Electric bass virtuoso talks new Jack Bruce tribute album, bass education
Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
September 5, 2022
A true luminary of the electric bass, Jeff Berlin’s mastery of the instrument has earned him praise from the likes of Geddy Lee, Marcus Miller and Jaco Pastorius. Known for his work on the jazz fusion scene, he’s played a key role in carving out a space for electric bassists as soloists. The NYC native first made a name for himself playing with Bill Bruford in the 1970s. Over the years, he’s also performed and recorded with Allan Holdsworth, Pat Martino, Larry Coryell, John McLaughlin, and Yes. Beyond that, Berlin is a renowned educator, whose iconoclastic remarks on music education have generated plenty of lively discussion in the bass community. His most recent project, Jack Songs: An All-Star Tribute to Jack Bruce, was released earlier this summer.
Watch our interview with Jeff!
See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview here.
Jack Songs: An All-Star Tribute to Jack Bruce is available here.
I started as a child playing chords pretty well (Mickey Baker) At 13 I started playing upright bass (back when they gave music lessons in public school) Also started bass guitar about the same time. Because in the early 60’s all the kids wanted to play guitar so I had an open lane to play in bands. Played bass guitar and off and on upright bass, through the service VietNam Era, into 74yrs old still gigging. I would make a terrible instructor because I can’t remember my difficulties as a rookie but ask me specific question and I’m always happy to give my take on it.
Mickey Baker! Wow, I used to work out of his jazz guitar book back in the ’70s. Thanks for bringing back some happy memories, Joe. I still incorporate Mickey’s stuff into my playing!