Jeff Berlin "High Standards"

John Wentzien · #1 07-08-2010, 05:55 PM

This CD has not left the "repeat" mode on my ipod since I got it!

Here are some reviews....you should really check this one out!...I LOVE it!

"High Standards adds up to one of the most engaging examples of mainstream, modern jazz in recent memory." http://www.mwe3.com/archive/pastfeat...evJune2010.htm

"Statements like prodigious, amazing, astounding, stunning, etc don't even come close to the musical power contained in their combined improvising and player prowess."
http://www.cabaretexchange.com/revie...standards.html

"Fortunately "High Standards" is truth in advertising: he chooses great classic songs to play, and executes them with brilliant form and performances.

http://www.geardiary.com/2010/06/09/...out-otherwise/

John Wentzien · #2 07-08-2010, 07:28 PM

Any "jazz-heads" out there besides me?

Blake Bass · #3 07-08-2010, 07:33 PM

Great playing but the chorus effect gets really old after awhile.

Funkturnal · #4 07-08-2010, 07:34 PM

I've got the mp3's on my iPod. Some of the best electric bass jazz solos EVER IMO.

Is it ok to say here that I miss his presence on TB?

**Marcus Willett** · #5 07-08-2010, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

Any "jazz-heads" out there besides me?

I love jazz but can't listen to Berlin, I'll just put it that way. Though given that this is at least the 5th Berlin-related thread from you, you probably disagree.

It's all good. I thought his work with Bruford was kinda cool, but his solo stuff doesn't speak to me at all.

Boy's got technical facility though, I'll give him that.

John Wentzien · #6 07-08-2010, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blake Bass

Great playing but the chorus effect gets really old after awhile.

I thought the chorus was used tastefully on this CD!
The playing is what really caught my attention more than any effects though...Great playing no matter what in my book!

jzucker · #7 07-08-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Willett

I love jazz but can't listen to Berlin, I'll just put it that way.

Then you don't love jazz...

**Marcus Willett** · #8 07-08-2010, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzucker

Then you don't love jazz...

EDIT: Apparently Mr Zucker was completely serious in making this statement. This seemed too absurd a notion to me so I had ASSUMED it was a joke. Turns out, not so much.

So apparently I need to reevaluate my whole perspective on music. I has always thought I liked a lot of Jazz, but since it apparently not possible to like Jazz and not therefore like Jeff Berlin, by the transitive property of Berlin, I don't like Jazz.

Hmmm...maybe I just need to take some math courses....

John Wentzien · #9 07-08-2010, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Willett

I love jazz but can't listen to Berlin, I'll just put it that way. Though given that this is at least the 5th Berlin-related thread from you, you probably disagree.

It's all good. I thought his work with Bruford was kinda cool, but his solo stuff doesn't speak to me at all.

Boy's got technical facility though, I'll give him that.

At least it isn't another post about Victor Wooten!

I think this CD is worth a listen...that's all. Even if you don't agree with Jeff's views!

jzucker · #10 07-08-2010, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funkturnal

I've got the mp3's on my iPod. Some of the best electric bass jazz solos EVER IMO.

Is it ok to say here that I miss his presence on TB?

was he chased off by the collective?

**Marcus Willett** · #11 07-08-2010, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

I think this CD is worth a listen...that's all. Even if you don't agree with Jeff's views!

Well, I could care less about his views, or anyone else's for that matter. I've heard pretty much all of Jeff's stuff including samples from his latest effort, so I'm pretty familiar with what he's brining to the table musically.

I do like what he did on "Road Games" though I think on the whole, that trio sounded better with JJ.

jzucker · #12 07-08-2010, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Willett

that trio sounded better with JJ.

So what? Is it a sports' match? It's music. it's not about keeping score. He's a great player and there was a period of time when he was more active on the scene where he was a first-call player with the who's who of fusion.

I love how we all pass judgement while we type mean solos on our computer keyboards...

**Marcus Willett** · #13 07-08-2010, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzucker

So what? Is it a sports' match? It's music. it's not about keeping score.

Um, what the hell does that have to do with anything I said? I said I prefer the sound of the Holdsworth trio with Jimmy and somehow I'm the one turning this into a sport with scorekeeping?

Spare me

jzucker · #14 07-08-2010, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Willett

Um, what the hell does that have to do with anything I said? I said I prefer the sound of the Holdsworth trio with Jimmy and somehow I'm the one turning this into a sport with scorekeeping?

Spare me

He said, she said, JJ's better than lebron's mother's boyfriend's bass player. Cool.

**Marcus Willett** · #15 07-08-2010, 08:04 PM

My mistake I should have know better than to do anything other than worship at the feet of Berlin.

Enjoy your CD

John Wentzien · #16 07-08-2010, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Willett

My mistake I should have know better than to do anything other than worship at the feet of Berlin.

Enjoy your CD

Enjoying it right now!

**Marcus Willett** · #17 07-08-2010, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Wentzien

Enjoying it right now!

Cool, got no problem with that. If you dig it, that's what counts.

BigOldHarry · #18 07-08-2010, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jzucker

Then you don't love jazz...

Uh....

John Wentzien · #19 07-08-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Willett

Cool, got no problem with that. If you dig it, that's what counts.

Thanks Marcus ...I sure will!!!

**Marcus Willett** · #20 07-08-2010, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigOldHarry

Uh....

I had assumed he was joking. I mean, who could possibly mean such a statement?
Of course after an email with "After I listened to your clips I could only laugh at your comments. Jeff wouldn't let you shine his tennis shoes.", I should not be surprised.
I'm endlessly amused by competitive musicians.

Does anyone really think he/she or anyone else is really saying something that hasn't been said before and most likely better? It's comical....if you wanna be a competitor, that's why God invented sports. But with something as personal and individualistic as music? Kinda sad, really.