracks on Bossas and Boleros.
Six of these tunes on Bossas and Boleros are his original compositions. As you might expect from the title, some of these tunes fit in a kind of retro/romantic category whereas others are in a kind of soft Latin jazz vein. Interestingly, Gabriel also found inspiration in current events and translated them into musical interludes.
Gabriel assembled an excellent collection of musicians to bring this album to life and his bass playing is solid and precise but not flashy. His playing compliments the music in a noticeable way but is very balanced in the overall mix. The compositions are intricate and quite lovely with a generous helping of Latin tempos. I especially enjoyed his vocal rendition of “Aqui Estoy Yo” where he sings with just a piano. It is a rare treat to actually hear a bass player’s voice in a tune.
The great thing about this album is it’s universal appeal as it is not all about the bass. Everyone can relate to a collection of beautiful music and it’s excellent execution. This album is perfect to listen to while you enjoy a glass of wine with a loved one as you watch the sunset. Listening made me feel both relaxed and happy and that are feelings we all want to share.
Bossas and Boleros is available on Amazon.com
Music on Our Radar
Album Review: Fernando Molinari, Reaching Inside
Album Review: Fernando Molinari, Reaching Inside…
Bassist Fernando Molinari assembled a team of excellent musicians (including Marco Minnemann on drums) to bring us eight tracks of original, hard-hitting, instrumental rock. Now, even though this music falls in the rock category, it has progressive elements as well as shades of fusion.
This album is high-energy providing a platform for these talented musicians to treat us to the full extent of their abilities. Fernando’s bass playing is flawless and precise and definitely drives each tune with frequent solo sections that give us a clear idea of his skill. Of course, with a tight group like this, the bar is set very high and everybody delivers perfectly.
This is a perfect album to listen to when you want to be pumped up. It would be a great workout set, road trip music, or a fitting background for an action movie. If you want to get your heart pumping, this is the album for you!
Available on Amazon.com
Latest
Album Review: Brad Russell, Metal Improved
Brad Russell, Metal Improved…
We have been listening to Brad Russell play bass over the years, and it is quite clear that versatility is at the heart of his talent. Whether it is playing in the pit for a musical or on stage at the NAMM Show, Brad has serious chops. With Metal Improved, he is giving us a sample of what it sounds like when he applies a focused, overdriven, metal approach to a collection of tunes.
Brad has teamed up with hardcore drummers Gregg Bissonette, Jason Furman, and Aquiles Priester to produce seven tracks of high-intensity, calculatedly frenetic, musical wizardry. Three of the tracks are Brad’s original compositions and the others are very recognizable tunes by Billy Sheehan, Edward Van Halen, Chick Corea, and J. S. Bach.
This EP is badass… if Metal is your thing you will want to give it a listen.
Metal Improved available on Amazon.com
Music on Our Radar
Album Review: Wolfgang Van Halen, Mammoth II
Album Review: Wolfgang Van Halen, Mammoth II…
Following hot on the tail of Mammoth WVH, Wolfgang Van Halen now brings us Mammoth II, clearly showing us that he has a lot more music in store for us to enjoy.
Wolfgang repeats the amazing act of writing the music and playing all the instruments for the entire album with the exception of one track where there is Wah operation on a solo by Patrick “Uncle Pat” Bertinelli. Without a doubt, Wolfgang Van Halen is the consummate musician with a serious amount of talent to play all the instruments at such a high level; you just have to listen to the music to know he has the goods. Pay attention to the detail in each instrument and you find them impressively balanced and expertly performed. The bass work is tight but I find the drums catching my ear as there is some serious drum work here.
The vocals in this album are excellent and the harmonies are nicely blended as it is all Wolfgang’s voice.
There is a generally energetic, upbeat feel to the music in this album and it is loaded with high-energy rock. I personally tend to overlook lyrics as I get caught up in the music itself but it is clear that Wolfgang has a lot to say and I am guessing that it is cathartic to let these thoughts and feelings out. I am sure that many listeners will identify with the lines that they can relate to and adopt these songs as their own personal anthems.
Mammoth II stands firmly on its exceptional merits and is another great piece of work. Bravo Wolfgang!
Available on Amazon.com
Interview With Bassist Erick “Jesus” Coomes
Working-Class Zeros: Episode #2 – Financial Elements of Working Musicians
Tour Touch Base (Bass) with Ian Allison
New Gear: Spector Woodstock Custom Collection Volume II
