Jeff Berlin (Bruford)
Courtesy of Jeff Berlin Music Group Com
By Thomas Semioli
“Jeff Berlin is the best bass player on the planet!” Geddy Lee
“He’s …The best bass player I’ve ever heard.” Jack Bruce
Yet another influential player from Queens County New York, Jeff Berlin is not only a master bassist, recording artist, music journalist, podcast host, and composer – he is an acclaimed educator whose books, lectures and videos are essential for serious bassists. (www.JeffBerlinMusicGroup.com)
Jeff’s journey as a musician began with violin at age 14. Then, like sooooo many of his generation, he saw The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show and….the rest, as we say, is history.
Jeff’s big break came in 1977 when Yes drummer Bill Bruford tabbed him for his solo ensemble. The Bruford collective waxed four seminal jazz fusion sides which garnered attention aplenty among rock and jazz fans, and aspiring bassists: Feels Good To Me (1977), One of a Kind (1979), The Bruford Tapes (1980), and Gradually Going Tornado (1980) which prominently featured Jeff on bass – and vocals.
A prolific recording artist Berlin exemplifies everything that is engaging in jazz fusion – his supportive passages, improv, and melodic prowess have inspired players for generations.
Much has been written (and said) about Jeff’s strong opinions regarding his views on being a musician, and the craft of bass playing – however I find Jeff to be spot on in many instances. Plus, his resume speaks for itself.
For those of you keeping sideman score, dig a sampling of Jeff’s collaborative credits which include Patrick Moraz, Patti Austin, Ray Barretto, David Liebman, the aforementioned Bill Bruford, Passport, Allan Holdsworth, Janis Ian, k.d. Laing, and Ritchie Kotzen, to cite a very select few.