Jeff Berlin

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

Jeff Berlin
Berlin performing in 2007
Background information
Birth name	Jeffrey Arthur Berlin
Born	(1953-01-17) January 17, 1953 (age 72) Queens, New York, U.S.
Genres	Jazz rock progressive rock
Occupation	Musician
Instrument(s)	Bass, vocals
Years active	1970 — Present
Labels	Denon, Rock Empire, Random Act

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.

Style and appreciation

In a review for Berlin's 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 melodic, lead-bass playing style was heavily influenced by that of Jaco Pastorius; despite this, Berlin has repeatedly stated his distaste for Jaco imitators.^[6]

Personal life

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

Discography

Main article: Jeff Berlin discography

Solo

• 1985 Champion (Passport Jazz)^[7]
• 1986 Pump It! (Passport Jazz)^[8]
• 1997 Taking Notes (Denon)^[9]
• 1998 Crossroads (Denon)^[10]
• 2000 Star Licks Master Sessions: Jeff Berlin (Star Licks Productions) (VHS)^[11]
• 2000 In Harmony's Way (M.A.J. Records, multiple re-releases)^[12]
• 2004 Lumpy Jazz (M.A.J.)^[13]
• 2006 Aneurythms/Ace of Bass (M.A.J.)^[14]
• 2006 Mel Bay Jeff Berlin-Bass Logic from the Players School of Music (Mel Bay Publications) (DVD)^[15]
• 2010 High Standards (King Japan / M.A.J.)^[16]
• 2013 Low Standards (Random Act)^[17]
• 2022 Jack Songs (Jeff Berlin Music Group)^[18]