The Jeff Berlin Interview
Вставка
- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- In today's episode of Sounding Off Bassist Jeff Berlin!
A flexible and powerful electric bassist, Jeff Berlin was one of the major fusion bassist to emerge during the mid-'70s. His father sang opera and his mother played piano. Berlin had nine years of violin lessons starting from when he was five and was considered a child prodigy, appearing with orchestras in New York City. However, when he was 14 he switched directions and began playing electric bass; Jack Bruce was an early hero. Berlin attended the Berklee College of Music for a time and then moved back to New York. For a short period he was in a trio with Allan Holdsworth and Tony Williams. In 1975 he recorded in Europe with Yes keyboardist Patrick Moraz and then in New York he became quite busy with studio work, club dates, and record sessions. Berlin played with many top musicians including Pat Martino, Gil Evans, Toots Thielemans, Al DiMeola, George Benson, Earl Klugh, Larry Coryell, Bob James, Dave Liebman, Herbie Mann, Ray Barretto, the Brecker Brothers and others. Berlin was also a regular member of Bill Bruford's band (which included guitarist Holdsworth and keyboardist Dave Stewart) for a couple years starting in 1977; four recordings resulted. Berlin subsequently moved to Los Angeles, worked in clubs with Scott Henderson and Frank Gambale, became an educator (helping to found the Bass Institute of Technology), played rock (including with Frank Zappa), and turned down an opportunity to join Van Halen. During 1985-1986 Berlin recorded two fusion/rock dates for the soon-defunct Passport label. He moved to Florida in 1990 and toured with Yes, John McLaughlin, Billy Cobham, Kazumi Watanabe, and other musicians from a wide variety of creative genres. In addition, he began teaching at the Players School. His third set as a leader, 1997's Taking Notes for Denon, was Berlin's most jazz-oriented set to date. He continued releasing a number of albums into the 21st century, including Lumpy Jazz (2004) with his core trio featuring pianist Richard Drexler and drummer Danny Gottlieb; the highly regarded In Harmony's Way (2004) with guest appearances by saxophonist David Liebman, vibraphonist Gary Burton, and guitarist Mike Stern; Ace of Bass/Aneurythms (2006); and the piano trio-oriented High Standards (2010), again featuring Drexler and Gottlieb in addition to the session leader.
Jeff's Facebook: / jeff-berlin-1547958378...
My Links to Follow:
If you are interested in purchasing The Beato Book please email me at rickbeato1@gmail.com
If you would like to donate to my channel to support my video creation you can use my PayPal address rickbeato1@gmail.com
Skype Lessons are available on a limited basis. If you are interested please write me at rickbeato1@gmail.com
UA-cam - / rickbeato
Artist Facebook - / rickbeatoproduction
Personal Facebook - / rick.beato.1
Instagram - / rickbeato1
Follow On Twitter - @rickbeato
www.nuryl.com
I studied with Jeff at MI in '87, still benefiting from his lessons 31 years down the road. Thanks Maestro Berlin :) With Love from Shanghai, China.
I was there a bit after you my man.
Road Games- one of my all-time favorite albums. Allan, Jeff, and Chad: trio of perfection!
His playing at the end was beautiful
"...the truth will set you free. but first it will piss you off." -- EPIC! And then he played.
Jeff is such a wise man - all younger musicians really need to listen to this guy - both thoughts and music.
Mr Jeff Berlin is not only an incredible muscian but is as we all can bear witness too, an intelligent and articulate man. Great interview Rick, I really enjoyed listening to it. Jeff was a name that I had heard banded about by other noteworthy musicians but did not pay any particular attention too until last night when I finished watching him with Bill Bruford and guitarist Kazumi Watanabe perform a concert filmed in Japan in 1987, in an hour long music video on UA-cam. I'm not a bass player but I thought the guy on bass guitar - Jeff Berlin was amazing. I couldn't get him out of my head. That is why I watched this interview.
Just seeing this interview seven years post creation. Insightful. The quality of Rick's interviews is extraordinary.
Only time I saw Jeff was with Bruford in Kansas City. Hell of a band, hell of a show. Those Bruford albums are required listening.
Rick, you’re a great listener...
Aside from Jeff's immense talent, I admire his honesty with respect to the difficult changes he has made in his life. Go Jeff go!! Rick is a very skilled interviewer. Oh, and the Beethoven improv was sublime! Thanks for that Jeff.
He's a singer of note, too -- Gothic 17.
Back in the late 70's-80's when Guitar Player magazine was the only resource, Jeff emphasized being "Literate". Fast forward after decades of self-study, I was making tons of money in the studios and backing major artists in my country culminating in backing major international artists. Unbelievable how someone thousands of miles away can transform someone's life immensely just by expounding musical concepts. Great interview Mr. Beato.
Just wow!
Been a big fan of Jeff's bass playing for decades but knew nothing about the man.
Rick's patience and largesse are exemplary in this clip: one of the very best interviewers covering all things music. Thank you.
Bless you maestro! If you are a conservative, let it be so. Apostoling on fundaments in music could not hit better time in the timeline we are living on. What a beautiful, honest virtuos you are. The Beethoven you play at the end made my day. Especially when knowing the symphony so well. This composer surely knew the music history yet being the most revolutionary artist that ever lived.
"The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off"
Great! Loved the nod to Christopher Hitchens as well.
Berlin’s “Water on the Brain II” + “Joe Frazier” + his basslines throughout Bruford’s “One of a Kind” is masterful work. It was tough learning these lines and helped to advance my skill level on the bass immensely! Thanks Rick for validating Jeff, as he was neck & neck with Jaco back in the day.
Message received Jeff to the heart.
Rick, Great interview with Jeff Berlin. I agree with him on many levels regarding music education
I’m 50. I am rededicating to learning music. I have no delusions of “getting a gig”. I don’t even want that. I just want to know how to play. Like Jeff said, I am learning to learn. That is perfectly in line with my thinking. When I picked up a guitar for the first time over 40 years ago that was my thinking too. I never thought I would be a rock star. I just thought playing guitar was a cool thing to learn. Ok maybe a small part was the thought that girls would dig it in my teens but mostly it was to learn. I believe any kind of knowledge attained makes one a better person.
Great Gregg !!
Have you started learning yet bro?
Check out Dweezil Zappa's DVDs called fretboard freedom, them are life changing. And remember the pursuit of perfection is a journey not a destination. And that's where the joy of discovery lays. Like Tomo says dont compare, be kind to yourself. Enjoy !
Awesome remarks, Greg!
Upon my word! Very well said.
By the by, JB is a singer of note, too -- Gothic 17.
4th greatest Rick Beato interview ever. Love, happiness and well-being - Rick, Jeff, all the musicians.
I followed Jeff Berlin since the 80s while learning bass and guitar. It is so cool to see Rick doing this video.
That last segment- it’s who he is now.
I’ve spoken with him on some online forums and he’s really hitting a home run with his communication style- and he’s one of the greatest educators around.
Jeffs always been one of my favorite bass players from when I first heard him with Bruford band in the 70s. Then saw him with John MClaughlin Trio in 88 in Glasgow, Scotland. His more recnt album are phenomenal not only in terms of playing but also composition but his TONE is incredible! Couple years ago he came here to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to do a small bass clinic in combo with the amps (DV Mark is it?) and basses (Cort??) he was using. I know hes strongly opinionated and even controversial in the education world but he promised he could improve the sound of any bass player regardless of level. He took some random local bassist guy from the audience got him to demo a couple things; then in about 2-5 minutes made this guy's tone, articulation and pacing sound noticeably different by guiding him on a few things. For a non bass player, hearing the difference in a simple scale or note pattern was amazing. The man is a genius and a deeply experienced expert! What a teacher AND performer!
So many gems in this interview. Even if Jeff says something you disagree with, he gets you to thinking about WHY.
Beautiful coda at the end.
Great interview, Rick. Jeff Berlin is brilliant, & this interview should be required viewing at ALL MUSIC SCHOOLS/ INSTITUTIONS BEFORE any xlasses begin. Especially the points of difference between learning style/exercises & music itself. May not be for everyone (students), but it could/should open their eyes& get their minds working.
Rick, can you please, please, please do a lesson on the music of Bill Bruford? The "One of a Kind" record is considered by many to be the best progressive/fusion album of all time and now that you've had Jeff Berlin and previous lessons on the indomitable Alan Holdsworth, I know you must be familiar with this masterpiece of composition. There is so much to be learned from the use of chords and unique melodies (not to mention 4 virtuosos performing it). Of course, having Bruford or Dave Stewart would be incredible as well but I don't want to be greedy. :)
i am so into that
fisch723 now THAT would be really something!
I had some tuition from Bill, nice bloke :-)
OMG I can listen to that whole album in my head, for sure. It truly is the pinnacle of what they were trying to go for with that lineup. Just a uniquely singular group of songs that still give me chills.
Bruford 💜
Great Interview!!!! Jeff is awesome and I completely agree with him about the state of music and teaching
22 people are out of their minds, I found this to be an amazing interview by and with 2 great talented people.
the ending segment shows the Jeff that the world will best remember.
Amazing video big fan of Jeff playing. Really enjoyed the conversation and his passion for music .
I’ve seen many live acts over the years, in many genres.
Only a handful of individual musicians stood out for me, from those concerts. Jeff is one of those.
I saw him with John McLaughlin around 40 years ago. His huge abilities and great musicality just shone through.
I also studied at Berklee and with Charlie a little after Jeff and Charlie really opened my mind and ears! Jeff is right on point about bass education!
Wonderful, heartfelt playing at 54:50. Thank you Rick, for having one of the all-time greats on for us to learn from, in more ways than just musically. I'm glad he got some help, because it was fairly obvious that he was struggling. HIs playing, at the end of this video, is simply exquisite. And thank you, Jeff, for a lifetime of wonderful music and wonderful musical thought. Stay well, both of you.
No one plays bass like Jeff! I love how he makes his bass to sing.
Just listened to this for the first time. Mr Beato's questions, wonderful!! asking the questions we all want to ask. Mr Berlin absolute 24 carrot gold wisdom. "..learning is dirty, greasy, bumpy...but the rewards...." Wonderful stuff, the epitome of tough love.....
Therapy or no therapy, Jeff Berlin has always been way up there on my list (not just bass players, but musicians in general), and I have always found his commentary genuine, well founded, and refreshing.
With no disrespect, ALL learning is growing. Not the end of the world to advance in your choice of methods. Open minds keep the process relevant, and, (Jeff), creative. How would new discoveries be discovered without discovering and not steeping your legs deep into the cement? Respect to Jeff's talent, his perspective is VERY much based on "his" personal experience from his youth. Ok, but let others follow their path as well.
ok, ok...
I love this interview. How fortunate we are to be provided such an intelligent discussion by two world class educators. For Free! Thank you.
Thank you, Rick! I could listen to you guys for hours. Almost 60 min and I felt like it was only 30.
I am a metal drummer Who practice a lot. The last five years i am getting a lot into fusion, funk, blues, prog rock and latin, afro cuban players+percussion players, not only drummers. There are so many doors that has open for me. It is really important to have an open mind in different music genres. And it is so easy to get inspiration on the internet. Love this interviews A LOT
These
Great conversation.Jeff B. Thank you for "five G " and "Joe Frazier" I love the way you play.All the best.Rick,keep it up.
I've always agreed with Jeff's viewpoint, i.e., music....but I am 58 so that's maybe why..;-)) And the piece at the end 'from the heart to your heart'...stunningly beautiful. Thanks for putting this together Rick!
I loved this interview so much. Thanks to both of you 🙏
This has got to be one of the best discussions about music ever!! Thanks Rick and Jeff
I remenber first reading about Jeff Berlin's bass wizardry in little burbs in Rolling Stone in the 80s then finally getting to hear him on utube a few years ago. Im a bass player myself and what Jeff and Jaco and Stanley Clarke were doing in the 70s and 80s was rare and somthing new. Now you have people out there playing 4or5or6 string bass that are simply amazing and electric bass virtuosity is much more common place. But Jeff just has that beauriful no frills tone that he gets that savors the pure wood sound of the bass guitar. He is a musical hero!! I really like your vlogs Mr Beato!! Very informative for all players regardless of instrument!!
Rick, you are an EXCELLENT interviewer. THANK YOU.
Wow, there’s a whole Lotta truth in this interview. I really love the way Jeff approaches music and music learning . I am a drummer of 25 years that has recently picked up bass guitar and this is some of the most valuable information I have heard thus far.
Truly wonderful.. Thank you both so much!!
He is right when he says there is a narrow way when studying music. Learning is more than just studying but for studying, yeah.
Mr.Beato, great clip, you are good to make interviews , because you doesn´t interupted the guess !! love it !!,Jeff Berlin is a great bass player. Regards from Berlin , Germany (where i m living)
Sir, I owe You a pint of good Irish Beer for having this guest ;) Cheers from Northern Ireland! Ps. Thanks to Jeff I`m avoiding LOADS of wasted time... seriously!
When I learned music I was told learn to play the BASS...and You can play anything,,, I was taught scales, arpeggios and progression, AS it stands today I feel that i really don' t know a lot of songs, but I can follow chord charts, hear a progression or song, then play along or improvise over the progression. Studied Jazz & Classical when I was younger did not do very well learning or applying it...I started learning guitar so I could understand the movement of the notes in the chords..TO BE A BETTER BASS PLAYER!!! From what Jeff is saying that was a good move,,,It really did pay off. Thank You Jeff Berlin for saying what I feel and try to say to all young guy's I know... I know this PAIN!!!!
I still try to learn by doing, currently work on Film Scoring and all it takes...
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO FOR US MUSIC"S
Stanley M. Nelson
SPEAK THE TRUTH!!!! when I say these things to people they get P/O'ed, I don't have respect for most of the new musician's these day's...not cuz I am better than them, it is cuz they don't PLAY WELL< TALK MORE THAN CAN DELIVER!!! I feel like I am in the choir, so PREACH ON!!! I AM LISTENING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey Rick, Danny Caudle here, thank you for another video. Believe it or not this is my first exposure to Jeff Berlin! I can't believe it. His Beethoven improvisation at the end of the video is sublime. What a melody. What a musician. I'm here for the long haul.
That clip ... What a wonderful present. Thanks!
Thank you for doing this interview Rick and very much looking forward to your second one. 53:37 what a wonderful piece of magic with Mr Berlin.
Great rendition at the end Jeff. Heard you play a couple of times in Boston late 70's. Amazing then as now.. Thank you for your contribution.
I really enjoyed this interview. Rick, you have a knack for getting people to open up and Jeff Berlin in particular said a lot of things that resonated with me. I also feel vindicated as a bass teacher. I have some students at a music school where the owner has been encouraging me to just give students what they want as opposed to focusing on music essentials & theory. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who still believes in the value of learning to be a complete musician.
Great interview, thank you Rick. I'm a amateur Bassist and this is gold for me. I wish he explain what is exactly the right way to learning music much precisely.
Watch and listen again, you will find the answers between the lines he says.
That last bit tops the best guitar faces. Exquisite musician !
Rick thank you so much for posting this remarkable interview....... Thank you Jeff for playing from Heart to Heart .... Beethoven would smile hearing this
I first heard Jeff on the radio and was completely gobsmacked. To me, it sounded like music from another planet, so different it was. I wish I knew what album it was from. Great interview.
Great interview. Outstanding. Loved the ending.
Jeff Berlin! One of my all time favorites. Thanks for the interview
Great interview. Beautiful ending. I must thank Jeff for the knowledge and Rick for inviting him. I felt good after watching this.
Cheers from Brazil.
His solo in the end of this clip is HALLOWED GROUND!!! Absolute work of art!!!!
Best interview yet Rick, I identified with many things in this one
What an amazing ending to this video. Jeff, that was wonderful...
thomas mcgill - I’ve gone back to listening to jeff lately- the dude just has so many gifts.
+Jason Rosner- Bass damn right sir.
I have enjoyed this interview very much... Thanks to the synergy produced between the interviewer and the interviewed. 5 stars!
Great Player and great educator at the players School of Music....Love Jeff Berlin. Thanks
Walter Carrillo does the Players School still exits??
Jeff kept saying he's in Nashville now, has the school moved from Florida to Nashville?? Or another new branch in Nashville??
Wha at enlightening interview, never having hear him speak what so ever.A very personal sounding off.I have followed his career and admire his talent, his abilities that he was driven to learn.Music is a language...for him to talk about how he puts into terms of the individual and people how we learn...great to hear him share about his learned experiences.Keep up the good work Rick.I look forward to seeing more..And sweet improv.from Jeff at the end..sweet thank you Jeff Berlin.
Wonderful interview and never heard a bass guitar played so beautifully.
I love his playing on bruford albums
Real treat. Thanks Jeff Berlin! Thanks Rick Beato! Best regards, Daniel
What an amazing interview! Jeff is quite the gentleman. Thank You for being incredible and humble. (both of you.)
Great interview and wonderful take on Beethoven....Charlie Banacos lives! Thanks Rick!
Thanks so much for all the information here in the printed part and the interview, Rick. I have finally decided to dedicate the hour to listening to one of my few bass idols. What a great man he is!
Wonderful interview and just amazing playing by Jeff!!! I really enjoyed this. Big Thumbs Up !
great video Rick, it's always a pleasure to hear Jeff talking about music.
Ripped this bad boy and listened to it on a long drive to Delaware, thanks for making this series!
Beautiful playing at the end Jeff! Thanks for all,you do Rick!
Great interview!! Jeff Berlin's Beethoven Improv at the end is incredible !!
Wow! That was beautiful ! I play bass and have been a fan of Jeff’s since ‘79. Thank you for doing this.
Beautiful! Can't believe I listened to this piece by Beethoven played by Jeff on Valentine's Day!
Jeff is a philosopher too. That's said by a violin player who swiched to the fabulous ebass but unfortunately not became a philosopher! Respect Mr. Berlin and thank you for giving us your experience and thoughts on the artistry of playing the bass.
Great interview. I think it's interesting that he favors the academic approach to learning. He then mentions Dennis Chambers, saying he's unreal (I assume he's talking about the drummer). Dennis is the opposite of academic music education. He's all feel, man. My favorite musicians are all over the map - some are super academic, some wouldn't know a whole note from a 16th note. I love them all :)
Brilliant interview and playing by jeff at the end! 👍
Roadgames, thank you for your contribution on this album Jeff.
This is the best bass interview on youtube. Thank you Rick and Jeff!
Extraordinary bassist. I saw him with Bruford in a very intimate venue in Phoenix in the 80's. Just a mind blowing experience !
Great series of webcasts with some of the most interesting and outspoken musicians around.
Thank you.. Jeff for being so honest...great video...
Somehow Jeff Berlin emerged out of an era with Jaco and Stanley Clarke and found an entirely unique voice of chordal voicings, fluid arpeggios and sax-like lyricism. Totally inspiring in its musicality, and even more amazing it never sounded like a “hotdog”. Such a fine musician and safe teacher.
Much of it came from transcribing Trombone lines to Bass. One of many great methods, Jeff was recommending aspiring bassists to do this. Listen to many of the great and legendary Jazz trombonists out there You will hear those bass lines being born. Try it , you'll be amazed at how big a door you just opened.
A very rewarding clip from start to finish!
Outstanding. Thank you Rick for such fantastic UA-cam content. You are among the most skilled interviewers I've ever heard. Thank you Jeff for being a no-nonsense yet light hearted guy. This was an incredible conversation to listen to.
Beautiful tone Jeff, thank you.
What an amazing guy! great mind thank you Rick for doing this interview!
My favorite bass Maestro of all time !!!
Rick, I am almost sorry I happened upon your message late one night. I mean this in the very best way. Each time you introduce me to a new concept I realize how long my journey will be. And that ain’t bad.
Love honest people! Very refreshing. Thanks
I stumbled on to one of Rick's videos a few months ago and subscribed shortly thereafter. Although 90% of his content is way over my head, I absolutely love this channel. The "Sounding Off" series is brilliant. Thanks Rick and keep it coming!
really good interview,with a brilliant musician.
straight to my heart jeff, thank you
Fantastic... there were merits to punk music but I find that accomplished players are most able to reach the heart... From Heart to Heart as Jeff said of Beethoven. The Performance at the end was beautiful and moving... Was watching myJazz Guitar teacher from High School (Private Lessons) the great Dr. Frank Dibussolo play "All The Things You Are" on a UA-cam video and it was so moving... beyond words really... All that work and natural propensity has to mean something when all that time and energy is invested in the love of music and often in engendering that love in others... through teaching...