JEFF BERLIN
In Harmony's Way (M.A.J. Records)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Jeff Berlin's credits as a bassist extend from work with jazz pianist Bill Evans to jamming with Van Halen. On his latest release, In Harmony's Way, he's leading his own trio, which includes drummer Danny Gottlieb and pianist Richard Drexler, and has enlisted the help of some of the players he's met along the way. The guest soloists include vibraharp legend Gary Burton, saxophonist Dave Liebman and guitarist Mike Stern. Their presence is a testimony to the respect which Berlin commands both as a player and as a music educator.

The music on In Harmony's Way is challenging, and the virtuoso performances of each of the players are equal to the challenge. The selections cover a range of jazz styles, with the musicians swinging hard throughout but taking outside trips when the music calls for it. Berlin takes advantage of his opportunity to eschew his instrument's traditional time-keeping role whenever possible, playing lines that would normally be assigned to a horn, a guitar or some more conventional lead instrument. His technical facility, best exemplified by an almost feathery touch on the fretboard, allows him to explore musical territory which lesser bassists might fear to tread, if they were even aware of its existence.

Berlin is also a creative composer, and penned eight of the nine tracks on the album ("Liebman On A Jet Plane" was contributed by pianist Drexler). Again, his compositions reflect a musical palette that extends well beyond any stereotypical notions of what a bass player's songwriting might sound like. Everything Berlin does, in fact, shows him to be an outstanding musician first, and a specialist on his instrument second. That may be the reason that those in the know recognize him as one of the world's best bassists.

You don't have to be a bass player to love this album, but if you are a bass player, you have to love it. If you're a jazz lover, you'll have to play it, over and over. You'll have to go to Berlin's website at www.jeffberlinmusic.com to get it. It's worth the trip.

Track List:

This Is Your Brain On Jazz * Runaway Train * Emeril Kicks It Up * Everybody Knows You When You're Up & In * Heart Of A Child * Liebman On A Jet Plane * Pale Glider * Reggae Ricardo * A Place Of Know

© 2001 - Shaun Dale