Jeff Berlin
Berlin performing in 2007
Berlin performing in 2007
Background information
Birth nameJeffrey Arthur Berlin
Born (1953-01-17) January 17, 1953 (age 71)
Queens, New York, U.S.
GenresJazz fusion, progressive rock
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Bass guitar, vocals
Years active1970–present
LabelsDenon, Rock Empire, Random Act

Jeffrey Arthur Berlin (born January 17, 1953) is an American jazz fusion bassist. He first came to prominence in the 1970s as a member of the band Bruford led by drummer Bill Bruford.

Musical career

Berlin was born on January 17, 1953, in Queens, New York.[1][2] He studied violin from 5 until 15 years of age, when he was inspired to play bass guitar after seeing the Beatles.[3] He attended Berklee College of Music to study bass.[4]

After session work with Patrick Moraz, David Liebman and Patti Austin, he gained widespread international attention in 1977 when British musician Bill Bruford handpicked him for his debut album Feels Good to Me. He played in Bruford's namesake band until 1980. His Bruford bandmate Allan Holdsworth employed Berlin for his 1983 Warner Brothers album Road Games.

Berlin continued to record and tour throughout the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.

On August 30, 2013, Berlin married Gabriela Sinagra, a jazz singer and vocal coach from Rosario, Argentina.

Style and appreciation

In a review for his album Low Standards, Bass Musician Magazine said, "Anytime I mention [Jeff Berlin], there seems to be a ripple in the force and the wave of Berlin supporters or antagonists come to the surface and spout-off their opinions. No matter where you stand regarding Jeff's musical philosophy, no one can reasonably deny the simple fact that Jeff seriously knows his craft and is one of the major players of our time."[5]

Berlin's playing style has been compared to that of Jaco Pastorius; however, Berlin has repeatedly stated his distaste for Jaco imitators.[6]

Discography

Main article: Jeff Berlin discography

References

  1. ^ Gilbert, Mark (2002). Kernfeld, Barry (ed.). The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz. Vol. 1 (2nd ed.). New York: Grove's Dictionaries Inc. p. 201. ISBN 1-56159-284-6.
  2. ^ Jisi, C. Brave New Bass. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 97. ISBN 9781617745065. Retrieved 2015-06-22.
  3. ^ Mulhern, Tom (1993). Bass Heroes: Styles, Stories & Secrets of 30 Great Bass Players : from the Pages of Guitar Player Magazine. Backbeat Books. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-87930-274-0. Retrieved 2013-07-29.
  4. ^ Ake, David Andrew (2010). Jazz Matters: Sound, Place, and Time Since Bebop. University of California Press. p. 144. ISBN 978-0-520-26688-9. Retrieved 2013-07-29.
  5. ^ "Low Standards: Jeff Berlin". Bass Musician Magazine.
  6. ^ "Jeff Berlin: Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger!". Bass Inside. September 2002. Archived from the original on 2007-03-11. Retrieved 2013-07-24.

External links

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