For Immediate Release

Bass Icon Jeff Berlin Launches GoFundMe Campaign For New Tribute Album To Legendary Jack Bruce

Nashville, TN – Bass icon Jeff Berlin has launched a GoFundMe Campaign for a new tribute album to legendary Jack Bruce titled “Jack Songs – An All-Star Tribute To Jack Bruce”! Jack Bruce, best known for his work with classic rock legends Cream, as well as his critically acclaimed solo work, passed away in 2014. Jeff Berlin, who has been called “the greatest bass player in the world”, was a personal friend of Jack’s and wanted to record Jack’s songs in remembrance of how Jack helped Jeff to find his own musical path.

Says Jeff, “Recording the music of Jack Bruce has been the most emotional recording project of my career. Jack was the greatest musical influence I ever had. In the center of his music were these strange and wonderful bass lines weaving in and out of the key, reaching for resolutions and finding them, again, and again. Jack’s playing was a living evolving improvisation.

‘Jack Songs’ isn’t a cover CD, not in the literal sense. Except for a couple of tunes from his Cream period (arranged in ways that should surprise people) most of the songs on this CD come from other periods in Jack’s musical life before and after Cream. Jack’s solo career represented a multitude of musical styles. This recording will be a new revamp of some of those songs, some of the best music that I heard from one of the greatest musicians of the last fifty years.”

Guest performers are:

1. Alex Lifeson
2. Sammy Hagar
3. Tony Levin
4. Billy Sheehan
5. Brian Auger
6. Scott Henderson
7. Eric Johnson
8. Nathan East
9. Gary Husband
10. Mark King
11. Geddy Lee
12. Ron Carter
13. Albert Lee
14. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal
15. Marcus Miller
16. Michael League
17. Alex Ligertwood

Guest list is still being expanded.

JACK BRUCE, BASSIST FOR THE ICONIC BAND CREAM, ONCE DESCRIBED JEFF BERLIN AS THE “THE BEST BASS PLAYER I’VE EVER HEARD.”

For over 40 years, he has stood as one of the most innovative electric bassists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Known for his one-of-a-kind tone, jaw dropping technique and highly advanced harmonic approaches to the bass, Jeff has been one of the major figures in firmly establishing the electric bass as a solo instrument well deserving of its own distinct place in modern music.

Jeff’s recording and performance credits include a who’s who of jazz and rock. They include: Bill Bruford, Allan Holdsworth, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, John McLaughlin, Yes, Frank Zappa, Patrick Moraz and many more.

GoFundMe Campaign Link: https://gofund.me/8c50584e
Your investment contribution will get you a CD, T-shirt, or Bass Mastery lesson book. The details are listed on the Jack Bruce GoFundMe page.

Jeff Berlin’s official website: www.jeffberlinbass.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JEFFPLAYSJACK
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/jbplaysjb

Contact:
Project Management:
John McCracken
Phone 646-470-6842
email: john@johnmccrackenmusicgroup.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Jeff Berlin is available for interviews – please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR

For Immediate Release

Bass Legend Jeff Berlin To Release 30th Anniversary Edition 12-inch Vinyl “Joe Frazier – Round 3” Feat. Steve Vai & David Sancious!

Joe Frazier – Round 3 smokes because the players are smoking. They took a wonderful piece of music and lit a fuse under it! – Jeff Berlin

Nashville – Legendary bassist Jeff Berlin will be releasing on May 11th a 30th Anniversary Edition 12-inch vinyl of his signature song “Joe Frazier.” The EP “Joe Frazier – Round 3” will include a newly remastered version of the original song from his critically acclaimed 1987 album “Pump It!” and a completely re-imagined version, composed and performed by Jeff, Steve Vai (lead guitar), David Sancious (keys), Keith Carlock (drums) and Tom Hemby (rhythm guitar). This limited-edition EP will be available as signed audiophile vinyl, signed CD, or digital release, with collector’s editions including an autographed chart of the new arrangement. Digital “mix minus” tracks of the single will also be offered so you can play along with these iconic musicians.

Says Jeff, “’Joe Frazier’ is a song that has remained with me throughout my career. No matter where I am in the world, people ask to hear this song. 2017 marks the 30th anniversary of the rendition that I recorded on my second solo record, ‘Pump It!’ While chatting about the tune with producer John McCracken, we thought to come up with a new version, calling it ‘Joe Frazier – Round 3.’ For me, this new song is almost entirely different from the previous two renditions and, quite honestly, I think that this is one of the best tunes I ever wrote.”

Musicians:
Bass and Keyboards: Jeff Berlin
Guitar Solo: Steve Vai
Additional Keyboards: David Sancious
Drums: Keith Carlock
Rhythm Guitars: Tom Hemby
Shakers: Gabriela Sinagra

Says Jeff, “Steve Vai’s guitar solo was searing. He showed why he is one of the greatest of the great guitarists in the world. David Sancious’ keyboards put color and style into JF. The man is a legend and helped to put the ‘orchestra’ into ‘Joe Frazier.’ Keith Carlock’s drumming is like a train clicking down the tracks. He instantly grabbed the quarter note and never let it go for over seven minutes of musical percolating. Tom Hemby is one of Nashville’s top studio guitarists. But on ‘Joe Frazier,’ he sounded like the guitarist for James Brown and AC/DC.”

Photo by Arnie Goodman Photography

Credits
“Joe Frazier – Round 3”
Written and Arranged by Jeff Berlin
© 2018 Sejavi Music BMI

Produced by: John McCracken for Headstrong Media Group
Engineered and Mixed by: John McCracken @ Studio 225 Brentwood, TN
Drums Recorded at: Velvet Cinema Studio, Franklin, TN
Mastered by: Randy Merrill @ Sterling Sound, NYC

Jeff’s Equipment: 
Markbass “Jeff Berlin” and “Players School” bass cabinets
Cort Rithimic bass
Babicz Bass Bridge
DR Bass Strings
Steinberg-Cubase

Release date: May 11, 2018.

Five options, all accessible for purchase at: https://www.jeffberlinmusicgroup.com/jbmerch/

I. The Collector’s Package
1. Signed 180g audiophile 12” vinyl EP with a newly remastered version of the original (“Joe Frazier – Round 2”) and a completely re-imagined version (“Joe Frazier – Round 3”) written and performed by Jeff and an all-star group: Steve Vai (guitar), Keith Carlock (drums), David Sancious (keys), and Tom Hemby (rhythm guitar)
2. Signed CD of both songs, and
3. A signed and dated print of the full score for “Joe Frazier – Round 3”
All of Jeff’s signatures will be original!
Available July 2018 (pre-order bonus!!: digital bundle sent to you FREE on May 11, 2018)
$39.95 + shipping and handling. International shipping available

II. “Joe Frazier” 30th-Anniversary Edition CD
This signed, special-edition CD will include a newly remastered version of “Joe Frazier – Round 2” and the all new “Joe Frazier – Round 3”
$14.95 + shipping and handling. International shipping available

III. “Joe Frazier” 30th-Anniversary Digital Bundle
This packed special-edition digital bundle will include:
1. the newly remastered “Joe Frazier – Round 2”
2. the brand new “Joe Frazier – Round 3”
3. an extra bonus track: the original “Joe Frazier – Round 2” demo
4. a digital download of the full “Joe Frazier – Round 3” score
$7.99

IV. “Joe Frazier – Round 3” “Music Minus One” Alternate Mix Bundle
This interactive “Music Minus One” digital bundle will include alternate mixes of “Joe Frazier – Round 3” that allow you to play along with Jeff Berlin, Steve Vai, Keith Carlock, David Sancious, and Tom Hemby. This bundle includes the full digital score and 4 alternate mixes:
1) Minus drums
2) Minus bass
3) Minus guitars
4) Minus bass solos and guitar solos
$14.99

Each of these “Music Minus” mixes is available for individual purchase ($4.99) and will also include the full digital score along with the alternate mix.

Pre-orders accepted now at: jeffberlinmusicgroup.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

For Immediate Release

Bass Guitar Virtuoso Jeff Berlin To Tour Europe Fall 2014!

“The greatest bass player on the planet!” – Geddy Lee

Clearwater, FL – Much to the excitement of European music fans, bass legend Jeff Berlin will be touring Europe with his trio beginning mid-October! Jeff Berlin is internationally regarded as a legend, considered one of the greatest bass players in the world. The late Jaco Pastorius regarded Berlin as a better soloist than he was, and Geddy Lee famously referred to Berlin as “the best bass player on the planet!” 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.

Now fans will have a chance to watch Jeff and his new trio perform throughout Europe! This also includes a rare performance in Russia!

Says Jeff, “This trio with Scott Henderson on guitar, Gary Novak on drums, and me on bass, is all about the groove, the funk, the strongest rhythm section interplay that we can provide. It will be interesting to play with Gary in this new version of HBC and see what new areas of playing the three of us can come up with.”

Jeff Berlin tour dates:

October
13 France Bordeaux Clnic Jeff & Scott
14 France Bordeaux Le Rocher de Palmer
15 France Montpellier Le Jam
16 France La Fayet Le Repaire des Ours
17 Switzerland Basel Volkshaus
18 Switzerland Lugano Villa Carmine
19 Russia MOscow Alexey Koslov Club
20 Russia Rostov Rostov Philarmonic
22 Austria Wien Porgy & Bess
24 Germany Osnabruck (TBA)
25 Germany Minden jazz Club Minden
26 Germany Heinsenberg Rondell im Klevchen
27 Netherlands Zoetemmer Boerderij
28 Germany Munster Hot Jazz Club
29 Denmark Esbjerg Tobakken
30 Sweden Malmo Victoria Teatern ( + clinics)
31 Sweden Goteborg Nefertiti

November
1 Norway Oslo Herr Nilsen
2 Sweden Stockholm Fasching
5 Poland Opole dom Expo
6 Poland Wroclav Zaklete Rewiry
7 Norway Bergen Sardinen USF
8 Norway Stavanger Folken
10 Spain Lugo Lugo Jazz

In 2013, Jeff released his critically acclaimed album ‘Low Standards’, which proved once again, that his is the highest standard of virtuosity in the low-end spectrum. Says Jeff, “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.”

For more information:
Jeff Berlin: http://www.jeffberlinmusic.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Jeff Berlin is available for interviews – please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR

For Immediate Release

Virtuoso Electric Bassist JEFF BERLIN To Release LOW STANDARDS
On RANDOM ACT RECORDS
Available April 16

Tampa, FL – 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 ADAM’S APPLE 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
Random Act Records, USA

Jeff Berlin LOW STANDARDS CD can be purchased at Amazon.com, iTunes, and at most music stores.

For more information:
Random Act Records: http://www.randomactrecords.com
Jeff Berlin: http://www.jeffberlinmusic.com

As with all Random Act Records Releases, 10% of proceeds from LOW STANDARDS will be donated to charity. This release will benefit the good works of the Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation (www.dratlasfoundation.com)

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com
Jeff Berlin is available for interviews – please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR

For Immediate Release

Bass Legend Jeff Berlin Records An Astonishing New CD

1/9/2012 – Clearwater, FL – Insiders who have heard bass legend Jeff Berlin’s newest CD are buzzing about the forthcoming release – a release that they are saying could possibly be the greatest bass album of all time! The word is that Jeff Berlin has recorded a jazz CD so astonishing that the artist himself is in shock with what he played! “I prepared for it by practicing 5 hours a day for weeks,” Jeff explains. “What came of my preparation was to record solos on the bass that I believe have never been heard before from a bass player!”

Also included on these virtuosic recording sessions are Richard Drexler on piano and upright bass and legendary drummer Mike Clark, best known for his work with Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters, who had this to say about Jeff’s new CD: “Everyone knows that Jeff is a virtuoso, but on his new CD he went past this! I’ve played with all of the great jazz bassists in the world and Jeff is at the top of my list. We locked from the first beat! The harmonic ideas that he played were unbelievable, and our time was astonishing. Jeff is the most forward-looking bassist I have ever played with. Jeff played like he wasn’t afraid to take a chance at any moment – he played at the highest level without a net. There just isn’t a CD like this one anywhere. He is a player’s player, a total artist and it showed on our collaboration together!”

Jeff added that, “Richard and Mike made this CD happen! Without them I never could have had the support and interplay that pushed me to play what I played. Mike’s time was swinging like a pendulum. And Richard is a freak: he actually played acoustic bass while I was soloing and then put it down to walk to the piano and take a solo. I don’t know of anyone else who could have done what he did!”

Jeff Berlin’s new CD, titled ‘Low Standards’ due to the performance of two bass players and Jeff’s penchant for puns (his previous recording was called ‘High Standards’) is scheduled for release at the end of February 2012. For more information visit Jeff Berlin’s official website at http://www.jeffberlinmusic.com

Press Inquiries: Glass Onyon PR. PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@cs.com